Felony DUI

Felony DUI Attorney in Meridian

Facing Felony DUI Charges? Protect Your Future with Meridian’s DUI Defense Leaders

When you face felony DUI charges in Meridian, every decision can affect your future. These cases can impact your career, driver’s license, insurance, and reputation. At Idaho Legal Justice, our team has helped many people through the stress and complexity of Idaho felony DUI cases.

As Idaho’s largest law practice devoted solely to DUI defense, we provide focused, strategic support for high-stakes situations. Our experienced felony drunk driving attorneys in Meridian know the law and understand the urgency and unique challenges of Ada County courts.

Secure a powerful defense from a seasoned Meridian felony DUI lawyer. Reach out to us online or call (208) 540-8310 any time—Free consultation.

Understanding Felony DUI Laws in Idaho

Driving under the influence (DUI) is classified as a felony in Idaho under specific, life-altering circumstances. While a first or second DUI is typically a misdemeanor, the Idaho Legislature has enhanced penalties for repeat offenders and those whose actions cause harm or demonstrate extreme recklessness.

In Idaho, a DUI is elevated to a felony charge in one of three primary ways:

Repeat DUI Offenses (ID Code § 18-8005(6))—A person faces a felony charge if the current offense constitutes their third or subsequent DUI conviction within the preceding ten years. The Idaho legal system uses this ten-year look-back period to classify habitual offenders, signaling that the court will treat the case with the utmost seriousness.
Aggravated DUI (ID Code § 18-8006)—This felony is charged regardless of how many prior offenses you have. An individual commits Aggravated DUI if they are driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other intoxicating substances and, as a result of the driving, cause:
- Great bodily harm to any person other than themselves.
- Permanent disability to any person other than themselves.
- Permanent disfigurement to any person other than themselves.
Second Excessive DUI (BAC ≥ 0.20)—While not as common, an individual can be charged with a felony for a second Excessive DUI (Blood Alcohol Concentration of 0.20% or higher) committed within five years of a previous Excessive DUI conviction. This reflects the state's intent to harshly penalize those driving with extremely dangerous levels of impairment.

If you are facing any of these charges, securing a Meridian felony DUI lawyer immediately is crucial to preventing the devastating impact of a felony conviction.

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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.

Penalties of Felony DUI Convictions in Idaho

A felony DUI conviction is a life sentence of penalties that start with incarceration and last indefinitely.

Direct Criminal Penalties

The direct consequences mandated by Idaho law are severe:

Incarceration:
- Third Offense DUI: Up to ten years in state prison, with a mandatory minimum of 30 days in jail.
- Aggravated DUI: Up to 15 years in state prison, with a mandatory minimum of 30 days in jail.
Fines: The court may impose a fine of up to $5,000 for a third-offense felony DUI or Aggravated DUI.
Driver's License Suspension: Your driving privileges will be suspended for a mandatory minimum period of one year after your release from imprisonment, and this suspension can be extended for up to five years. During this mandatory suspension, absolutely no driving privileges of any kind may be granted.
Ignition Interlock Device (IID): Upon eventual license reinstatement, you will be required to install a functioning IID on any vehicle you operate, often for a period of one to five years.

Hidden and Long-Term Collateral Consequences

The consequences of a felony DUI conviction extend far beyond the courtroom and the Idaho Department of Correction, creating lifelong challenges:

Permanent Felony Record: A felony record acts as a permanent barrier to many opportunities, making it difficult to escape the conviction's stigma.
Employment Disqualification: Many professional licenses (e.g., commercial driver's license, nursing, teaching, finance) are permanently lost. Most employers conduct comprehensive background checks and will disqualify felons.
Firearm Rights: As a convicted felon, you will lose your Second Amendment right to possess or own firearms under federal and Idaho law.
Housing Difficulties: Landlords, especially in the Meridian area, often deny housing applications to individuals with violent or serious felony records.
Insurance Costs: You will be required to obtain and maintain expensive SR-22 insurance for years after your license is reinstated, dramatically increasing your cost of living.

We are ready 24/7 to provide the bilingual attention and legal representation required to mitigate these devastating outcomes.

Our Comprehensive Approach to Felony DUI Defense at Idaho Legal Justice

When you choose Idaho Legal Justice, you gain a team of determined advocates committed to your defense. Our methodology as your felony DUI attorney in Meridian is proactive and comprehensive, addressing both the criminal and administrative aspects of your case.

We build defense strategies customized to Idaho law, including:

Challenging the Traffic Stop: A DUI case begins with a traffic stop. We scrutinize the police report to determine if the officer had the requisite reasonable suspicion for the stop. If the stop was unlawful, all subsequent evidence (FSTs, BAC, statements) must be suppressed.
Attacking Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs): FSTs are subjective and prone to error due to medical conditions, physical injury, or improper administration. We challenge the officer’s training and protocol, often arguing that the FSTs were neither accurately administered nor reliably scored.
Forensic and Scientific Defenses: The breath and blood tests are critical in a felony DUI case. We investigate potential problems like: improper calibration or maintenance of the breathalyzer, rising or falling BAC issues (the BAC at the time of testing was higher than at the time of driving), and flaws in the blood draw protocol.
Challenging Prior Convictions: For a third-offense felony, we challenge the validity and documentation of the prior DUI convictions used to enhance the current charge, which can sometimes lead to the charge being downgraded to a misdemeanor.

Our Meridian felony DUI lawyer is ready with a strategic defense to challenge every part of the prosecution's case.

Why Clients Choose Our Felony DUI Defense in Meridian

Our practice is dedicated to defending people against DUI charges, which allows us to stay focused on every change in Idaho’s laws and to understand Meridian’s specific court procedures.

When you work with a felony dui lawyer in Meridian from our team, you gain access to unique strengths:

Focused DUI defense: We continuously monitor updates to Idaho DUI laws and enforcement in Meridian, so you always know what to expect at every step.
Experience at every stage: Our attorneys support clients facing charges from first time DUIs to complex felony cases, always seeking the most favorable path forward.
Clear, caring communication: We always answer your questions and explain your choices in plain language, so you feel confident and informed throughout your case.
Proven commitment to results: Our reputation reflects a strong track record of case dismissals and reductions that help clients move forward with their lives. Your goals and well-being matter to us.
Personal support during every phase: We provide reassurance, guidance, and straightforward advocacy—so you don’t have to navigate felony DUI charges alone.

We maintain close relationships with Ada County courts and understand the nuances that can affect your DUI defense here. We answer questions about Meridian-specific court procedures, manage expectations for every client, and tailor our approach for each situation—whether it’s a first felony charge or you have previous DUIs on your record. Our team focuses on what works best for our community and for each individual we represent.

Contact an aggressive felony DUI attorney in Meridian today. We offer affordable services, free consultations, 24/7 availability, and bilingual attention in English and Spanish. Call us now at (208) 540-8310 or contact us online immediately.

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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.

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Our Approach: Strengths of Our Felony Drunk Driving Attorneys in Meridian

Felony DUI cases in Ada County are complex and require attention to every detail at every stage. As soon as you contact us, our felony DUI attorneys in Meridian provide clear guidance on your legal options and walk you through each critical requirement under Idaho law.

Our team:

Begins with a comprehensive review: We thoroughly examine the circumstances of your arrest, law enforcement procedures, and all relevant evidence.
Identifies state and local legal issues: With our exclusive DUI practice, we uncover important issues in Ada County procedures and guideline changes affecting your case.
Prioritizes open communication: You stay informed and empowered to participate in your defense, so you always understand the status of your case.
Builds tailored strategies for Meridian courts: We adapt our approach to the unique preferences and practices of Ada County judges and prosecutors.
Always addresses the impact on your life: Our support and advice help you protect your job, family, and reputation as you go through the process.

Because DUI laws evolve and court expectations change, we hold regular discussions with you so that you remain involved in every decision. Our approach addresses not only the paperwork and procedures but also your personal outcomes and well-being. We break down potential timelines, required appearances, and important steps so you feel confident from start to finish.

Start Building Your Felony DUI Defense – Contact Us Today

Felony DUI charges in Meridian put your future, driving privileges, and good name at risk. You do not have to go through this process alone. At Idaho Legal Justice, you get legal guidance from Idaho’s largest DUI-focused team with a strong record of helping clients navigate Meridian courts and Ada County procedures.

When you call (208) 540-8310, you can expect answers to pressing questions. Reach out today and discover how a felony DUI attorney in Meridian can support you at every stage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a DUI charge a felony in Idaho?

A DUI becomes a felony in Idaho if you have two prior offenses within ten years, if someone was seriously injured, or with certain aggravating factors. Penalties for felony convictions are more severe than those for misdemeanors.

Will a felony DUI conviction result in prison time?

Felony DUI sentencing guidelines in Idaho include the possibility of a prison sentence. However, the court considers factors like prior history, specific case details, and legal arguments when determining the final sentence.

Can I get my license back after a felony DUI arrest in Meridian?

Felony DUI charges often result in lengthy suspension of your driving privileges. Reinstatement depends on court outcomes, compliance with Idaho DMV requirements, and sometimes completion of court-ordered programs.

How long does the felony DUI process take in Ada County?

Case timelines vary. Some resolve within weeks, others take several months or longer, depending on court schedules, legal complexity, and negotiations.

Should I hire a lawyer who only handles DUI cases?

A legal team dedicated solely to DUI defense law will be more familiar with the specific defenses, court practices, and latest changes that can impact your case. Focused experience can help you make informed choices at every stage.

SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION

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Why Choose Idaho Legal Justice?

Tireless Advocacy
We are dedicated to fighting for the rights of our clients. We tirelessly advocate for the best possible outcome in every case we take on.
Trial is Always Free
Idaho Legal Justice sticks to flat-rate legal representation, so you always know what we charge. Trial is always included in our fees.
Effective Communication
If you've been charged with a DUI, you need a lawyer who will keep you informed and involved in your case. Every client gets access to our attorneys' cell phone numbers.
Compassionate Legal Care
We understand the stress and uncertainty that comes with facing criminal charges, and we provide compassionate support and guidance to our clients every step of the way.
We Provide Free Consultations
Discuss your case with our experienced lawyers in a confidential, no-obligation consultation.
24/7 Help Available
Our commitment to providing round-the-clock assistance means that you can reach out to us for legal support at any time, day or night.