Contact us anytime at (208) 759-0143
DUI charges are time sensitive
If you have been charged with a DUI, your license will be suspended in 7 days. This license suspension is an administrative license suspension (ALS) and the first 30 days are an absolute suspension. The ALS suspension can only be challenged on very specific grounds through an administrative hearing with the department of transportation. Hiring an experienced attorney can mean the difference between keeping your driving privileges or losing your ability to commute.
Should I hire a DUI attorney?
This is a very common question. Although you can represent yourself in court, the advantage of hiring an experienced DUI attorney is that they can carefully examine all the facts of your case to find any legal errors. DUI cases are most often dismissed or reduced based on Constitutional violations or procedural errors. Identifying these types of mistakes by law enforcement is critical to a robust defense. Hiring an attorney who has previously worked to train law enforcement on these procedures is the best way to ensure that all your rights are protected and every weakness in the State's case is properly investigated.
Use prosecution to your advantage
As a former prosecutor, Scott has prosecuted hundreds of DUI cases in North Idaho. Prosecuting these cases gives Scott a unique understanding of how law enforcement officers build their cases, look for evidence, and should conduct their investigations. Having trained law enforcement in their legal standards, Scott is intimately familiar with the requirements necessary to achieve a DUI conviction. You will benefit from having the knowledge and experience from a former prosecutor fighting for you.
Personal Representation
Here at Northern County Law, we understand that sometimes, good people make bad decisions. As your advocate, the attorney who represents you needs to show the judge that you are more than your actions at one particular time. We make it our priority to understand our clients, because we represent you as a person, not as a defendant. By taking the time to learn about our clients, we will show the judge and jury the full context behind your actions and give them an understanding of any mitigating circumstances.
Protect Your Future with Northern County Law
First-time DUI
Jail, fines, and community service are some of the potential outcomes from a first-time DUI. These charges also automatically suspend your drivers license. Your best way to avoid or reduce these penalties is to hire an attorney who is experienced in DUI charges.
DUI Second/Excessive
In Idaho, any DUI charged within 10 years of a prior DUI carries enhanced penalties. Excessive DUIs are similar to DUI seconds and both will automatically suspend your license for a mandatory minimum of one year.
Felony DUI
Felony DUI
Any third DUI within 10 years can be charged as a felony. A felony conviction can carry lifetime effects and can prevent or limit employment options as many employers will not hire individuals with felonies on their records.
Defenses to an idaho DUI
DUI charges can be beat
Unlike many other types of charges, DUI charges are largely based on subjective observations and conclusions of law enforcement officers. These observations often include driving pattern, odor of alcohol, glassy and bloodshot eyes, or physical demeanor of the driver. Having an attorney who has experience prosecuting DUI charges will give you an edge in spotting and exploiting these weaknesses in a case such as:
- Unlawful traffic stop
- Unjustified DUI investigation
- Impermissibly prolonged stop
- Improperly administered Field Sobriety Tests
- BAC challenges
- Unlawful arrests
If you believe that one or more of these defenses may apply to you, please contact our office now to preserve your rights and develop a robust defense to your charges.
