Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Meridian

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Meridian, Idaho?

  Contact 208-888-6678 for the Meridian Police Department.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Meridian, Idaho?

  File your incident requests at the Public Records Page of www.meridiancity.org. For any concerns, call the Clerk's Office at 208-888-4433 or visit the station at 1401 E. Watertower St. during regular business hours.

• Should you get a public defender or a private lawyer in Meridian?

  If you cannot afford a private lawyer, get a public defender. Bear in mind that public defenders usually have a lot of caseloads and do not have the time to dedicate their services to each client fully. You may check out the public defender for Meridian at the Ada County Public Defender's Office situated at 200 West Front Street, Suite 1107, or call (208) 287-7400.

• What happens if you do not complete the terms of a probation sentence in Meridian?

  The prosecuting attorney will file a probation violation motion in Meridian, after which a warrant for your arrest will most likely be issued. If you plead or are found guilty of violating probation, the remainder of your sentence that was suspended will be imposed, including additional penalties such as fines and incarceration.

• How can the Rule 11 Plea Agreement be beneficial to a defendant in Meridian?

  One of the benefits of Rule 11 Plea Agreement to a defendant in Meridian is having the ability to negotiate a sentence without the risk of getting a more severe sentence after admitting to a crime. Additionally, a defendant can withdraw a guilty plea and proceed to trial if the sentence is not what was agreed upon during the deal.

• Can you be charged with DUI in Meridian for riding electric scooters such as Bird, Spin, and Lime?

  Probably not. In order to be charged with a DUI in Meridian, you have to be driving a motor vehicle. By state law, electric scooters are not considered motor vehicles. Additionally, the ITD does not require electric scooters to have titling and registration requirements, which most likely will not lead to a DUI charge.

• What does obstruction of justice mean in a criminal defense case in Meridian?

  Providing false information, fraudulently reporting a crime, and tampering with witnesses are types of obstruction of justice in a criminal defense case in Meridian. Resisting arrest is also a type of obstruction of justice This crime ranges in severity and can be punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and imprisonment in the county jail of up to a year.

• What does a criminal defense lawyer do?

  Criminal defense attorneys provide help to those facing misdemeanor or felony criminal charges. The attorney will research the circumstances surrounding the charge and investigate the case on behalf of the client. This may involve talking to police, interviewing witnesses, determining a plea, and assessing possible sentences. With this information, the defense attorney can negotiate plea deals or navigate a court case on behalf of the client. In some cases, the attorney may get a case dismissed entirely, a reduction in bail or jail time, or probation or community service instead of prison.

• How do I know if I need a criminal attorney?

  Any criminal charge that could result in a prison sentence requires the help of a criminal defense lawyer. This applies to both misdemeanor and felony charges, including:

  Misdemeanors

  • Petty theft
  • Public intoxication
  • Simple assault
  • Disorderly conduct
  • Vandalism
  • Reckless driving

  Felonies

  • Murder
  • Rape
  • Kidnapping
  • Aggravated assault
  • Specific types of fraud
  • Possession of certain types of drugs

• What steps should I take after being charged with a crime?

  The first thing to do after being charged with a crime is to contact a criminal defense attorney. It is best to hire a defense attorney as soon as possible after being released from arrest, and before an arraignment takes place. The attorney will explain charges in detail, and possible consequences, to help you decide whether a plea deal or a jury trial is the best option. Most attorneys offer free consultations to discuss the circumstances of a criminal case and how they're able to assist. Speaking with a number of defense attorneys before hiring one can increase the likelihood of finding the right fit, and getting the best defense possible.

• What if I can’t afford a criminal defense lawyer?

  All Americans are afforded the right to hire an attorney to act as a defense in a legal case. However, not everyone can afford one. If an attorney isn’t in a defendant’s budget, and the defendant’s income meets designated state or local thresholds, the court system will provide a public defender. This attorney usually works on cases pro bono or without any fees paid by the defendant. Many public defenders have a high caseload, which can limit the amount of time they are able to devote to each case. In most situations, hiring a dedicated criminal defense lawyer ensures the best outcome. This is particularly true in more serious felony cases that can result in a significant prison sentence without the involvement of a skilled, experienced defense attorney.

• Why hire a criminal defense attorney?

  Working with a criminal defense attorney is the best way to minimize the ramifications of committing or being accused of a crime. Criminal attorneys thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding a case to prove innocence or inspire reasonable doubt in a jury. Criminal defense lawyers also are better prepared to negotiate with the prosecutors. Due to the high cost and logistics involved with taking a case to trial, many prosecutors are willing to reduce sentences in exchange for avoiding a jury trial. An experienced criminal attorney understands what would be a reasonable deal for a specific criminal charge, and will negotiate it on behalf of the defendant.

• Are legal fees for criminal defense tax deductible?

  Whether legal fees from a criminal case can be deducted on a tax return depends on the circumstances. If criminal charges pertain to activities related to a trade or business, attorney fees can be deducted on a business tax return, as they are considered an expense associated with the normal course of business. However, personal legal fees cannot be deducted.