Drug DUI

Drug DUI Attorney in Boise

Focused Defense For Drug-Related DUI Charges in Idaho

A drug DUI arrest can turn your life upside down in a single night. You may be worried about jail, your license, and your job, and you may not even understand exactly what you are being accused of. This is when having the right team beside you matters.

At Idaho Legal Justice, we focus our entire practice on DUI defense. We are Idaho's largest DUI law practice, and we represent drivers accused of driving under the influence of drugs and drug intoxication in criminal courts and Idaho administrative proceedings. 

Contact a drug DUI attorney in Boise today at (208) 540-8310 or reach out online for your free consultation. We are available 24/7 to start building your defense.

Understanding Drug DUI Laws in Idaho

In Idaho, the primary statute governing impaired driving is Idaho Code § 18-8004. This law makes it illegal to operate or be in "actual physical control" of a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs, intoxicating substances, or any combination thereof. 

It is vital to understand that in Idaho, it does not matter if the drug you consumed was legally prescribed by a doctor. If the prosecution can prove that the substance affected your ability to drive safely, you can be convicted.

A Boise drug DUI lawyer must help you navigate the two different ways the state can charge you:

  • Under the Influence: This is the most common charge for drugs. It requires the state to prove that your "normal faculties" were impaired. There is no specific "limit" for drugs in the bloodstream like there is for alcohol, making these cases highly dependent on officer testimony and "Drug Recognition Expert" (DRE) evaluations.
  • Combined Influence: You may be charged if the state alleges a combination of alcohol and drugs made you incapable of safe driving. Even if your breathalyzer result was well below .08, the presence of a drug in your system can be used to secure a conviction.

Unlike alcohol cases that use a specific blood alcohol concentration, many drug DUI cases turn on more subjective evidence. Officers might rely on what they say they observed, such as driving behavior, speech, coordination, and statements made at the roadside.

At Idaho Legal Justice, we work to understand exactly how your arrest unfolded in Boise or elsewhere in Idaho so we can identify potential legal issues and scientific questions that may affect the strength of the prosecution's case.

Our Comprehensive Approach to Drug DUI Defense in Boise

Drug DUI cases in Idaho move quickly and involve two parallel tracks: the criminal court case and an administrative license suspension through the Idaho Transportation Department. Acting early is critical, as strict deadlines and technical evidence issues can significantly affect both your driving privileges and the outcome of your case.

Key stages and defense strategies in Idaho drug DUI cases include:

  • 7-Day ITD Hearing Deadline – You have only seven calendar days after arrest to request a hearing to challenge your administrative license suspension, or it will automatically take effect.
  • Arraignment and Discovery – At your first court appearance, a not guilty plea is entered and discovery is requested, including toxicology reports and Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) notes.
  • Suppressing Illegal Stops – If law enforcement lacked reasonable suspicion for the traffic stop, we seek to suppress resulting evidence, including drug test results.
  • DRE Protocol Review – Officers follow a 12-step evaluation process. We examine body camera footage to identify skipped steps, errors, or misinterpreted medical conditions.
  • Independent and Medical Review – We may pursue independent lab analysis to uncover contamination or false positives and work with medical professionals to explain lawful prescription use.
  • Challenging Search Warrants – If blood was obtained by warrant, we scrutinize the probable cause affidavit for inaccuracies or exaggerations that could justify suppressing the evidence.

Contact Us for Your Free Consultation

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Don't Face the Criminal Justice System Alone
Facing a DUI charge is a daunting experience, but you don't have to face it alone. Our firm provides compassionate representation, guiding you through the legal process with care and compassion. Call (208) 540-8310 to connect with our dedicated legal team today.
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Penalties of Drug DUI Convictions in Idaho

The penalties for a drug-related DUI in Idaho are severe and designed to have a lasting impact on your life.

Criminal and Administrative Penalties

  • Jail Time: For a first-time misdemeanor offense, you face up to six months in jail. While there is no mandatory minimum for a first offense, judges in Boise and Meridian often impose at least a few days of "rider" time or community service.
  • Fines: You can be fined up to $1,000, plus significant court costs and administrative fees.
  • License Suspension: The court will suspend your license for 90 to 180 days. Additionally, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) may impose a separate "Administrative License Suspension" (ALS) if you failed or refused a chemical test.
  • Ignition Interlock: While primarily used for alcohol, Idaho law now requires an ignition interlock device (IID) for one year following the reinstatement of your license for almost all DUI convictions.

Collateral Consequences

The "hidden" penalties of a Boise drug DUI can be even more damaging:

  • Professional Licensing: If you are a nurse, CDL holder, or licensed professional, a drug DUI can trigger an immediate review or suspension of your right to work.
  • Drug Evaluation and Treatment: Idaho law requires every person convicted of a DUI to undergo a substance abuse evaluation at their own expense and follow all recommended treatment, which can last for months.
  • Employment Barriers: A drug-related conviction on your record can disqualify you from jobs that require driving or high-level security clearances.
  • Insurance Costs: Your insurance premiums will likely triple, and you will be required to maintain an "SR-22" certificate of financial responsibility for three years.

Why Our Idaho DUI Defense Firm

When your future is on the line, you need more than a general criminal defense lawyer. You need a team that focuses on DUI law every day. Our firm is Idaho's largest DUI law practice, and our work is devoted exclusively to defending people accused of DUI offenses, including drug-related DUI charges.

Our attorneys have secured dismissals and favorable outcomes for many clients facing DUI charges. These results came from careful analysis, preparation, and advocacy, and they show how we approach each case. Every situation is different, and no result can be promised, but our history reflects our commitment to fighting for a better outcome when the law and evidence allow it.

We know this is a stressful time, so we work to keep our communication straightforward and transparent. From the first meeting, our goal is to explain what is happening, outline realistic options, and listen to your concerns without judgment. You should feel informed and supported, not left in the dark, as your case moves through the system.

Talk To Our Drug DUI Lawyers in Boise

If you are facing drug-related DUI charges arising from an arrest in Boise or another Idaho community, you do not have to face the process alone. Our attorneys at Idaho Legal Justice focus solely on DUI defense, and we have built our practice around helping people through moments like this.

When you contact us, we will work to understand your situation, explain how Idaho handles DUI and drug intoxication cases, and outline possible paths forward. You can expect clear communication, respect, and a defense strategy tailored to the facts that matter in your life. Speaking with a drug DUI attorney in Boise early can help you protect your rights and make informed choices.

To talk directly with our DUI defense team about your case, call (208) 540-8310 or reach out online now.

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What Our Clients are Saying

Reviews & Testimonials

At Idaho Legal Justice, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

    "10/10 recommend!"
    Sam was beyond thoughtful and extremely helpful with my first and only DUI. He brought ease to the high stress situation from the first phone call. He got me a great deal and was worth every penny. 10/10 recommend!
    - Chris A.
    "Sam and his team are amazing!"
    Sam and his team are amazing! My DUI charge got completely dropped and he walked me through every step.
    - Brian L.
    "I’m very grateful he was there to represent me."
    Sam is a very kind and professional man! Himself and the team made sure I was prepared and comfortable throughout my whole process.
    - Aerin G.
    "Thank you guys for the save!"
    Sam and the team were very helpful and comforting in my time of stress, I am very fortunate to have found them and would have them represent me again if the need ever arose.
    - Joshua A.
    "10/10 recommend!"
    Sam was beyond thoughtful and extremely helpful with my first and only DUI. He brought ease to the high stress situation from the first phone call. He got me a great deal and was worth every penny.
    - Chris A.
    "Sam Bishop was outstanding to work with."
    Sam and his assistants supported me throughout the whole process and encouraged me to contact them anytime I needed them. They were all very personable and took so much pressure off my shoulders.
    - Nicole R.
    "They were there every step of the way."

    Sam and his team helped out greatly in a terrible situation. They were there every step of the way and I believe their recommendations helped get me a great resolution in my case. I was facing stiff fines and punishments but was lucky to get a very lenient sentence.

    - Cristian A.
    "Will always recommend him."
    Sam is amazing to work with! He eased my mind through the whole situation, and fought for me getting the best outcome possible! He is super responsive and helpful with anything I need.
    - Hannah L.

    How We Defend Drug DUI Cases in Boise

    Every DUI with drugs case starts with a story about how and why you came into contact with law enforcement. We begin by carefully reviewing the stop, the investigation, and the arrest to see whether officers followed Idaho and federal constitutional rules. If there were problems with the reason for the stop, the detention, or the decision to arrest, those issues may be legally significant.

    Next, we look closely at the methods used to suggest drug impairment. In many Boise area cases, officers rely on field sobriety tests, statements from the driver, and claimed observations of appearance or behavior. Some arrests involve a drug recognition protocol. We consider whether these steps were performed in a way that a court is likely to find reliable, and whether alternative explanations, such as fatigue or medical conditions, could account for what the officer described.

    Laboratory testing is another key piece in many drug DUI cases. Blood or urine samples must be collected, stored, and analyzed according to certain procedures. We examine the paperwork and available information related to your sample to see whether any issues may affect how testing results can be used. Our goal is to understand both what the lab claims to show and what it may not be able to prove about actual impairment at the time of driving.

    Throughout this process, we keep you informed about what we are seeing and how it may relate to potential defenses or negotiation strategies. Our attorneys work to explain options in plain language, answer your questions, and help you weigh choices so that you can make informed decisions at each stage of the case.

    When we review a drug DUI case, we typically focus on questions such as:

    • Whether officers had a lawful basis for the stop and any extended detention.
    • How field sobriety tests and observations were conducted and recorded.
    • Whether blood or urine samples were collected, stored, and tested correctly.
    • How prescription medications, medical issues, or mixed substances may affect the evidence.
    • What realistic options may exist for challenging or resolving the charge.

    Protect your record from a drug-related conviction by calling Idaho Legal Justice at (208) 540-8310 or fill out this online form. Speak with an experienced Boise drug DUI lawyer who will provide the effective communication and aggressive advocacy you deserve. Schedule your free consultation now.

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