If you, a friend, or a child have been charged with aggravated driving under the influence (DUI) in Idaho, it is imperative that you obtain experienced legal counsel at the earliest possible moment. An aggravated DUI charge is a felony in Idaho and it is not something that you can afford to take lightly.
At Martens Law Office, P.C., we have defended many individuals charged with felony aggravated DUI. Our attorney, Jared B. Martens, brings over 20 years of experience to each case. From our office in Boise, we serve clients throughout Ada County and the surrounding areas of Idaho.
In Idaho, a DUI can and will be charged as a felony if any third person, including pedestrians, passengers or other drivers suffers great bodily harm, permanent disability or permanent disfigurement. While “great bodily harm” may sound as though someone must suffer broken bones or have their arm torn off, the standard is actually much lower than that. Great bodily harm could be severe bruising and major scrapes and cuts. It would not matter if this was your first time DUI, second time DUI or third time DUI. Nor would it matter if your blood alcohol content was on the low end of what is considered legally drunk (a BAC at or above .08%).
Any time you are charged with a DUI in conjunction with an accident involving “great bodily harm” to a third party the prosecutors in Idaho are highly likely to charge the DUI as a felony rather than a misdemeanor.
Those convicted of aggravated DUI in Idaho face the possibility of:
Up to 15 years in prison
A fine of up to $5,000
A driver’s license suspension of up to five years, beginning at the end of any imprisonment period
High restitution amounts to compensate any victims
Exposure to civil lawsuits by victims
Avoiding the most serious of these consequences will require the help of a criminal defense attorney who has both significant trial and courtroom experience and who knows how to negotiate favorable plea deals with prosecutors. Mr. Martens is one such attorney.
Martens Law Office, P.C., offers free initial consultations to all prospective clients. To speak with a respected criminal defense lawyer about your Idaho aggravated DUI case, call our Boise office at (208) 344-0994 or fill out an online contact form.
