Multiple DUI Attorney in Meridian
Facing a Second or a Third DUI? Our Team Stands with You from the Start
Getting arrested for a second, third, or subsequent DUI in Meridian can be overwhelming. You might worry about jail time, losing your license, or damaging your employment and family relationships. At Atkinson Law Office, we know just how much is at stake.
Our attorneys are led by a board-certified criminal law specialist and have handled more than 1,000 criminal cases, including many DUI matters in Meridian and throughout the Treasure Valley. We believe your story matters. Every client deserves a strong advocate, and our team works to understand your situation and protect your rights within the Idaho justice system.
With over a decade of experience in the area and a personal understanding of the stress and confusion that come with multiple DUIs, our team wants you to know that you do not have to handle this alone. Let us help you move forward with clarity and confidence by showing you what to expect and how we can help.
Your freedom and license are in jeopardy. Contact a Meridian multiple DUI attorney at Atkinson Law Office, PLLC for immediate legal assistance. Call (208) 670-8164 or reach out online for a free consultation.
Understanding Multiple DUI Laws in Idaho
Multiple DUI offenses in Idaho are governed by Idaho Code 18-8005 and 18-8004, which mandate increasingly severe punishments based on the number of prior convictions within a specific timeframe. The defining feature of a multiple DUI case is the 10-Year Look-Back Period.
Idaho law distinguishes between the second and third offense based on the statutory look-back window:
- Second DUI within 10 Years: This is charged as a misdemeanor, but it carries greatly enhanced penalties compared to a first offense.
- Third DUI within 10 Years: This is automatically classified as a Felony DUI. This classification triggers the most severe punishments, including mandatory prison time and the loss of civil liberties.
- Second Excessive DUI within 5 Years: If your current charge is for an Excessive DUI (BAC of 0.20% or more), and you have a prior Excessive DUI conviction within the last five years, this is also charged as a Felony DUI.
As your multiple DUI defense lawyer in Meridian, we must investigate whether any prior convictions from other states or prior Idaho diversions are counted correctly under the Idaho statutes. This is often the key to reducing the current charge.
Penalties and Collateral Consequences of Multiple DUI Convictions
The penalties for multiple DUI offenses are severe and signal the Idaho court system's zero-tolerance policy toward repeat offenders. The increase in mandatory jail time and the introduction of felony prison terms highlight the necessity of having a multiple DUI defense lawyer in Meridian.
- Second DUI (Within 10 Years)
- Classification: Misdemeanor
- Jail sentence: Mandatory 10 days to up to 1 year
- Maximum fines: Up to $2,000
- License suspension: Mandatory 1 year (no restricted license)
- Third DUI (Within 10 Years)
- Classification: Felony
- Jail/prison sentence: Mandatory 30 days in jail, up to 10 years in prison
- Maximum fines: Up to $5,000
- License suspension: Up to 5 years
In all multiple DUI convictions, the court will require a mandatory alcohol evaluation and a treatment program. Upon license reinstatement, an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) will be required for at least one year.
Long-Term Collateral Consequences
The consequences of a multiple DUI conviction extend far beyond the direct sentence:
- Felony Stigma: A third DUI results in a permanent felony criminal record, causing the loss of voting and firearm rights, and creating lifelong barriers to employment and professional licensing.
- Insurance Liability: You will be classified as a high-risk driver, mandating SR-22 insurance for years, which dramatically increases premiums. Failure to maintain continuous SR-22 coverage leads to immediate license re-suspension.
- Ineligibility for Diversion: Repeat offenders are typically ineligible for beneficial programs like Misdemeanor Compromise or Withheld Judgments, forcing the case to be resolved with a full conviction or a trial.
- Vehicle Seizure/Forfeiture: The state may pursue the forfeiture of your vehicle, particularly in high-level repeat offenses, as an asset used to commit a crime.
Our Comprehensive Defense Strategy for Multiple DUI
Atkinson Law Office, PLLC’s defense strategy for multiple DUI cases is highly specialized, focusing equally on the current offense evidence and the legal validity of the past offenses being used against you.
Strategy 1: Attacking the Current Charge Evidence
As your multiple DUI defense lawyer in Meridian, we focus on the technical details of the stop and test:
- Blood Alcohol Testing Integrity: We investigate the calibration and certification records of the breathalyzer device and subpoena the blood draw records to verify the chain of custody and lab analysis integrity. Any deviation from Idaho Administrative Code can lead to the suppression of the BAC result.
- Constitutional Rights Review: We scrutinize police reports and dashcam footage for violations of your Miranda rights or evidence that the officer lacked the necessary reasonable suspicion for the stop or probable cause for the arrest.
Strategy 2: Challenging the Prior Convictions
This is the most effective way to prevent a third offense from becoming a felony:
- Constitutional Collateral Attack: Our firm meticulously reviews the court records from your previous DUI convictions. If there is evidence that your constitutional rights were violated during any of those prior cases, we file a motion to invalidate that conviction for purposes of enhancing your current charge. If successful, a third DUI can be legally reduced to a second DUI, avoiding the felony prison sentence.
- Look-Back Period Analysis: We verify the calculation of the 10-year period, ensuring the state has not misapplied the statute, thereby ensuring you only face the appropriate level of misdemeanor or felony charge.
How Our Team Stands with You – Real Experience, Real Results
Choosing the right multiple DUI attorney in Meridian is a deeply personal matter. At Atkinson Law Office, we blend proven legal skill with personal empathy. We are led by a board-certified criminal law specialist, a distinction held by very few in Idaho. With over 1,000 cases handled and a success rate above 90 percent, we have guided many clients through cases just like yours.
Our partners have also personally experienced the Idaho justice system, giving us a unique ability to truly understand what you are feeling and facing. We strive to listen without judgment and to treat your case and future with the respect it deserves. Whether you are worried about work, family, or your reputation, our approach is all about advocacy, compassion, and clear guidance through a difficult process.
We proudly serve a diverse community in Meridian. Our attorneys speak Bosnian, Croatian, and Serbian, and we are committed to making effective legal representation accessible to everyone who needs it. When you work with our team, you will be supported every step of the way.
Why Meridian Residents Choose Us for Multiple DUI Cases
Our clients in Meridian choose us for more than just legal experience. We provide support that is accessible, affordable, and centered on each client's needs.
We help reduce barriers to quality legal help by offering:
- Free consultations to evaluate your situation without obligation
- Affordable rates and a focus on value for working families
- Virtual and in-person meetings to fit your schedule
- Multilingual attorneys who speak Bosnian, Croatian, and Serbian
- A proven track record with a 90 percent or higher success rate in DUI defense
Many Meridian clients return to us or refer friends and family because of our compassionate approach and practical results. We work hard to earn your trust and guide you through every step of your case.
Contact Our Meridian Multiple DUI Defense Team Today
If you are facing a second DUI in Meridian, getting experienced, supportive legal guidance early can make a significant difference. Our team is ready to help you work toward a positive outcome, understand your options, and move forward with confidence. We offer the choice of confidential in-person or virtual consultations, affordable rates, and a commitment to advocacy without judgment.
Call us at (208) 670-8164 or fill out our online form to speak with a Meridian multiple DUI attorney who will listen and defend your rights.
Why Trust Atkinson Law Office?
What Sets Us Apart
-
Empathetic GuidanceUnderstanding the personal and legal challenges our clients face, we offer empathetic guidance and unwavering support to help them navigate their DUI cases with confidence.
-
Dedicated AdvocacyWe are committed to providing diligent and ethical representation, fighting for the best possible outcomes while maintaining the integrity of the legal profession.
-
Compassionate RepresentationWe genuinely care about our clients' well-being and future, offering compassionate and personalized legal support through every step of their DUI case.
-
Integrity and TransparencyWe uphold the highest standards of honesty and transparency in all our dealings, ensuring our clients are always well-informed and trust in the legal process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can your team really help if I’ve had a DUI before?
Yes, we regularly assist clients with prior DUI convictions. Our board-certified leadership and high success rate demonstrate our ability to handle complex, repeat offense matters. While a second DUI is serious, each case is different, and our honest, thorough evaluation can reveal legal options and defenses tailored to your situation.
How soon do I need to act after my arrest?
Acting quickly is vital. Most people have only about seven days after arrest to request a hearing with the Idaho Transportation Department concerning their driver's license. Criminal court dates, such as initial arraignments, are usually set within a matter of weeks, particularly in Ada County. Reaching out early gives us the best chance to safeguard your options and meet every time-sensitive requirement.
Will I lose my driver’s license after a second DUI?
You may face administrative license suspension by ITD and court-ordered suspension if convicted. However, steps exist to challenge suspension and in some cases, to seek limited driving privileges. We represent clients at every stage, taking care to keep you informed of local DMV and Ada County court procedures and available options based on your case.
Can I meet you virtually or do I have to come to your office?
We provide both in-person and virtual meetings for our clients. Virtual consultations are available for anyone in the Treasure Valley and can be particularly helpful when time or distance is a concern. No matter how you meet with us, you receive attentive, compassionate service.
Will your team understand my background or if English isn’t my first language?
Yes. Our attorneys and staff speak Bosnian, Croatian, and Serbian, and we strive to create a welcoming atmosphere for everyone. Communication is a priority, so you will be understood and supported, regardless of your background or primary language.
-
-
Call Us Today! 208-670-8164