If you, a friend, or a child have been charged with aggravated Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Idaho it is imperative that you obtain experienced legal counsel at the earliest possible moment. An aggravated DUI charge is a felony in Idaho and it is not something that you should take lightly.
At Martens Law Office, P.C. we have defended many individuals charged with Felony Aggravated DUI. We are located in Boise, Idaho and defend cases in Ada County, Canyon County and many other Idaho Counties. Contact Martens Law Office, P.C. today at (208) 344-0994 for a free initial consultation.
In Idaho, a DUI can and will be charged as a felony if any third person, including pedestrians, passengers or other drivers are injured with great bodily harm, permanent disability or permanent disfigurement. While “great bodily harm” may sound as though someone must suffer broken bones or have their arm torn off, the standard is actually much lower than that. Great bodily harm could be severe bruising and major scrapes and cuts. It does not matter if this is your first time DUI, second time DUI or third time DUI. Nor does it matter that your Blood Alcohol Content was as low as .08 BAC.
Any time you are charged with a DUI in conjunction with an accident involving “great bodily harm” to a third party the prosecutors in Idaho are highly likely to charge the DUI as a felony rather than a misdemeanor. The penalties for Aggravated DUI are severe. Those convicted of Aggravated DUI in Idaho face the possibility of up to fifteen (15) years in prison, up to a five thousand dollar fine ($5000.00), up to a five year drivers license suspension that begins to run at the end of any imprisonment period, high restitution amounts to compensate any victims and exposure to civil lawsuits by victims.
Avoiding the most serious of these consequences will require a criminal defense attorney experienced in trial and/or negotiating a plea agreement. To speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney about your Idaho Aggravated DUI case, Contact Martens Law Office, P.C. today at (208) 344-0994. We will be happy to schedule a free initial consultation.
Getting a DUI in Idaho means that you must complete the Idaho Criminal Case Process and defend yourself from allegations leveled against you by a member of law enforcement or the community. Most DUI’s start with an arrest, then an arraignment, a pretrial conference, and may end up in a trial.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI), Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) or other alcohol related cases are serious charges. You will need an Idaho Criminal Defense Lawyer who specializes in alcohol related crimes. Alcohol related crimes are especially damaging to your reputation, ability to find work, and family relationships. According to the Fourth Judicial District Court, the criminal case process starts when “an individual is accused of conduct that has potentially damaged society.” Most DUI cases are prosecuted as a misdemeanor but may have additional circumstances that could rise to the level of a felony. While misdemeanors may bring fines and imprisonment in the county jail, a felony conviction means you could be incarcerated in the state penitentiary, pay larger fines, parole and a devastating entry onto your criminal record.
The Misdemeanor Criminal Case Process
The Felony Criminal Case Process
The costs of a DUI in Idaho are: 1st Offense: $1,000 Maximum Fine, 2nd Offense: $2,000 Maximum Fine, 3rd Offense: $5,000 Maximum Fine. However, court costs, license re-instating your license, attorney’s fees, vehicle interlock systems and alcohol education will likely cost thousands more. The Following scenarios are a good rule of thumb in the State of Idaho.
Cost for First Conviction DUI
Total Estimate: $11,690 – $23,710
Cost for Second Conviction DUI
Total Estimate: $12,690 – $29,710
Cost for Third Conviction DUI
Total Estimate: $21,190 – $90,710
* This document is for reference only and is NOT an estimate for your expected fees and/or attorney’s fees.
The first and second conviction of a DUI are misdemeanors. Only the first excessive DUI is a misdemeanor. The third charge for a misdemeanor will be a felony if it’s within 10 years. The second excessive DUI will also be a felony.
A DUI conviction will go on your driving record and will stay. There is no way to expunge a charge from your record. The Idaho DMV will report the DUI conviction to your insurance company for three years. During the three year span your insurance rates will increase.
SR22 must be maintained for a period of three years. During this time your rates will surely go up. SR22 is required to reinstate driving privileges.
SR22, Safety Responsibility, car insurance is a type of car liability insurance required by the state if the driver is labeled as high-risk. High-risk drivers include those that have had their driven privileges suspended for DUI, reckless driving, driving without insurance, or have a high number of violations or unpaid tickets.
The Idaho Transportation Department uses a demerit system for regulating the habits of driver’s behind the wheel. The number of points placed on against a driver’s record depends on the infraction in question. The accumulation of too many points will result in license suspensions.
A DUI in Idaho does not have any points associated with it. However, there are other more severe consequences, which can include monetary repercussions. The first DUI offense for adult drivers will include a 90 to 180 day license suspension, up to six months in jail, and fines up to $1,000. Subsequent DUI charges result in larger fines, longer suspensions, and other consequences.
What are the penalties for Excessive DUI in Idaho?
The penalties for excessive DUI include:
Fines
The maximum fine you can receive for excessive DUI conviction is $2,000 for a first time offense and up to $5,000 for a second. This does not include other fines or fees like attorney fees, bail, or court costs.
Jail Time
A minimum of 10 days jail time, but the state can impose a sentence of up to a year in jail for the first offensive. The first 48 hours of jail time will be consecutive regardless of sentence lenghth. Jail time increases to a 30 day mandatory sentence with a maximum of 5 years in the state penitentiary.
License Suspension
A first offense excessive DUI will have a 1 year mandatory license suspension after release from confinement without driving priveleges of any kind. A second offense increases the license suspension to a maximum of five years.
Alcohol Evaluation
If charged, you will undergo alcohol evaluation. Counseling, alcohol education, and rehabilition are possibilities.
Ignition Interlock Device
You will be required to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle once driving priveleges have been restored.
The penalties for first time excessive DUI include a minimum of 10 days of jail, maximum fines of $2,000, mandatory alcohol evaluation, alcohol education, mandatory victim’s panel, 1 year driver’s license suspension, and SR-22 high risk insurance.
If a driver is charged with DUI and has a prior conviction within the last 10 years, that driver will be charged with a second DUI. It is up to the judge to determine a defendant’s sentence.
The second DUI conviction requires at least two days in jail, but can be up to one year. Fines can be up to $2,000. It is still considered a misdemeanor.
What About Two Excessive DUI Convictions?
If the driver faces an excessive DUI charge and has a previous conviction of excessive DUI within 5 years it becomes a felony violation. The driver will face a mandatory 30 days in county jail, or up to five years in the state penitentiary. Fines increase to $5,000, and driver’s license suspension lasts for 5 years with one year mandatory no driving privileges upon release and the installation of an ignition interlock device.
In Idaho it is illegal to drive with a BAC (blood alcohol content) of 0.08% or more or 0.02% if the driver is under the age of 21.
It is important to note the best way to avoid a DUI is to not drive if you have drank any alcohol. Use a designated driver, taxi, or make other arrangements before you go out drinking.
Have more questions about DUI and Alcohol Related Crimes in Idaho? Click below for more resources and information.
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