Driving on Idaho roads requires the complete focus and attention of the drivers. However, there are times when such drivers have their driving impaired because of alcohol or drugs. The law recognizes this as driving under the influence.
Driving under the influence is a severe offense in Idaho. For people caught breaking the law in this way, there are several consequences. However, each penalty differs according to the circumstances surrounding the driver during the arrest.
Unfortunately, most people do not know what to expect when they get pulled over for a DUI check or charged with DUI. In this post, we would be educating you on all you need to know about driving under the influence in Idaho. We will also point out why you need a Boise DUI lawyer.
DUI Laws in Idaho
In Idaho, the law forbids a driver from being in actual physical control of a motor vehicle if:
- The person has a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08%. For commercial drivers, if their BAC is 0.04% or more, they face a DUI charge. On the other hand, underaged drivers have a BAC threshold of 0.02%.
- The person is under the influence of drugs, alcohol, other illegal substances, or a combination of two or three of these.
By “Actual physical control of a vehicle,” we mean the individual is in the driver’s seat while the engine is running or the vehicle is moving. In Idaho, a DUI charge can stay on your record for life or a minimum of 10 years. So, be careful to avoid driving while intoxicated by alcohol and any other substance. Consult Boise DUI lawyers if arrested.
What Happens When You Get Pulled Over at a DUI Checkpoint?
Idaho also calls these checkpoints sobriety checkpoints. You can locate these checkpoints at certain hours of the day that people are likely to be drunk while on the road. Also, you can find them in locations surrounding entertainment venues.
When you get stopped at a sobriety checkpoint, the following will take place:
- The Questioning: Here, the officer would ask you if you had been drinking or not. Boise DUI attorneys advise clients not to affirm or deny if they were drinking before they got behind the wheel.
- The Investigation: If the officer’s suspicion gets stronger that the driver has been drinking, they will carry out further investigations.
- Field Sobriety Tests: These tests physically observe the impairment level of the driver. FSTs include one-leg stand, walk and turn, finger to nose, and reciting the alphabet.
- The Arrest: When the officer confirms that a driver is driving under the influence, they’ll arrest the person. If you face a driving under the influence charge in Idaho, a Boise DUI attorney will come in handy.
Penalties for Driving Under the Influence in Idaho
The assignment of penalties for DUI charges in Idaho depends on various factors. Some of these factors include:
- The number of previous DUI offenses
- Age of the driver
- Was it an aggravated DUI or not?
- Refusal or acceptance to partake in the necessary tests such as blood, breath, urine, and field sobriety tests
Below is the breakdown of DUI penalties according to the number of convictions a driver has had. Punishments include serving jail time, payment of fines, suspension of driver’s license, and use of ignition interlock device (IID).
An IID is a breathalyzer for an individual’s vehicle. This device requires drivers to blow into the equipment to determine the blood alcohol content of the individual. So, if the BAC is more than 0.08%, the individual’s vehicle will not start.
First Time Offenders
Jail Time: Up to six months
Fines: Up to $1,000
Driver’s License Suspension: Between 90 to 180 days
Ignition Interlock Device (IID): One year
Second Time Offenders (Within Ten Years)
Jail Time: Ten days mandatory; up to one year
Fines: Up to $2,000
Driver’s License Suspension: One year mandatory
Ignition Interlock Device (IID): Minimum of one year
Third Time Offenders (Within Ten Years)
Jail Time: 30 days mandatory; up to five years
Fines: Up to $5,000
Driver’s License Suspension: Up to five years
Ignition Interlock Device (IID): Minimum of one year
Get a Free Consultation From Experienced DUI Attorneys at Boise DUI Guy Today!
Time is of great importance when it comes to DUI cases. At Boise DUI Guy, we are here to fight for you. Therefore, when you have a DUI charge, you need an attorney who is willing to fight for your rights aggressively. A skilled Boise DUI lawyer from our law firm would be with you every step of the way. Contact us today for a free case review.