1. Schofield and Young
Practice Focus: DUI defense, drug crimes, theft offenses, violent crimes, all criminal matters in state court
Case Types Handled: DUI/DWI, drug possession, drug trafficking, theft, burglary, assault, battery, domestic violence, weapons charges, probation violations, felonies, misdemeanors
Legal Services: Trial defense, motion practice, plea negotiations, preliminary hearings, probation violation defense, DMV administrative hearings
Background: The attorneys at Schofield and Young have over 10 years of experience defending clients in Ada County and Canyon County. The firm maintains a practice philosophy of limiting caseload to provide focused attention to each client. They emphasize trial preparedness and have experience taking cases to verdict rather than accepting unfavorable plea agreements.
Location: Owyhee Building, downtown Boise, ID
Contact: (208) 344-0128 | https://www.youridattorney.com
Consultation: Free consultation available 24/7
2. Larsen Law Office
Practice Focus: DUI defense, criminal defense, traffic offenses, prosecutor insight defense strategies
Case Types Handled: DUI/DWI, drug offenses, traffic violations, misdemeanors, felonies, assault, theft
Legal Services: Trial defense, DMV hearings, motion practice, plea negotiations, pretrial motions, jury trials
Background: Michael C. Larsen has 25 years of legal experience. He served as a Prosecuting Attorney and participated in an estimated 20,000 prosecutions and 5,000 trials during his career as a prosecutor. He developed specialized experience in DUI prosecution. His prosecutorial background provides insight into how the state builds its cases and potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence.
Location: Boise, ID
Contact: Contact through firm website | https://larsencriminaldefense.com
Consultation: Free consultation available
3. Bublitz Law, P.C.
Practice Focus: State and federal criminal defense, military-related cases
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, federal offenses, drug crimes, violent offenses, white collar crimes, military-related legal matters
Legal Services: Trial defense in state and federal courts, motion practice, plea negotiations, preliminary hearings, federal grand jury representation
Background: Gerald R. Bublitz is a former prosecutor and former military service member. He has been selected to the Super Lawyers list. He practices in both Idaho state courts and federal court. His combined military and prosecutorial background informs his defense approach in criminal cases.
Location: Boise, ID
Contact: (208) 286-2111 | https://www.bublitzlawfirm.com
Consultation: Contact office for consultation information
4. Jim Ball, Attorney at Law PA
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, DUI, drug offenses, violent crimes, theft, domestic violence
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, DUI/DWI, drug possession, drug trafficking, assault, battery, theft, burglary, domestic violence, weapons offenses
Legal Services: Trial defense, motion practice, plea negotiations, jury trials, appellate arguments, probation violation defense
Background: Jim Ball has practiced law for over 20 years. He served as a Deputy Ada County Prosecuting Attorney. He has tried over 50 cases to jury verdict and presented multiple appellate arguments. He was recognized as a Top 10 Idaho Criminal Defense Attorney by the National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys. He serves on the board of Make-A-Wish Idaho and has served on the Ada County Domestic Violence Committee.
Location: Boise, ID
Contact: (208) 424-3377 | https://boise-idaho-criminal-attorney.com
Consultation: Contact office for consultation information
5. Nevin, Benjamin and McKay LLP
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, civil litigation, federal defense, appellate practice
Case Types Handled: Federal offenses, state felonies, white collar crimes, drug offenses, violent crimes, complex criminal litigation
Legal Services: Trial defense, appellate representation, federal court practice, motion practice, post-conviction relief
Background: The firm has operated for over 40 years. It has received recognition from U.S. News as a Best Law Firm for 2025. The firm maintains Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review ratings. The attorneys handle criminal defense and civil litigation matters throughout Idaho and the Intermountain West.
Location: Boise, ID
Contact: Contact through firm website | https://nbmlaw.com
Consultation: Contact office for consultation information
Criminal Defense Regulations in Idaho
Bar Admission Requirements: The Idaho State Bar regulates attorney licensing in Idaho. The State Bar is located at 525 W. Jefferson Street, Boise, ID 83702, and can be reached at (208) 334-4500. Applicants must pass the Idaho Bar Examination and undergo character and fitness review. Idaho participates in the Uniform Bar Examination (UBE). Attorneys may seek admission through reciprocity under certain conditions based on UBE scores from other jurisdictions.
Specialty Certifications: Idaho does not currently offer state-sponsored specialty certification programs for criminal law. Attorneys may obtain national certifications from organizations such as the National Board of Trial Advocacy.
Mandatory Continuing Legal Education: Idaho requires 30 CLE credits every 3 years. Of these, at least 3 credits must address legal ethics or professional responsibility. A minimum of 15 credits must be taken as live programs; a maximum of 15 credits may be earned through self-study. Credits cannot be carried over between reporting periods. Reporting periods are based on admission date. Credits are due by December 31 of the reporting year, with reporting required by February 1 of the following year.
New Attorney Requirements: Newly admitted attorneys must complete 10 New Admittee Credit-Approved (NAC-Approved) CLE credits within one year of admission. Required topics include Idaho Substantive Law Courses covering ethics, civil and criminal procedure, and community property. Attorneys who have not actively practiced for at least 3 years prior to admission must complete the New Attorney Program, held twice yearly in Boise.
Public Defender System: Ada County operates the Ada County Public Defender’s Office to provide representation to indigent defendants. Eligibility is determined at initial court appearance based on financial qualification. The office represents defendants in misdemeanor and felony cases throughout Ada County.
Felony Classification: Idaho does not use a categorical felony classification system. Felonies are defined in individual statutes with specific penalty ranges. Felony penalties are generally defined by the specific offense and can range from a minimum of 1 year imprisonment to life imprisonment depending on the crime. Fines for felonies can reach up to $50,000 or more for certain offenses.
Misdemeanor Classification: Idaho Penal Code 18-113 provides that misdemeanors not otherwise specified are punishable by up to 6 months in county jail and a fine not exceeding $1,000. Specific misdemeanor offenses may carry different maximum penalties as defined in their respective statutes.
DUI Laws: Idaho treats DUI offenses seriously. The state operates under an implied consent law, meaning drivers impliedly consent to blood, breath, or urine testing upon lawful arrest for DUI. A BAC of 0.08% or the presence of a detectable controlled substance results in administrative license suspension of 90 days for a first offense. Defendants may request an administrative hearing through the Idaho Transportation Department within 7 days of arrest.
Withheld Judgment: Idaho allows defendants who plead guilty to request a withheld judgment. Under this disposition, the court does not enter a judgment of conviction but imposes probation and other conditions. Upon successful completion of probation, the defendant may petition for case dismissal. A withheld judgment is available only once per person. After dismissal, the defendant may legally state they have not been convicted of a crime.
Record Expungement and Dismissal: Idaho offers limited expungement for adult convictions. Under Idaho Code 19-2604, defendants who complete probation (whether under withheld judgment or following conviction) may petition for case dismissal. For felonies, successful petitions can result in reduction to misdemeanor status. Non-conviction records (acquittals, dismissals, charges not filed within statute of limitations) may be expunged through the Idaho State Police.
Juvenile Expungement: Idaho Code 20-525A permits expungement of juvenile records. For felony adjudications, eligibility begins 3 years after termination of court jurisdiction or release from juvenile corrections, or upon reaching age 18, whichever occurs last. For misdemeanor and status offenses, eligibility begins 1 year after termination of jurisdiction or age 18. Certain serious offenses are excluded from expungement eligibility, including poisoning with intent to kill, rape, sexual abuse of a minor, and drug trafficking near schools.
Firearms Rights Restoration: A felony conviction in Idaho suspends firearms rights. Rights are automatically restored upon final discharge for non-violent offenses. For serious violent crimes committed after July 1, 1991, and for murder or voluntary manslaughter at any time, automatic restoration does not apply. Affected individuals must petition the Idaho Commission of Pardons and Parole for restoration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are Boise criminal cases heard?
Criminal cases arising in Boise are processed through the Ada County court system. Initial appearances, arraignments, and misdemeanor trials occur at the Ada County Courthouse, located at 200 W. Front Street, Boise, ID 83702. Felony preliminary hearings and trials are also conducted at this location. The Ada County Magistrate Division handles misdemeanor matters, while the District Court handles felony trials and sentencing.
How does the arraignment process work in Ada County?
At arraignment in Ada County, the court advises you of the charges and your constitutional rights. You will enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. The court addresses bail and pretrial release conditions. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may apply for representation by the Ada County Public Defender. For misdemeanors, the court may set a pretrial conference or trial date. For felonies, the court will schedule a preliminary hearing within 14 days if you are in custody or 21 days if released.
What are the penalties for a first-time DUI in Idaho?
A first-time DUI in Idaho is a misdemeanor. Penalties include up to 6 months in jail (with a mandatory minimum of 10 days for BAC of 0.20% or higher), fines up to $1,000, driver’s license suspension of 90 to 180 days, and possible ignition interlock device requirement. The court may impose probation with conditions including alcohol evaluation, treatment, and victim impact panel attendance. An administrative license suspension of 90 days is imposed separately by the Idaho Transportation Department and runs concurrently with any court-ordered suspension.
Can I get a felony reduced to a misdemeanor in Idaho?
Yes, under Idaho Code 19-2604(2). If you were convicted of a felony and sentenced on a Rider (Retained Jurisdiction) followed by probation, or placed directly on probation without prison, you may petition the court for reduction to misdemeanor upon successful completion of probation with no violations. The court considers your conduct during probation and other relevant factors. The 2014 legislative amendments removed the prior requirement that dismissal be in the “public interest” and substituted a “good cause” standard, making relief more accessible.
What is a withheld judgment in Idaho and how can it help my case?
A withheld judgment is a disposition where the court accepts your guilty plea but does not enter a judgment of conviction. Instead, the court imposes probation and conditions. If you successfully complete probation without violation, you can petition for case dismissal. Upon dismissal, you may legally state that you have not been convicted of the offense. Idaho allows each person one withheld judgment during their lifetime. A withheld judgment is valuable because it offers a path to a clean record for defendants who demonstrate rehabilitation. Any probation violation during the withheld judgment period removes eligibility for dismissal.