Fast deadlines. High stakes. A clear plan helps.
An arrest can trigger multiple legal “tracks” at the same time—criminal court dates, possible no-contact orders, and (for DUI) an administrative driver’s license suspension that moves on a much shorter timeline than most people expect. For many clients in Caldwell and throughout Canyon County, the most practical goal in the first week is simple: protect your rights, preserve evidence, and stop small mistakes from turning into long-term consequences.
Below is a plain-English guide to what a criminal defense lawyer typically focuses on during the first seven days, what you can do (and avoid doing), and when it’s smart to coordinate legal strategy across related issues like family law, business ownership, or firearm rights.
Why “the first 7 days” matters in Idaho criminal cases
The first week after an arrest is when:
• Court conditions may be set (bond, no-contact, alcohol monitoring, travel limits).
• Evidence can be lost (surveillance video overwrites, witnesses disappear, phone records age out).
• Statements you make to police, employers, or family can be used against you later.
• DUI cases can trigger separate DMV/ITD deadlines that do not wait for your criminal court date.
A good early approach is less about “fighting the whole case” immediately and more about stabilizing the situation, getting accurate information, and controlling what can be controlled.
What your defense lawyer is doing (behind the scenes)
In most Caldwell-area cases, early defense work usually includes:
• Getting the paperwork: citation, probable cause affidavit, bond paperwork, and any court orders.
• Assessing exposure: what you’re charged with now vs. what could be added later.
• Preserving evidence: requesting body cam, dispatch logs, jail calls, and nearby business camera footage before it’s overwritten.
• Identifying defenses early: illegal stop, unlawful search, improper questioning, mistaken identity, self-defense, unreliable witness statements, or forensic issues.
• Messaging and “do not contact” guidance: preventing well-meaning texts/calls from becoming new charges or bond violations.
What you should do right away (client checklist)
These steps help your lawyer help you:
• Write down a timeline while it’s fresh (times, locations, names, what you saw/heard).
• Save evidence: screenshots, receipts, photos, call logs (don’t edit or “clean up” anything).
• Identify witnesses and how to reach them.
• Comply with release conditions exactly (including no-contact orders and alcohol restrictions).
• Avoid social media posts or comments about the incident.
Practical warning: In many cases, the easiest way to make a case worse is a new allegation after release—especially contact that violates a court order.
DUI cases: the “two-track” problem (court case vs. license case)
If your arrest involved DUI, you may be dealing with both:
| Track | Who runs it? | What’s at stake? | Why it matters in week one |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal case | Prosecutor & court | Conviction, fines, jail, probation, criminal record | Your first court dates and conditions are set quickly |
| Administrative License Suspension (ALS) | Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) | Driving privileges (separate from the criminal case) | A hearing request deadline can be as short as 7 days |
Idaho’s ITD guidance states that if you take and fail an evidentiary test, you may be issued a temporary permit valid for 30 days and you have the opportunity to request an administrative hearing within seven days of arrest to contest the seizure/suspension. (itd.idaho.gov)
Why a DUI defense lawyer moves fast: Preserving video, checking implied-consent advisements, reviewing test procedures, and meeting ITD deadlines are time-sensitive. Waiting “until the court date” can cost you options.
If you need DUI-specific help, you can read more about Davis & Hoskisson Law Office’s approach here:
Domestic disputes and protection orders: what Caldwell residents should know
Domestic-related allegations can create overlapping legal problems: criminal charges, civil protection orders, and family-court issues involving custody exchanges or parenting time. If a protection order is involved, it’s crucial to follow it precisely—even “friendly” contact can create new legal exposure.
In Canyon County, information from county sources indicates petitions for a civil protection order are handled at the Canyon County Courthouse in Caldwell, and a judge may issue a temporary order and set a hearing within about 14 days to determine whether to issue a longer order. (canyoncounty.id.gov)
Idaho’s Council on Domestic Violence and Victim Assistance notes that protection orders may be obtained at no cost, petitions are available from the clerk of court in the relevant county, and online filing options may be available through the state court self-help site. (icdv.idaho.gov)
If your criminal case is connected to family law concerns (custody, divorce, support), coordinating strategy matters. Learn more about the firm’s family law services here:
And if divorce is part of the situation:
Record shielding vs. expungement in Idaho (and why language matters)
Many people search for “expungement,” but Idaho’s options are narrower than in many states. One important development is Idaho’s Clean Slate Act, which the Idaho Judicial Branch describes as a process to request that eligible records be shielded from public disclosure after at least five years since completion of sentence terms (including probation/parole and financial obligations), with limits on how many offenses can be shielded. (isc.idaho.gov)
In a criminal defense consultation, it’s common to discuss:
• Whether you’re focused on avoiding a conviction, reducing charges, or minimizing long-term public record impact
• Whether a negotiated resolution could preserve licensing/employment options
• What relief might be available later (and what is not)
For a broader view of defense representation, visit:
Did you know? Quick facts that surprise many Idaho clients
A DUI can affect your license fast
ITD guidance describes a 7-day window to request an administrative hearing after certain DUI testing outcomes. (itd.idaho.gov)
Protection orders can be no-cost
Idaho resources state that domestic violence protection orders may be available at no cost and without an attorney. (icdv.idaho.gov)
Idaho offers “record shielding”
The Clean Slate Act is described as shielding eligible records from public disclosure, not destroying them. (isc.idaho.gov)
Step-by-step: a practical first-week plan after an arrest
Step 1: Confirm the exact charge(s) and court
Charges can be misread or misunderstood early. Your lawyer will confirm what has actually been filed and which court is handling the matter (especially if an incident touches multiple counties).
Step 2: Comply with conditions—no improvising
If a court order says “no contact,” it means no contact—no “quick apology text,” no sending messages through friends, and no commenting online. If the terms are unclear, your attorney can help request clarification or modification through the proper process.
Step 3: Lock down evidence before it disappears
Video is often overwritten within days. Your lawyer may send preservation letters and request records to secure footage, audio, and digital data.
Step 4: Map collateral consequences (work, business, custody, firearms)
For clients like business owners or professionals, the “hidden” consequences can be as serious as the direct penalties—license issues, travel restrictions, reputational harm, and family-court implications. A coordinated strategy may also involve business law, civil litigation, or family law planning.
Step 5: Decide on a communication strategy
Your lawyer can advise how to handle employer notifications, professional licensing questions, and family communications—without creating new evidence for the prosecution.
Local angle: Caldwell & Canyon County considerations
In Caldwell, many legal processes run through Canyon County offices and the courthouse. If your situation involves a civil protection order, county information identifies the Canyon County Courthouse in Caldwell as the place where petitions are handled and provides timing guidance for submitting paperwork. (canyoncounty.id.gov)
If you live in Caldwell but work in Boise (or travel across Idaho and Eastern Oregon), early planning becomes even more important—especially where driving privileges, professional licensing, or multi-county court appearances are involved. If you’re unsure whether your matter is being handled in Canyon County, Ada County, or another venue, your attorney can confirm jurisdiction quickly.
See the firm’s service area pages here:
Talk with Davis & Hoskisson Law Office about next steps
If you were arrested in Caldwell or anywhere in Canyon County, getting legal guidance early can help you protect your rights, meet fast-moving deadlines, and avoid avoidable violations.
Prefer to learn about the attorneys first? Meet the team.
FAQ: Criminal defense in Caldwell, Idaho
Do I have to talk to police if they call me after my arrest?
You can politely decline and ask to have your attorney present. Post-arrest “follow-up” conversations can create damaging statements even when you’re trying to be helpful.
How fast do I need to act after a DUI arrest in Idaho?
Potentially within days. Idaho Transportation Department guidance indicates you may have seven days to request an administrative hearing to contest license seizure/suspension in certain DUI scenarios. (itd.idaho.gov)
If there’s a no-contact order, can I still talk about parenting schedules?
Not without following the order’s terms. Some orders allow limited contact through counsel or specific channels; others do not. Ask your lawyer to review the exact wording and, if appropriate, request a modification through court.
Are protection orders in Idaho expensive to file?
Idaho resources state domestic violence protection orders may be obtained at no cost, and petitions are available through county clerks and state self-help resources. (icdv.idaho.gov)
Can an Idaho criminal record be “expunged”?
Idaho has limited expungement options, and a separate concept called “shielding” under the Clean Slate Act. The Idaho Judicial Branch describes shielding as preventing eligible records from public disclosure rather than destroying them. (isc.idaho.gov)
Glossary (plain-English definitions)
Administrative License Suspension (ALS): A driver’s license suspension handled through the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) that is separate from the criminal DUI case.
No-Contact Order: A court order that prohibits direct or indirect contact with a protected person (even if the protected person wants contact).
Protection Order: A civil court order intended to prevent threats or violence and restrict contact; temporary orders may be issued quickly, followed by a hearing. (canyoncounty.id.gov)
Probable Cause: The legal standard police use to justify certain actions (like an arrest). Challenges to probable cause can affect whether evidence can be used.
Shielding (Clean Slate): A process described by the Idaho Judicial Branch that can prevent certain eligible records from being publicly accessible (without destroying the record). (isc.idaho.gov)
