Idaho Aggravated DUI Laws

Driving under the influence (DUI) charges are harshly penalized in Idaho, and Idaho aggravated DUI laws can carry even more severe consequences, including a felony charge on your record. If an individual driving under the influence causes death or harm to another person, the DUI case becomes more complex and harder to fight without the help of an experienced DUI attorney.

At Trilogy Law Group, our skilled lawyers handle complex DUI cases, and we’ve managed countless aggravated DUI cases over the years. 

Our extensive experience empowers us to build stronger cases and advocate for our clients by tailoring our tested strategies to their unique charges. If you’re ready to learn more about Idaho aggravated DUI laws or ready to fight your own aggravated DUI charge, we’re here to help.

What Is Aggravated DUI?

Idaho defines DUI charges based on the amount of alcohol within an individual’s system, known as their blood alcohol content (BAC). Your BAC can be measured using a breathalyzer or by sending a sample of your blood to a lab for review. Should your BAC be 0.08 percent or over while you’re driving, you may be charged with a DUI. 

An aggravated DUI occurs when property damages, injuries to another person, or death occur at the hands of the impaired individual. Most commonly, these charges apply to car accidents caused by an impaired driver. These charges grow even more severe when the death of another person is caused by the driver while under the influence.

Aggravated DUIs are among the most serious DUI charges and are treated as felonies. They carry severe consequences that can permanently shape the rest of the impaired driver’s life without the help of a skilled and strategic lawyer.

Penalties for Aggravated DUI in Idaho

Aggravated DUIs are treated as felonies instead of misdemeanors. The penalties a felony carries are more severe and include prison time. Some punishments for a felony aggravated DUI include:

• Prison – If you’re convicted of an aggravated DUI, you may face up to fifteen years in an Idaho prison.
• Fines – DUI convictions can be expensive. You may face fines of up to $5,000.
• Drivers License Suspension – If you’ve been convicted of an aggravated DUI, you may lose your license for a long time. You face up to five years of absolute suspension, with no limited license privileges available.
• Restitution – If there was an accident or injury, the injured party may seek recompense for any injury or property damage caused. This money may come out of your pocket if you’re convicted. 
• Mandatory Ignition Interlock Device – If you’re convicted, you may face up to five years where an ignition interlock device must be installed in the individual’s vehicle when their driving privileges are reinstated

Skilled defense attorneys who handle DUIs have a variety of strategies for beating this charge. That may include your attorney successfully convincing the judge to dismiss the charge because of weak evidence or mishandling by the arresting officer.  

In other cases, the attorney can compel the judge to offer a lighter sentence, partnering with a lawyer for your case gives you a far better chance as you fight for your future in the courtroom. Talk to your lawyer about your top options for overcoming these charges.