A Driving Under the Influence (DUI) conviction in Idaho is serious and can include severe penalties. A DUI is not an ordinary traffic violation. Do not take it lightly. Contact the Idaho DUI Lawyers at William Young and Associates for a free consultation.
Idaho DUI Charges
If you have been charged with a DUI in Idaho, it is important that you understand the charges against you and what your legal rights are. DUI is not an ordinary traffic violation, such as speeding or running a red light. Idaho's DUI laws can be complex and severe. You should not try to take on the criminal justice system on your own.
We work personally with each and every client to develop the best possible defense for that individual client. We will listen to everything that you have to say about your case and provide you with an honest evaluation of the case against you. We are there for our clients through every step of the process and will fight to obtain the best possible outcome. Every client, every time.
What is Driving Under the Influence?
Driving Under the Influence (DUI) is a crime in Idaho usually defined as driving while your ability to drive is impaired by alcohol, prescription drugs, illegal drugs, or any combination thereof. A DUI conviction requires two critical elements: 1. Actual physical control of a motor vehicle, and 2. The individual is under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or any intoxicating substance (impaired).
The State of Idaho has variety of charges can be filed related to intoxicated or impaired driving, depending on the facts and circumstances of the case, with different requirements and penalties. It is important to understand the difference between these charges when proceeding in your case.
Idaho DUI Charges and Potential Penalties
Idaho DUI laws are more complex than most people realize. While many people are aware that the blood alcohol limit in Idaho is .08 - meaning anything over this level is considered legally impaired - they do not realize that a BAC reading over this level this is only one method of proving a DUI charge. The laws related to a DUI charge can be found in Idaho Code §18-8004.
DUI - First Offense
While many people think that a first time DUI is "not that big of a deal" this could not be further from the truth. Do not try to handle these cases on your own. A conviction can result in severe and lasting consequences.
DUI - Second Offense
In Idaho if you are charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI) for a second time within 10 years, you are facing enhanced penalties. Although still considered a misdemeanor offense, a second DUI conviction comes with mandatory jail time, a spike in fines, and many other possible penalties.
DUI - Third Or Subsequent Offense - Felony DUI
In Idaho a third or subsequent DUI conviction is a felony DUI and can result in a prison sentence.
Excessive DUI
An excessive DUI is charged when an individual's BAC is above a .20. This is a more serious offense than a "standard DUI" and can result in enhanced penalties. A conviction for your first excessive DUI in Idaho is a misdemeanor but a second conviction within may result in a felony charge.
Aggravated DUI
An Aggravated DUI is a felony DUI typically involving a crash where someone was severely hurt or killed.
Drug Or Other Intoxicant DUI and Prescription Medication DUI
Like alcohol, illegal drugs or prescription medications can result in impaired driving. As such, the driver can be charged with DUI. These cases are especially unique and require a skilled DUI attorneys attention.
Commercial Driver DUI
Commercial drivers have different rules they must abide by when it comes to DUIs and different, more strict, penalties when they are found to be in violation of these rules.
Juvenile "Under 21" DUI
When under the age of 21 years old, it is illegal to operate a vehicle with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) over .02 in Idaho. The penalties for minors who break this law can be as serious and long-lasting as those for adults convicted of Driving Under the Influence.
For more information, see: Idaho Code §18-8005 - Penalties.
EVERY DUI CASE IS UNIQUE
No two DUI cases are exactly alike. The strength and weakness of your case will depend on the particular facts and circumstances. However, no DUI case is hopeless. You are not alone. In order to minimize the impact on your life, you should discuss your case with the experienced Idaho DUI lawyers at William Young and Associates.
Idaho DUI Defenses
The unique details of your case, and an Idaho DUI Lawyer who knows how to exploit them, could mean the difference between a conviction and a dismissal or reduction of the charges. A knowledgeable Idaho DUI lawyer can identify constitutional infractions and possible defenses in your case. We work to protect your rights and fight against unfair or illegal convictions.
THE IDAHO CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM ISN'T PERFECT & NEITHER ARE CHEMICAL TESTS
Unlike many other types of crimes, Idaho DUI charges are largely based on the arresting officer's opinions and observations. The officer uses his or her judgment to decide to pull you over or subject you to a sobriety test. These observations and opinions do not necessarily tell the story the officer thinks they do. Let us help you tell the story from your perspective.
Even if a BAC reading is taken, a failed breath or blood test doesn't necessarily equal a DUI conviction. We have the experience, skill, and knowledge to challenge the legitimacy of such tests and the reliability of the results. We will use our expertise to demonstrate that the results were improperly obtained, there was a problem with the testing machinery itself, or the results were unfairly manipulated.
Experienced Idaho DUI Lawyers
As experienced Idaho DUI Lawyers, we represent DUI charges across the state. However, many of our clients are in the Boise and Canyon County areas. We have vast experience in these jurisdictions and will use that experience to represent your interests. IF you are looking for an experienced Boise DUI attorney or Canyon County DUI attorney, let us help you.
Contact Us Today
Contact us to discuss your Idaho DUI case. We will listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and give you an honest, straightforward, assessment of your DUI case.
