Driving under the influence is treated seriously by the legal system in Idaho. Those who have been arrested and charged with a DUI might want to learn a little bit about DWI law in Burley, ID and what to expect as they go forward. They will want to make sure they speak with a lawyer about their own situation and what could happen.
BAC Limits
In Idaho, drivers cannot have a BAC (blood alcohol content) of .08% or higher while they’re driving. If the motorist is under the age of 21, they cannot have a BAC of .02% or higher. Commercial drivers cannot have a BAC of .04% or higher while they’re operating a commercial vehicle. While these are the minimum legal limits, it is possible to receive a DUI even if the person’s BAC is unknown.
Refusing to Take a BAC Test
The first time a person is accused of drunk driving and refuses to take the BAC test, they could face a one year license suspension and a fine of up to $250. This is separate from any penalties they might face if they’re convicted. In some cases, the arrested person can have an IID (interlock ignition device) added to their vehicle and receive permission for restricted driving.
Penalties for First Offense
If someone is convicted of their first DUI, they face up to six months in jail, fines of up to $1,000 and a license suspension of up to 180 days. If they are convicted of a DUI after this, their potential penalties increase. Potential penalties may be more serious if the person caused an accident or if they had a child in the vehicle at the time. The arrested person can work with a lawyer to attempt to minimize these penalties or to plead to a lesser offense, so they aren’t facing the same penalties.
Understanding DWI law in Burley, ID and how it can impact your situation is vital if you’ve been arrested and charged with a DUI. Take the time to speak with a lawyer today to learn more about what penalties you’re facing and how they can help you. Find more information here to get the help you need today.
