DUI in Idaho: Penalties for This Crime

A DUI in Idaho is a serious offense in many American states. Notably, the consequences of drunk driving inform this tough stance. For example, drunk driving collisions kill 28 people daily in the US. Therefore, harsh laws and punishments aim to prevent intoxicated driving in Idaho.

Therefore, suppose you get entangled in a DUI charge. Then, it’ll be best to hire a Nampa DUI defense lawyer. An experienced attorney can help you avoid strict punishments. You may even walk free of the DUI charge without conviction in some cases. That’s why calling a lawyer after a DUI arrest is the best move.

When Is a Person Drunk in Nampa, Idaho?

Imagine you’re out for an evening hangout with friends and consuming alcohol. Does driving immediately after drinking bring you under Idaho’s DUI laws? Well, different factors determine whether a person is legally drunk in Idaho.

For example, non-commercial drivers over 21 years are drunk when their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is .08% or more. Commercial drivers have a lower threshold, though. So, the police can arrest these drivers for a BAC of .04% or more.

Finally, suppose the driver is under 18 years. Then, they’ll be driving under the influence of alcohol with a BAC of .02% or more. Idaho’s law also classifies school bus drivers as commercial drivers. Operating or being in physical control of a vehicle in any of these conditions will lead to a DUI charge.

What Are the Penalties for DUI in Nampa, Idaho?

Idaho law prescribes stiff penalties for DUI convicts. The primary consequences of a DUI include imprisonment and fines. However, the punishment depends on some factors. Typical examples include:

• The frequency of your DUI convictions
• The effect of your DUI on others, such as death or severe injuries
• Excessive blood alcohol content

We explain the different DUI classifications and their punishments below.

Penalties for a First DUI

First offenders generally face lighter punishments. So, the law isn’t as strict with them as it is with habitual convicts. Therefore, suppose you get your first DUI conviction. You may face:

• Six months imprisonment,
• $1,000 in fines,
• 90 to 210 days of license suspension, and
• One year with an ignition interlock device (IID).

Fortunately, a first-time offender can get a restricted driving license. This permit can allow you to drive around for essential activities. Notably, these include family, work, and educational needs. However, you can only get this license after 30 days of your license suspension.

Penalties for the Second DUI

Suppose the court convicts you for another DUI. You’ll then face higher consequences than first-time offenders. This is usually the case where the second conviction is within ten years of the first. If this happens, you’ll face:

• Up to one year of jail time,
• $2,000 in fines, and
• One year minimum license suspension.

After imprisonment, Idaho suspends your driving privileges for one year. You’ll then have to drive with an ignition interlock device following this suspension period. Furthermore, you may keep this IID for up to a year.

Penalties for the Third DUI in Idaho

A third DUI conviction carries even worse punishments. Usually, this third DUI matters if it occurs within ten years of the last conviction. So, a third-time offender faces up to:

• Ten years imprisonment,
• $5,000 in fines, and
• 1 to 5 years of license suspension.

After this license suspension, you must drive with an ignition interlock device. The sentencing judge determines how long you use this device. However, it’s usually not less than a year.

Are There Other DUI Classifications in Nampa, ID?

Yes, there are more severe DUI offenses in Idaho. In addition, they carry higher sentences. Our Nampa DUI defense lawyer discusses the two primary crimes below.

Aggravated DUI in Idaho

Aggravated DUI occurs when the intoxicated driver causes another person:

• Great bodily harm,
• Permanent disability, or
• Permanent disfigurement.

Notably, these injuries must be to another party, not the driver. Furthermore, aggravated DUI is a felony in Idaho. So, a convict will serve up to 15 years in prison. They’ll also face up to:

• $5,000 in fines,
• Suspension of driver’s license and permit,
• Five years post-imprisonment suspension of driving privileges.

Finally, an aggravated DUI convict may have to pay restitution. In addition, their conviction will be admissible as evidence in civil proceedings for damages. This means that there may be civil and criminal consequences of aggravated DUIs.

Enhanced Penalties for Excessive Alcohol Concentration

A driver may also face stricter punishments for excessive blood alcohol content percentages. Notably, your BAC is excessive if it exceeds .20%. Unlike aggravated DUI in Idaho, this offense is a misdemeanor. A conviction will still lead to stiff penalties, though.

For example, a first-time offender will have to pay fines of up to $2,000. In addition, they’ll face imprisonment of up to one year of prison service. There’s also the chance that their driving privileges will be suspended for up to a year.

Second offenders have it worse, too. They can typically expect:

• Jail terms not exceeding five years,
• Fines of up to $5,000, and
• Suspension of driving privileges and license for up to five years.

After incarceration, the motorist will have to drive with an ignition interlock device. The sentencing judge will specify how long they’ll use the IID.

Are There Other Consequences for DUI in Idaho?

Yes, these penalties aren’t the only effects of a DUI. Instead, there are many other fallouts of a DUI conviction. We explain some of them below.

• The DUI conviction will permanently be part of the driver’s criminal record.
• A single DUI conviction will be seen as a prior offense when calculating the punishment for subsequent DUIs.
• Offenders cannot drive vehicles without an ignition interlock device. Therefore, this restricts their access to cars.
• A DUI conviction affects your insurance premiums. Furthermore, you may have to get high-risk (SR-22) insurance.
• The police may tow and impound the driver’s car at the point of arrest. Therefore, such a driver may have to pay to release their vehicle.
• The offender will bear other financial consequences. These include legal fees, court fees, and the cost of expert witnesses.
• Offenders may also have to compensate injured parties. In addition, they may have to bear their victims’ burial and funeral expenses.

Get Expert Help From a Nampa DUI Defense Lawyer!

Have the Nampa police arrested you on a DUI charge? If they have, you will face stiff penalties if the court convicts you. Fortunately, a DUI arrest doesn’t guarantee a conviction. Therefore, you can escape the penalties above. You can even get a reduced sentence.

First, however, you’ll need an excellent criminal defense attorney in Nampa, Idaho. Our lawyers have spent decades winning Idaho DUI cases. So, you have a significant chance of beating your charges with our team. All you have to do is call us today for a FREE consultation.