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Boise DUI Defense Lawyers

Busted for Drinking and Driving? Boise, Idaho, DUI Defense Attorneys

In the state of Idaho, an arrest for drunk driving involves two separate legal processes: a criminal court proceeding and an administrative license hearing through the Idaho Transportation Department. The administrative hearing must be scheduled within seven days of your arrest or your license will be automatically suspended. Additionally, Idaho has a "per se" law and an "under the influence" law regarding DUI. If your blood alcohol count (BAC) is 0.08% or higher, you are considered legally intoxicated. However, even if your BAC is under the legal limit (less than 0.08%), you can still be charged with DUI if an officer believes you were "under the influence" while driving. Here, an officer may make his decision based on a field sobriety test. In many cases, however, officers improperly administer the test, raising questions regarding its reliability in providing probable cause for your DUI arrest: was it given on a flat, dry surface? Did you pause momentarily or raise your arms above six to eight inches to maintain your balance?

At the Boise, Idaho criminal defense law office of Dredge Miller Koontz, PLLC, we understand forensic issues associated with chemical DUI tests and how to identify when a field sobriety test was conducted improperly.

If you've been arrested on a charge of DUI, when did your drunk driving arrest take place? If it was less than a week ago, call an attorney as soon as possible. You only have seven days to file an appeal that can help you avoid a one-year driver's license suspension. To schedule a free consultation to discuss your case, contact Boise DUI defense lawyers at Dredge Miller Koontz, PLLC today.

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DUI Penalties in Idaho

While judges have discretion when sentencing someone convicted for DUI, the following penalties apply in Idaho:

  • First DUI: a fine up to $1,000; driver's license suspension up to 180 days with the first 30 being absolutely restricted; a jail sentence between two days to six months; alcohol evaluation required; attendance at victims' panel required; one- to two-years probation; may be required to install an ignition interlock device.
  • Second DUI within five years of first DUI conviction: a fine up to $2,000; a one-year suspension of your driver's license; a jail sentence of 10 days to one year; alcohol evaluation required; two years probation; installation of an ignition interlock device for a year after your driver's license suspension has ended.
  • Third DUI (felony offense) within five years of first DUI or 10 years within any prior DUI felony conviction: a fine up to $5,000; a one- to five-year suspension of your driver's license; 30 days to five years in prison; supervised felony probation.

These penalties are increased if your BAC is 0.20% or higher, if a minor was in the car with you, or if you were involved in an injury-accident at the time of your arrest.

At Dredge Miller Koontz, PLLC, we will do everything we can to fight your DUI charges. We provide aggressive DUI defense. We are not the kind of lawyers who review police reports and strike plea bargains after five minutes.

We'll fight hard for you — from start to finish.

A Unique, Aggressive Approach to DUI Defense

Lots of DUI defense attorneys approach each case ready to roll over and accept whatever plea bargain the prosecution tosses their way. Not at Dredge Miller Koontz, PLLC.

We start by looking to have your charges dismissed — either by suppressing the evidence or by finding a violation of your rights. If that doesn't work, then we try to have you acquitted of the charges. For instance, there are a number of issues associated with the use of Breathalyzers -- was the machine calibrated correctly? When was it last scheduled for maintenance? If you were given a blood test, whether whole blood, serum, or plasma was tested, whether it was centrifuged, and whether the person drawing your blood wiped your arm first with alcohol can all affect the accuracy of the results. Our attorneys understand issues associated with chemical DUI tests and are prepared to attack the reliability of the evidence when proper procedures were not followed.

We attack the prosecution's case from every angle, and as a last resort, we will fight to get you the best plea bargain possible.

A Small, Approachable Law Firm

We're a small law firm. That means we're not subject to large-firm pressures that would prevent us from giving your case the attention it needs. We enjoy getting to know our clients. We'll meet one-on-one with you and work with you to create a strategy for defense.

And if you ever need to get in touch with us, we're available. We give prompt answers to all phone calls and questions.

To talk about defense for drunk driving or for driving while suspended, call us at 208-514-0219 or contact us online for a free consultation.