Idaho treats a second DUI offense as a major escalation in severity. While a first DUI is often viewed as a mistake, a second offense is treated as a sign of repeated behavior. As a result, the law imposes mandatory penalties, stricter monitoring, and long-term consequences that can affect nearly every area of your life.
A second DUI in Idaho is defined as:
If your previous DUI was within the last 10 years, the new charge is automatically considered a second offense. If your prior conviction was more than 10 years ago, the case may be treated as a first offense, which significantly reduces the penalties you face.
At Martens Law Office, we represent clients throughout Boise and the Treasure Valley who are facing their second DUI charge. We know how stressful, overwhelming, and frightening this situation can be, and we are here to protect your rights from the very beginning.
Second DUI penalties in Idaho are mandatory. Judges do not have the option to give a lighter sentence than what the statute requires. This is why having a lawyer early in your case is so important. Your attorney can challenge the evidence before sentencing becomes inevitable.
Penalties for a second DUI offense in Idaho include:
If the second DUI involved an aggravated factor such as a high blood alcohol level, a minor in the vehicle, or an accident causing injury, the penalties may be even more severe.
The consequences extend far beyond the court system. A second DUI conviction can affect:
Because the impact on your life can be long lasting, working with an experienced second DUI attorney is essential to protecting your future.
The hours and days following a DUI arrest are often confusing and overwhelming as you try and determine just what to do next. You may not know what steps to take, whether you will lose your license, or how the case will proceed.
If you are facing a second DUI in Idaho, you can expect:
After your arrest, the Idaho Transportation Department may suspend your driver’s license even before your criminal case goes to court. You have limited time to challenge this suspension, which makes quick action crucial.
A second DUI lawyer can represent you at the suspension hearing, file the necessary motions, and begin building your defense long before the first court hearing. The faster you reach out to an experienced DUI attorney, the better your chances of avoiding harsh penalties, even those that may be administered to you before your case even reaches a judge.
If you have been arrested for a second DUI, it is important to act quickly and avoid mistakes that could make your case worse.
Here are the steps you should take:
The sooner you involve a criminal defense lawyer, the better your chances of protecting your rights and avoiding the most severe penalties.
Many people assume that a second DUI charge is impossible to fight, but that is not true. DUI cases rely heavily on evidence, much of which can be challenged when handled by a skilled attorney. Breath tests, blood tests, traffic stops, and field sobriety tests are not perfect. If procedures are not followed correctly, the results may not be admissible.
At Martens Law Office our defenses for second DUI charges include:
A strong defense can quickly show weaknesses in the state’s case.
A second DUI conviction can affect your life for years. Working with a knowledgeable defense lawyer gives you an advocate who understands the system, knows the strategies that work, and can negotiate for reduced penalties or even dismissal in appropriate cases.
A second DUI attorney can:
Your future depends on the outcome of your case. Legal representation is the most important step you can take to protect your rights.
Second DUI cases receive more attention and harsher treatment than first offenses. Prosecutors are less flexible, and judges are required to impose mandatory minimums. Without a strong defense, you risk facing maximum penalties.
You need a second DUI defense lawyer because:
Trying to handle a second DUI on your own puts you at a severe disadvantage. A hungry prosecutor will jump at the opportunity to charge a second DUI offender, so you need a defense that is used to aggressive prosecution and will work hard to defend you.
Martens Law Office has built a strong reputation for defending clients facing DUI charges in Boise and throughout Idaho. We understand how stressful and damaging a second DUI charge can be, and we are committed to providing aggressive legal representation from start to finish.
Our firm offers:
We take every case seriously because we understand how much is at stake for our clients. When you work with Martens Law Office, you receive dedicated legal counsel that focuses on protecting your future, your freedom, and your record.
If you are facing a second DUI charge in Idaho, do not wait to get the help you need. Contact us today at (208) 344-0994 to schedule your free, confidential consultation.
