Idaho DUI Lawyers | Boise DUI Attorneys
At Schofield and Young our team of Boise DUI lawyers are dedicated to defending the rights, freedom, and future of our DUI clients. Our knowledgeable Boise criminal defense attorneys will help get you the best possible result - potentially even having the charges reduced or dropped altogether.
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Idaho DUI Charges
In Idaho, it is illegal to drive while impaired by drugs or alcohol. If caught driving with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher, you will be charged with a DUI.
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:
- Actual physical control of a motor vehicle, and
- The individual is under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or any intoxicating substance (impaired).
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 an Idaho DUI charge. The laws related to a DUI charge can be found in Idaho Code §18-8004.
Why Work With Schofield and Young?
We care and we fight for you. 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.
Categories of DUI in Idaho and Potential Penalties
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.
DUI First Offense |
DUI Second Offense |
DUI Third Offense |
|
Classification |
Misdemeanor |
Misdemeanor |
Felony |
Jail / Imprisonment |
Up to 6 months in the county jail. |
10 day minimum jail sentence. Up to 1 year in the county jail. |
30 day minimum sentence. Up to 10 years in state prison. |
Fines |
Up to $1000. |
Up to $2000. |
Up to $5000. |
License Suspension |
Up to 180 days. The first 30 days are absolute (no driving at all), limited driving privileges available for remainder. |
Required 1 year absolute suspension (no driving at all). |
Minimum suspension of 1 year (absolute) and up to 5 years. |
Special DUI Circumstances
Excessive DUI
An excessive DUI is an enhanced criminal offense in Idaho DUI cases when someone's BAC is above a .20. This is a more serious offense than a "standard DUI" and results in significantly enhanced penalties.
Aggravated DUI
(1) Any person causing great bodily harm, permanent disability or permanent disfigurement to any person other than himself in committing a violation of the provisions of section 18-8004(1)(a) or (1)(c), Idaho Code (Alcohol DUI or Drug DUI).
Prescription Medication DUI
Like alcohol, 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 in Idaho 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 DUI ("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.
Marijuana DUI
Like alcohol, marijuana use can lead to a impaired driving. These cases require an experienced Idaho DUI lawyer to defend.
For more information on potential penalties for a DUI conviction, see: Idaho Code §18-8005 - Penalties.
Record of Success:
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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 criminal defense attorney can identify constitutional infractions and possible defenses in your case. We work to protect your rights and fight against unfair or illegal convictions.
- Illegal Traffic Stop
- Unjustified DUI Investigation
- Field Sobriety Tests
- BAC Challenges
- Warrant Requirement
No two Idaho DUI cases are exactly alike. The strength and weakness of your case will depend on the particular facts and circumstances. No DUI case is hopeless. In order to minimize the impact on your life, your reputation, and your freedom you should discuss your case with an experienced Idaho DUI lawyer.
Experienced Boise DUI Attorneys
As experienced Idaho DUI attorneys, we represent DUI clients across the state. However, many of our clients are in the Ada County and Canyon County areas. We have vast experience in these counties and we use that expertise to represent our client's interests. If you are looking for an experienced Ada County DUI attorney or Canyon County DUI attorney, let us help you.
DUI Attorneys Near Me?
We represent clients all over Idaho but primarily in the Greater Boise Area. This includes: Ada County, Canyon County, Elmore County, Owyhee County, Boise County, Valley County, and Gem County.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire A DUI Attorney?
We get asked all the time about the cost of hiring a DUI lawyer. Every case is unique and, because of this, the cost of representation depends on a number of different factors, including:
- The type of DUI crime the potential client is seeking representation for (A felony DUI is going to require far more time and energy than a first offense DUI).
- If there are any additional charges beyond just a DUI
- The facts of the case
- The criminal history of the potential client
- The county of the criminal charge (how much travel is needed)
- What step of the criminal process the client is in
- The specific goals, needs, and expectations of the potential client
- The age of the potential client (we typically give a price break to juveniles and young adults)
- The likelihood that the case is headed to trial
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Estimated Cost of Hiring a DUI Lawyer
Depending on the factors above, we have listed a rough estimate of representation in DUI cases below.
Estimated Cost without Trial |
Minimum Estimated Cost of Trial |
|
DUI First Offense |
$1500 - $3000 |
$2500 |
DUI Second Offense |
$2500 - $4000 |
$3000 |
DUI Excessive |
$2000 - $3500 |
$3000 |
Felony DUI |
$5000 - $8500 |
$5000 |
Aggravated DUI |
$8500 - $15000 |
$10,000 |
These are not quotes, they are general estimates. The actual cost could be less or far more. Contact our DUI lawyers for a quote in your case.
Do You Accept Payment Plans?
This is a common question asked by potential DUI clients. People do not typically put money into savings just in case they are charged with a DUI.
Most of the time we do not accept payment plans. We do not want to be a bill collector and we have been burned too many times in the past by clients who fail to make payments. However, in special situations we might be willing to make an exception. If you are worried about being able to afford the costs of representation, let us know how much you can afford to pay up-front and how long you would need to make additional payments. We tend to make reasonable accommodations if it is warranted.
Even if we are willing to accept a payment plan, the terms of such a plan would still include payment in full within a short period of time (typically a month). Unfortunately, we do not accept 6-month or 1-year payment plans. If this is what you are looking for, we would consider representation from the public defender's office.
Fight Your Idaho DUI
Give us a call for your Idaho DUI. We will listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and give you an honest, straightforward, assessment of your DUI case. Consultations are free.
Idaho DUI Law Firm| Boise DUI Attorney