Criminal lawyers can help you create a vital defense for DUI charges
Criminal lawyers in Boise and Nampa ID can help you fight DUI charges. When you’re drinking and driving, a youngster could be in danger. In Boise, Idaho, driving while intoxicated (DUI) is a serious crime that carries harsh consequences. However, when certain aggravating circumstances are present, the punishments may become even more severe. This is why you should speak with a lawyer as soon as possible after being detained for a DUI charge.
The presence of a child might have a big impact on the type of punishment you receive for your DUI charge. You should expect a heavier punishment if a child was in your car when you were arrested for DUI. This is merely due to the fact that it is illegal to knowingly endanger children in any way. Here’s how having a minor in the vehicle when arrested for DUI can affect your case.
Child endangerment
You could still be charged with extra offenses even if you were drunk driving but did not hurt the child passenger in the car. Child endangerment is defined by Idaho Code Section 18-1501 as when a driver older than 18 is operating a vehicle while intoxicated and simultaneously transporting a minor. In DUI cases where a juvenile is in the car, a separate charge of child endangerment is frequently filed.
According to Idaho law, endangering a child is a minor violation. There are two possible punishments for the crime: a six-month maximum prison term or a fine of up to $1,000.
If a child is inside the car and dies or is hurt, the penalties are greater. This is because Idaho law considers such an offense a felony.
Aggravated DUI charge
When such aggravating circumstances are present, the offense is classified as an aggravated DUI as opposed to a regular DUI. According to Idaho law, aggravated DUI is a felony offense.
You will probably be charged with aggravated DUI if you drive with a child in the vehicle and cause a DUI crash those results in significant physical harm, a permanent disability, or deformity. The following are the punishments for an aggravated DUI charge:
- License suspension
- Longer term of imprisonment. An aggravated DUI conviction carries a maximum 15-year jail term. The minimum sentence is 30 days in jail.
- Heftier fines. The fines associated with aggravated DUI offenses are considerably higher, so you might end up paying up to $5,000 in total.
Work with the best criminal lawyers in Boise and Nampa ID
DUI charges involving minors in the vehicle at the time of arrest make the case more difficult. Work with the best criminal lawyer in Boise and Nampa ID for outstanding results. 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.