Boise Multiple DUI Attorney

Defending Against Second, Third, and Subsequent DUI Charges in Idaho

Facing multiple DUI charges in Boise brings serious legal consequences that can affect every part of your life. Idaho enforces strict penalties for DUI offenses, with sentences increasing for each conviction.

These charges carry long-term effects that reach well beyond the courtroom. A felony DUI conviction can make it hard to qualify for certain jobs. Insurance premiums usually jump, and some people lose their coverage. Social stigma can also create hurdles in both personal and professional circles. A thoughtful defense aims to reduce how much these issues disrupt your future.

A repeat DUI offense can carry severe penalties, but you don’t have to fight it alone. Our skilled Boise multiple DUI attorney is ready to defend your rights. Call (208) 670-8164 now or contact us online for a consultation!

What Constitutes a Multiple DUI in Boise?

Multiple DUI offenses in Boise mean being charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs more than once. Idaho takes repeat DUI offenses seriously, with higher penalties for every conviction. For example, a second DUI offense requires at least ten days in jail, and a third offense is usually a felony with lengthy prison time, higher fines, and a longer loss of driving privileges.

Idaho does not have a “look-back period” where old DUIs drop off your record, so each prior DUI conviction counts against you, sometimes even years later. Ada County courts consistently apply these rules. If you have a past DUI elsewhere in Idaho, it counts toward your current charge in Boise. Individuals moving to Boise or returning after earlier offenses should prepare for Idaho’s tough repeat-offender policy.

The penalties get tougher with each new offense, increasing your legal risk.

• Second DUI Offense (within 10 years):
  • Misdemeanor charge
  • Minimum 10 days in jail (up to 1 year)
  • Fines up to $2,000
  • License suspension for at least 1 year (with no driving privileges for the first 45 days)
  • Mandatory ignition interlock device
  • Substance abuse evaluation and potential treatment
• Third DUI Offense (within 10 years):
  • Felony charge
  • Minimum 30 days in jail (up to 10 years in prison)
  • Fines up to $5,000
  • License suspension for at least 1 year after release from jail
  • Permanent revocation of driving privileges (with potential for reinstatement after 5 years)
  • Required ignition interlock device
• Fourth or Subsequent DUI Offense:
  • Considered a felony regardless of the time frame
  • Harsher penalties, including extended prison time and permanent license revocation

What are Aggravating Factors in Multiple DUI Cases?

Several circumstances can make DUI charges even more serious and lead to stronger penalties. Courts hand down harsher sentences when any of these elements apply:

• High Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC): If the BAC measures much higher than Idaho’s legal limit of 0.08%, penalties will likely be more severe.
• DUI with a Minor Passenger: Driving under the influence with a child in the vehicle can bring additional child endangerment charges.
• Accidents and Injuries: If a DUI causes bodily injury or death, felony charges may result.
• Refusing a Breathalyzer Test: Idaho requires drivers to comply with breath testing. Refusal can lead to automatic license loss and other penalties.
• Driving on a Suspended License: If someone drives under the influence while already suspended for a past DUI, the court can add extra penalties.

A multiple DUI attorney in Boise considers these factors when building a defense and looks for ways to reduce their impact.

How Do Administrative License Hearings & Local DMV Procedures Work?

If you receive a multiple DUI charge in Boise, you must act quickly when the Idaho Transportation Department starts administrative license suspension. You generally have seven days to ask for a hearing to contest the suspension. 

The Ada County DMV in downtown Boise conducts many of these reviews. If you miss the deadline, you will lose driving privileges automatically, even as your court case moves forward. At a hearing, you or your attorney can question whether police had valid cause for the arrest or followed strict rules with breath and blood tests, which may affect your ability to keep your license.

Boise drivers rely heavily on their vehicles because public transit is limited. Losing your license can make it harder to commute, care for your family, or get to required treatment programs. Working with someone familiar with Ada County DMV procedures helps you know what to expect and how to prepare for these hearings, which are one of the first steps after a DUI charge.

What are the Long Term Consequences of Multiple DUI Charges?

Multiple DUI convictions carry consequences beyond legal penalties, impacting various aspects of life. Employment opportunities may be limited, as many employers conduct background checks and a felony DUI conviction can disqualify candidates. Insurance rates often rise significantly, with some individuals facing policy cancellations. 

Boise residents with multiple DUI convictions can encounter rental challenges when landlords review criminal records. Many property managers in Ada County check for felonies, so a third DUI can make finding housing harder. Limited public transportation in Boise can make a suspended license even more disruptive, making daily activities like work or court-ordered programs more challenging when you cannot drive.

People in licensed fields such as healthcare, law, or education may face discipline or lose their licenses to practice. Non-U.S. citizens with more than one DUI may run into immigration issues, like visa denial or trouble getting citizenship. Given these serious repercussions, seeking guidance from an experienced multiple DUI lawyer in Boise can help you navigate options and reduce the effects on your future.