As a trusted DUI Lawyer Boise, Jared W. Sommer of J.Sommer Law has helped thousands of clients navigate DUI arrest in Boise Idaho with clarity and confidence. Here’s what you need to know right now.
1. The Traffic Stop and Arrest
Most DUI cases in Boise begin with a routine traffic stop — sometimes for speeding, swerving, or a broken taillight. Once the officer suspects impairment, they’ll initiate a DUI investigation.
You may be asked to:
- Perform field sobriety tests (e.g., walk-and-turn, horizontal gaze nystagmus)
- Submit to a breathalyzer test
- Answer questions about alcohol or drug use
You are not required to perform field sobriety tests, and you have the right to remain silent. However, refusing a breath test can lead to automatic license suspension under Idaho’s Implied Consent Law.
If the officer believes you’re impaired, they’ll place you under arrest and take you into custody for booking.
2. Booking and Bail
After arrest, you’ll be taken to jail — typically the Ada County Jail — for processing. This includes:
- Fingerprinting and mugshots
- A formal charge: Driving Under the Influence (DUI) under Idaho Code § 18-8004
- Breath, blood, or urine testing (mandatory in most cases)
Depending on the circumstances, you may be released on bail, your own recognizance, or held until arraignment. For first-time DUI offenses, bail is often set within 24 hours.
3. License Suspension (ALS Process)
This is where things get urgent.
In Idaho, a failed breath test or refusal triggers Administrative License Suspension (ALS) — a separate process from the criminal court case. You have only 7 days from the date of arrest to request a hearing with the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD).
If you don’t:
- Your license will be suspended for 90–180 days (1st offense)
- CDL holders face immediate disqualification
- You may need to install an ignition interlock device
A skilled DUI Lawyer Boise like Jared W. Sommer can request the ALS hearing on your behalf and begin building a defense immediately.
4. Your First Court Appearance (Arraignment)
Typically held within 1–2 weeks of arrest, the arraignment is your first formal court appearance in front of a judge. You’ll be:
- Informed of your charges
- Asked to enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest)
- Informed of your rights (to remain silent, to counsel, to a jury trial)
Never plead guilty without consulting an attorney. Jared W. Sommer thoroughly reviews the evidence and helps clients avoid unnecessary convictions or harsh penalties.
5. Pre-Trial and Plea Negotiations
Once your plea is entered, your case enters the pre-trial phase. This is where strategy matters:
- Discovery: Reviewing police reports, body cam footage, lab results
- Motion filing: Suppress evidence, challenge test accuracy, or dismiss charges
- Negotiation: Discussing possible plea deals with the prosecutor
An experienced DUI attorney may be able to reduce charges (e.g., to reckless driving), minimize fines, avoid jail, or secure alternative sentencing like alcohol education classes.
6. Trial and Sentencing (If Applicable)
If no plea deal is reached, your case goes to trial — either in front of a judge or jury. Jared W. Sommer prepares every case as if it will go to trial, ensuring no detail is missed.
If convicted, penalties can include:
- License suspension (up to 1 year)
- Fines (up to $1,000)
- Jail time (up to 6 months)
- Mandatory DUI classes and SR-22 insurance
- Ignition interlock installation
Penalties increase for BAC over 0.20%, minors in the vehicle, or prior DUI convictions.
Why You Need a DUI Lawyer Immediately
Time is everything. From requesting your ALS hearing to preserving key evidence, the actions you take in the first 7 days can shape your outcome. At J.Sommer Law, we provide:
- Rapid case evaluation
- ALS hearing requests and license defense
- Aggressive courtroom representation
- Personal, one-on-one guidance
As the trusted DUI Lawyer Boise clients turn to for real results, Jared W. Sommer combines local insight, proven strategy, and 20+ years of courtroom experience to defend your future.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been arrested for DUI in Boise, don’t panic — but don’t delay either. You have options, but only if you act quickly. Let J.Sommer Law guide you through the Idaho DUI process with confidence and clarity.
Call (208) 440‑8173 or contact us online for a free DUI defense consultation today.
