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A criminal lawyer represents clients with DUI charges

A criminal lawyer in Boise and Nampa ID can help you fight your DUI charges in Idaho. The state of Idaho takes DUI accusations very seriously. If you are found guilty, you may also face fines, jail time, and license revocation. You need a knowledgeable defense attorney to represent you, even if it’s your first offense of DUI.

What is DUI?

Driving Under the Influence, or DUI, is a legal offense. Although it is sometimes referred to as “drunk driving,” alcohol is not a requirement to be charged with this crime. DUI charges may be brought against a driver who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage. In Idaho, if you are in actual physical control of a vehicle and your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08 percent or above (or merely 0.02 percent if you are under 21), you may be charged with DUI. Even if you are older than 21, the restriction for business drivers is only 0.04 percent.

When something is under “real physical control,” it indicates that you are in the driver’s seat and the engine is running. This final clause suggests that you may still be held accountable even if you are only sitting in your car while it is idling or if it is still moving in some other way.

DUI penalties

Depending on how many DUI crimes you have already been found guilty of, you may face jail time and fines. Unless your BAC was over 0.20 percent, you might spend up to 6 months in jail if this is your first conviction of DUI in Idaho. You might spend up to a year in jail if it happens. A related BAC cutoff exists for fines: If your BAC was less than 0.20 percent or more than 0.20 percent, you could face fines of up to $1,000 or $2,000, respectively. In either scenario, you must also have an ignition interlock device installed in your automobile for a year if it is your first offense of DUI.

For a second DUI arrest, the maximum jail sentence is one year for a BAC under.20 percent and five years for a BAC over.20 percent. Additionally, second-offense DUI fines rise to $2,000 (for BACs under.20) or $5,000 (for higher BACs) (BAC over .20).

Work with the best criminal lawyer in Boise and Nampa ID

DUI charges can be serious and impact your record. Hire a competent criminal lawyer in Boise and Nampa ID to help fight such charges.

Jacobson & Jacobson Law Firm, since 1982, is committed to serving the Boise and Nampa, Idaho areas for your top Criminal Defense, Personal Injury, Business Law, Estate Planning, Family Law, Immigration Law, and Litigation needs. Contact us today to get started.