Best Boise Criminal Lawyers and Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys

If you or a loved one are facing criminal prosecution in Boise, having an experienced defense attorney is crucial. Navigating the complexities of Idaho’s criminal justice system alone against seasoned prosecutors is extremely unwise. Just one conviction could derail your life with devastating penalties.

This guide covers Boise’s top criminal defense lawyers. We’ll provide an overview of when you need legal counsel, potential defenses, key Idaho laws and penalties, and most importantly – what sets certain litigators apart. Our goal is to give you the information to make the best decision possible if you are charged with a crime in Boise. An accomplished lawyer’s skills, resources and record of positive case results could make all the difference.

When Should You Hire a Boise Criminal Lawyer?

Any time you are questioned, arrested or charged with a crime in Boise, it’s critical to immediately consult an attorney. Situations requiring legal help include:

• You are contacted by police or prosecutors regarding an investigation
• You are arrested and jailed, even if no charges yet
• Officers attempt to interrogate you about alleged crimes
• Your property or electronic devices are searched
• You are accused of probation or parole violations
• There is a warrant issued for your arrest
• You are facing DUI, domestic violence, or assault charges
• You are charged with any federal offense

Never try handling criminal cases alone without experienced legal counsel. The stakes are too high.

What Legal Defenses Could Potentially Apply?

Skilled criminal defense attorneys thoroughly examine cases to pursue effective defenses based on the specifics. Potential defenses include:

False Accusations and Mistaken Identity

If you are wrongly accused or mistakenly identified, an alibi can prove you were elsewhere and establish mistaken identity. Alibis require solid documentation and witness corroboration.

Illegal Search and Seizure

If police lacked valid warrants and probable cause, evidence obtained illegally may possibly be suppressed.

Self-Defense

Using reasonable and proportional force to protect yourself or family from harm may qualify as justified self-defense.

Diminished Mental Capacity

Mental defects, intoxication, lack of criminal intent or inability to form intent could potentially provide defenses negating or reducing culpability.

Entrapment

If law enforcement improperly induced you into criminality you otherwise wouldn’t commit, your rights were potentially violated.

Insufficient Evidence

Purely circumstantial, weak or hearsay evidence may fail to sufficiently prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

A skilled lawyer will pursue every avenue to build the strongest possible defense.

Overview of Idaho Criminal Laws and Penalties

Potential sentences if convicted of a crime in Idaho include:

Theft (Idaho Code 18-2403)

• Petit theft under $1,000 – Misdemeanor, up to 1 year jail, $1,000 fine
• Grand theft over $1,000 – Felony, up to 14 years prison, $5,000 fine
• Grand theft over $10,000 – Felony, up to 14 years prison, $50,000 fine

Penalties increase for repeat offenses, stealing firearms, or theft by extortion.

Burglary (Idaho Code 18-1401)

• Burglary – Felony, 1-10 years prison
• Aggravated burglary with weapon – Felony, 5 years-life imprisonment

Illegal entry with intent to commit theft or felony escalates charges significantly.

Assault and Battery (Idaho Code 18-901)

• Simple assault or battery – Misdemeanor, 6 months jail, $1,000 fine
• Aggravated assault – Felony, 5 years prison, $50,000 fine
• Aggravated battery – Felony, up to 15 years prison, $50,000 fine

Injury caused or use of deadly weapon enhances charges to felony status.

Drug Charges (Title 37, Chapter 27)

• Marijuana possession – Misdemeanor, up to 1 year jail
• Cocaine possession – Felony, up to 7 years prison
• Meth possession – Felony, up to 7 years prison
• Manufacturing/trafficking – Felony, up to life imprisonment

Penalties based on drug amounts and intent to manufacture or deliver.

DUIs (Idaho Code 18-8004)

• 1st DUI – Misdemeanor, up to 6 months jail, $1,000 fine
• 2nd DUI within 10 years – Misdemeanor, up to 1 year jail, $2,000 fine
• 3rd DUI within 10 years – Felony, up to 10 years prison, $5,000 fine
• Vehicular manslaughter DUI – Felony, up to 15 years prison

Penalties escalate for injuries/deaths and elevated BAC levels.

Sex Crimes (Title 18, Chapter 61)

• Lewd conduct with minor – Felony, up to life in prison
• Sexual abuse/battery – Felony, 1 year-life imprisonment
• Rape – Felony, 1 year-life imprisonment
• Sexual exploitation – Felony, up to 30 years prison

Lifetime sex offender registration required upon conviction.

These serious penalties demonstrate the need for an experienced attorney’s defense. Now let’s examine Boise’s top criminal lawyers.

Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Boise, Idaho

Kevin Rogers

With over 20 years of criminal law experience, Kevin Rogers is known as a passionate courtroom litigator who fights aggressively for his clients. He represents citizens facing charges from marijuana possession and DUI to domestic violence, violent assaults, sex crimes, gang crimes, and homicide.

Attorney Rogers is respected for his strong trial advocacy and litigation skills. He knows how to effectively negotiate with prosecutors by identifying flaws in their case. Rogers has successfully defended many complex, high-profile cases in Boise courts through suppression motions, procedural maneuvers and trial if necessary. Former clients compliment his responsiveness.

Amanda Fields

As a former Ada County prosecutor, Amanda Fields leverages her background prosecuting crimes locally to now defend individuals facing state charges. Her experience includes cases involving charges of domestic violence, DUIs, drug crimes, juvenile offenses, theft, and serious violent felonies.

Attorney Fields is acclaimed for her meticulous case preparation and relentless pursuit of the best possible outcome for clients through legal and procedural motions. She has successfully achieved many case dismissals, acquittals, charge reductions and favorable plea deals for clients other attorneys turned down.

Jonathan Loschi

Jonathan Loschi is an aggressive defense lawyer respected for his strong litigation skills representing people facing local, state and federal criminal prosecution in Boise. His experience includes cases involving charges of assault, gang crimes, drug offenses ranging from possession to trafficking, violent robberies, weapons charges, white collar financial crimes, and homicide.

Over his 25+ year legal career, Loschi has tried over 150 criminal jury trials. No case is too complex for him to handle. Attorney Loschi is often appointed by the court to represent indigent defendants in high-profile cases. Past clients compliment his direct communication style and constant contact.

Debra Groberg

Located in Meridian, attorney Debra Groberg represents youth and adults facing misdemeanor and felony charges in Boise area courts. Her practice focuses on charges involving DUI, domestic violence, drug crimes, thefts, probation/parole violations and juvenile offenses.

Groberg is known for her compassionate approach to clients dealing with difficult legal situations. She provides personalized attention and regular communication to each client while aggressively defending their rights both in and out of court. Her record of dismissals, acquittals and reasonable plea deals speaks to her litigation skills.

Andrew King

Andrew King is an accomplished federal criminal defense lawyer representing clients facing prosecution in Idaho’s federal court. With over 30 years of experience, he defends complex federal cases involving charges of white collar financial crimes, drug trafficking, child pornography, bribery, tax evasion, public corruption and federal conspiracy.

Attorney King is highly respected among the Idaho legal community. He serves on federal court committees shaping local criminal justice policy and procedures. King has successfully defended numerous high-stakes federal criminal jury trials. His strong negotiation skills favorably resolve most cases pre-trial.

How to Select the Best Boise Criminal Defense Lawyer

When choosing a criminal defense lawyer, keep these tips in mind:

• Look for extensive criminal law expertise focused specifically on defending your charges. Avoid dabbling lawyers.
• Verify excellent case results like dismissals, acquittals and charge reductions as proof of skills.
• Make sure lawyers have great reputations and respect among local judges and fellow attorneys.
• Meet with lawyers before retaining to assess communication styles and discuss defense options realistically.
• Compare past client reviews on Google, Facebook, Avvo and other sites.
• Ask about access to resources like investigators, forensic experts and research support.
• For federal charges, prioritize lawyers with experience handling those specifically.

Take time to thoroughly research all options – your future is at stake. Vet each one carefully. The right lawyer makes all the difference.

Conclusion

If you are facing criminal prosecution in Boise, the prospect of harsh sentences if convicted makes legal representation essential. Handling these cases alone against experienced prosecutors is extremely unwise.

The elite Boise criminal defense attorneys we covered have the skills, resources and record of positive case results to build the strongest case on your behalf. For the best chance at dismissing charges or avoiding convictions and stiff sentences, hire one of these experts.

Don’t take chances with your future and livelihood. Let one of Boise’s top criminal lawyers stand between you and devastating penalties. That commitment to protecting client futures above all else – that is what separates the best attorneys.