Why Should You Hire Boise DUI?
Legal problems can be incredibly stressful. During this challenging time, a dedicated and reliable attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your matter. If you're seeking legal guidance, we have the expertise that you need. Boise DUI is focused solely on the needs of our clients. We provide professional and effective representation. Be careful when shopping around for DUI representation. Some attorneys farm all the discovery review and client conversation out to case managers and paralegals. At Boise DUI, you are matched with an expert DUI attorney that you can call or text at your convenience. So, if you are thinking about another option, make sure to ask if you'll be communicating with the attorney or a paralegal and who will be reviewing your reports.
Skilled Legal Advice In Idaho
Experience is part of developing a successful law practice, and at Boise DUI people from Idaho get the skilled legal advice and representation they're looking for when they need an attorney.
We have a thorough understanding of DUI law. With exceptional legal skills, practical solutions, and professional integrity, Boise DUI works hard to help you get the best possible results in every area of DUI law. Here are some possible consequences of the most common DUI charges in Idaho. Check out our punishments page for more info:
- 1st Offense DUI
- Think of this as your unfortunate welcome package to DUI consequences. You're looking at a pit stop of 90 to 180 days where your license takes a vacation (aka suspension), a fine that could reach $1,000 (ouch!), and a potential jail time of up to 6 months. Plus, you'll get to meet a substance abuse evaluator who'll decide if you need more education or treatment on the matter. To add insult to injury, for any of these, you'll be riding shotgun to an ignition interlock device after you get your license back.
- 2nd Offense DUI
- If you find yourself here within 10 years, the sequel is harsher. Mandatory 10 days to 1 year in the slammer, up to $2,000 fine, and a year-long hiatus from driving. Don't forget the guest appearance of an ignition interlock device and another round of substance evaluation.
- Excessive DUI
- Here, your BAC was 0.20% or higher, making it a performance nobody's applauding for. The curtain rises to an at least 10-day jail time stay (up to a year max), up to a $2,000 fine, and a lengthy intermission of your driving privileges for 1 year.
- Felony DUI
- Three strikes within 10 years (two for the overachievers), or stepping onto the felony stage previously, brings you here. It's a 30-day to 10-year getaway in state accommodations (jail/prison), up to a $5,000 hole in your wallet, and a long-distance relationship with your driving license from 1 to 5 years post-release. Plus, you get to blow into a special device every time you drive.
- Aggravated Felony DUI
- This one's when things get really serious, involving injuries or worse. Minimums are flexible but stern, with potential for lengthy sentences up to fifteen years in prison, hefty fines, and a possible finale for your driving days.
Boise DUI prides itself on developing real connections with clients. We put complex legal issues into language that you can easily understand. We work hard to help our clients in every situation. We treat clients with respect and spend time to make sure that they fully understand the process they are going through.
When you need counsel on a major, life-impacting decision, you deserve an attorney who will listen to you, thoroughly examine the facts, and provide the best possible solution for you and your future.
DUI FAQs
Pulled Over? Know Your Rights!
If you're stopped by the police, remember you've got rights! You can stay silent but have to show your driver's license, registration, and insurance. If you're just a passenger, you can leave if you want to.
Can I say no to a Breathalyzer in Boise?
You can, but it might make things tricky. Refusing could lead to a suspended license, and the cop might just get a warrant for a blood test anyway.
Will I lose my license after a DUI arrest?
There are two ways you could lose your license: administrative suspension or a conviction. Even if you're not found guilty, refusing a breathalyzer or having high BAC can get your license suspended.
What happens after getting busted for drunk driving in Boise?
After a DUI arrest, you're looking at two things: an administrative hearing that could lead to license suspension, and a criminal process, which could lead to conviction, fines, and other penalties without a strong DUI defense.
Can I fight a DUI charge?
Yes, but it's tough. You'll need a good understanding of the law, the tests, and a good lawyer to point out any mistakes or rights violations.
How much will a DUI lawyer cost me?
Costs can vary. It can be between $3,000 to $10,000 or more, depending on the lawyer's experience and if you go to trial. At Boise DUI, we charge $3,000 for a first DUI, $3,500 for a DUI second or excessive, and $7,000 - $10,000 for a felony DUI depending on the charge and history. Make sure to call us before hiring another DUI attorney, as most do not dispute your administrative license suspension, help you remove your interlock, or dismiss your withheld judgment without additional payments. Here it's all included in the cost!
DUI Field Sobriety Tests
Ever heard of the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) test? It's one of the three tests cops might ask you to take if they pull you over thinking you've had a bit too much to drink. The big shots at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) give it a thumbs up, but between you and me, it's not exactly foolproof. Imagine standing there, hands by your side, eyes following a pen (or some such thing) as a cop moves it from side to side. They're watching your eyes for a certain kind of twitching, called nystagmus. But, to be fair, this test needs to be done just right to count. Learn about it here! !
The Walk and Turn (WAT) may sound similar to your favorite rap song, but it's much sillier. Here's the drill:
- You have to walk straight, heel-to-toe, for nine steps.
- Turn around just the right way without tripping over your own feet.
- Walk back the same way.
Seems simple, but there are EIGHT clues they're keeping an eye out for. If you mess up on just two, they might think you're over the legal alcohol limit. Learn more about the WAT.
For the One Leg Stand, pretend to be a stork. In simple terms, it's a sobriety test where you stand on one foot and count. The police use it to gauge if you've had one too many. It's one of three tests that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) approves. But just because it's "standardized" doesn't mean it's always done right. You'll be asked to stand on one foot, lift the other about six inches off the ground, and count out loud. All while keeping your eyes on your raised foot. Sounds easy? Well, it's a bit like patting your head and rubbing your stomach at the same time. Learn more about the OLS.
Breath and Blood Tests
Here are a few ways we challenge breath tests. Read more about breath tests in Idaho here:
- Call out shaky tests. There's a bunch of reasons a test might be off.
- Was the machine checked? It has to be fine-tuned, by the book.
- Upkeep matters. If they're slacking on maintenance, it's on them.
- Who ran the test? They have to be trained properly.
- Paperwork, paperwork, paperwork. Missing logs? Big problem.
The cops can always request a blood test instead. These tests check if there's booze or drugs in your system. Learn more about blood tests. Idaho cops usually use them if:
- Someone says "no thanks" to a breath test, or
- They think someone's high on meds or illegal stuff.
Compared to other tests, blood tests are kinda invasive. Like, breath tests? Just blow. Urine tests? Just...well, you know. But blood tests need a pro to draw that blood.
Interlock Devices
If you get convicted of a DUI, or you do not win a fight against the DOT in your administrative license suspension, you will be riding shotgun to one of these for upwards of a year. Think of it as a mini breathalyzer that lives in your car. You blow into it, and if you've had too much to drink, your car ain't starting. If you're under the limit, you can hit the road, but the machine gives you a little "I'm watching you" warning.
By the way, whatever the device sees, it snitches to the person who installed it. You can learn more about the interlock rules in Idaho here.
Contact Boise DUI For A Consultation
There's no need to handle these difficult matters of law all alone. Get the legal advice, counsel, and representation you need. Contact Boise DUI in Idaho for a consultation. We can help you decide which course of action will serve your best interests.
