I was born and raised in Yugoslavia and have been living in the United States since 1993. Following a bachelor’s in political science from Boise State University, I graduated with my Juris Doctor from the University of Idaho. I have practiced law in Idaho and Georgia, in state and federal courts. I have extensive experience in magistrate and district courts through Idaho’s third and fourth districts, representing people in criminal and civil matters.
I believe protecting the individual rights of the accused against the overbearing powers of the government is the highest and most sacred duty of a criminal defense attorney. I have had a first-hand experience of having my rights taken away, compelling me to help safeguard individual liberties. Growing up in war-torn Yugoslavia, I became painfully aware of the threat that a government can pose to its own people unless it is checked by them. These dangers are especially real to me, as I had to flee my home country as a refugee to escape state oppression.
As explained by James Madison, “If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary.” The problem lies in the fact that men and women, not angels, make up the government personnel and police. Although often well-intentioned, police and government officials are just as often mistaken and sometimes downright corrupt. A criminal defense attorney must police the police and protect the rights of the people, so the innocent never have to flee from the corruption of their own government.
While I serve clients from diverse backgrounds, it is noteworthy that I speak Bosnian, Croatian and Serbian. I have represented many clients from that region, and they always appreciate the fact that they can speak to me about the complexities of the criminal justice system in their own language.
Dinko Hadzic
