A clear roadmap for the first hours, days, and weeks after an arrest
An arrest can feel like your life is suddenly running on someone else’s schedule—police procedures, court dates, deadlines, and paperwork that may not make sense at first glance. If you or a loved one was arrested in Meridian (or anywhere in Ada County), knowing the typical sequence of events helps you protect your rights, avoid common missteps, and make better decisions early—when the stakes are highest.
Below is a practical, plain-English timeline of what usually happens next in Idaho criminal cases, including a special section on DUI license deadlines that move fast.
Step 1: The arrest, booking, and release conditions
After an arrest, most people go through booking (identity information, fingerprints, photographs, and a record of the alleged offense). Depending on the charge, prior history, and circumstances, you may be:
Release conditions can include “no contact” orders, travel limits, alcohol restrictions, ignition interlock requirements in certain situations, or surrendering firearms (depending on the case). Even if a condition feels unfair, violating it can create new charges or make release harder later. A criminal defense lawyer can often help clarify what conditions actually mean in day-to-day life.
Step 2: First appearance vs. arraignment (why people mix them up)
In Idaho, people often say “arraignment” when they mean “first appearance,” but they are not always the same event.
This distinction matters because the strategy and risks can be different at each stage—especially if there are bail issues, protective orders, or potential immigration/employment consequences.
Step 3: Felony cases—preliminary hearing deadlines can be tight
If you’re charged with a felony in Idaho and the case is not brought by grand jury indictment, you generally have a right to a preliminary hearing. This is a probable-cause hearing where the court decides whether the case should proceed to district court.
A preliminary hearing can be a meaningful checkpoint—sometimes it locks witnesses into testimony early, highlights weak evidence, or informs negotiation strategy. But it can also carry risks (for example, revealing parts of the defense too soon). This is one of those moments where individualized legal advice matters.
Step 4: The district-court arraignment and plea
For felony cases, after an information (or indictment) is filed in district court, the court schedules an arraignment where you’re formally advised of the charge and enter a plea. Idaho rules set time requirements for how quickly arraignment must occur after filing/service.
A plea of “not guilty” doesn’t mean the case is headed for trial automatically—it usually triggers scheduling for disclosure, motions, and pretrial conferences. This is also when your lawyer starts building a defense plan around the evidence, not just the accusation.
Step 5: What happens between arraignment and trial (where cases are often won)
Many people picture “criminal defense” as a dramatic courtroom trial. In reality, a large share of outcomes are shaped before trial through:
If your case involves multiple issues—like a domestic dispute that impacts a business or professional license—coordination matters. That’s one reason many Meridian-area clients seek a firm that can see the whole picture, not just the criminal charge.
A fast-moving DUI issue: the 7-day license deadline (ITD ALS)
In Idaho DUI cases, there are often two separate tracks: the criminal court case and the administrative license suspension (ALS) handled through the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD). The ALS timeline can move quickly, even if your criminal case will take weeks or months.
For a first ALS after a failed evidentiary test, Idaho commonly imposes a 90-day suspension, with the first 30 days typically being “absolute” (no driving), and the remaining period potentially allowing a restricted permit if you qualify. Refusals can carry different—and often harsher—consequences.
If you’re dealing with a DUI arrest in or near Meridian, acting quickly is not just about “getting ahead of the case”—it’s about preserving options that can disappear in a week.
Quick reference table: common milestones after an arrest
| Milestone | What it is | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Booking / release | Processing, bail, and conditions | Violations can trigger new charges or revoke release |
| First appearance | Initial court event; conditions set | Sets the rules you must follow immediately |
| Preliminary hearing (felony) | Probable-cause hearing (unless waived/indicted) | Can expose weaknesses and shape the defense early |
| Arraignment | Plea entered; future dates scheduled | Starts the formal litigation timeline |
| Motions / negotiations | Evidence challenges and resolution discussions | Often determines outcomes without trial |
Local angle: what Meridian-area defendants should keep in mind
Meridian sits in the busiest court corridor in Idaho. That typically means court calendars move, but deadlines still arrive quickly—especially when someone is in custody or a driver’s license is on the line. A few Meridian-specific practical tips:
If you want to learn more about the attorneys you may be working with, you can review our attorneys at Davis & Hoskisson Law Office.
