If you’ve been arrested in or near Nampa, knowing the first 7 days can protect your freedom, your driver’s license, and your future.
An arrest can feel like everything is moving at once: paperwork, court dates, release conditions, and a dozen decisions you didn’t expect to make. This guide lays out a clear, Idaho-specific roadmap—what typically happens, what deadlines matter, and what actions are worth taking early. If you need a criminal defense lawyer in Canyon County or the Treasure Valley, Davis & Hoskisson Law Office can help you evaluate options and reduce the risk of avoidable mistakes.
Step 1: The first hours after arrest (booking, release, and “conditions”)
Idaho arrests generally start with booking (fingerprints/photo), a citation or formal charging document, and either:
Release on your own recognizance (promise to appear),
Bail/bond with conditions, or
Hold until you see a judge (common when there are warrants, certain domestic violence allegations, probation issues, or flight risk concerns).
What matters immediately: preserve your right to remain silent, avoid “explaining your side” on recorded jail calls, and get clarity (in writing if possible) about release conditions—especially no-contact orders, alcohol restrictions, or firearms restrictions.
Step 2: Your first court appearance (what it is—and what it isn’t)
Your first court date is often an initial appearance (or arraignment in some cases). The court confirms identity, advises you of charges and rights, addresses counsel, and sets release conditions and future dates.
Practical tip: even if you plan to fight the charge, your first appearance is not the time for a long narrative. What you say can be used against you later. Your lawyer’s job is to protect your record, your release terms, and your defense strategy from day one.
Step 3: The “two tracks” that confuse most people (court case vs. DMV/ITD actions)
For DUI and certain driving-related arrests, there can be a criminal court case and a separate administrative driver’s license case. These move on different timelines and can create penalties even if the other track is still pending.
Idaho’s fast deadline: if you receive an Administrative License Suspension (ALS) notice after a DUI arrest involving a failed test or refusal, you generally have 7 days to request a hearing to contest the suspension. Missing that deadline can mean the suspension goes into effect automatically. (ITD describes the 7-day hearing request window and outlines the suspension periods for test failure and refusal.)
Idaho criminal case timeline: common milestones (misdemeanor vs. felony)
Every case is different, but most criminal cases in Canyon County follow a familiar sequence.
Note: Timelines can shift based on court congestion, lab turnaround, witness availability, and whether you’re in custody. A local defense lawyer can often spot where time-sensitive opportunities exist (for example, preserving video evidence before it’s deleted).
What “aggressive defense” looks like (without creating bigger problems)
A strong defense is not about being combative for its own sake. It’s about identifying what the State must prove and testing each link in that chain:
Legality of the stop and arrest: Was there reasonable suspicion and probable cause?
Reliability of evidence: Body cam gaps, inconsistent reports, chain-of-custody, lab and instrument issues.
Witness quality: Availability, credibility, and impeachment material.
Negotiation leverage: Clear demands based on law and proof, not wishful thinking.
If your situation overlaps with family conflict, business ownership, or professional licensing concerns, the strategy should account for collateral consequences—protecting your livelihood while defending the charge.
Did you know? Quick Idaho deadline facts that can surprise people
DUI license hearings can be “now or never.” Idaho’s ITD process typically gives you 7 days to request an ALS hearing after service of the notice. Missing it can mean an automatic suspension even while the criminal case is still pending.
Felony preliminary hearings move fast. Under Idaho Criminal Rule 5.1, a felony preliminary hearing must be set within 14 days (in custody) or 21 days (out of custody), unless waived.
A refusal can have separate license consequences. ITD explains that refusal penalties can include longer suspension periods and, in some situations, no restricted privileges.
Local angle: what Nampa and Canyon County defendants should plan for
In Nampa and throughout Canyon County, court obligations, work schedules, and family responsibilities often collide—especially for people commuting to Boise, running small businesses, or co-parenting under stress. A few local realities to plan around:
Transportation planning matters: if you’re facing a DUI-related administrative suspension, the last-minute scramble for rides can affect job performance and compliance.
No-contact or protection orders: if your arrest involves a domestic dispute, a no-contact order can affect where you live, how you parent, and whether you can return to shared property.
Firearms and hunting culture: Idaho’s outdoor culture means firearms rights are a serious concern for many families. If your matter touches weapons restrictions, it’s wise to ask about lawful options and long-term restoration pathways.
For a broader view of where our team works across the region, see our service area pages for Idaho and Eastern Oregon.
Talk to a Boise-area criminal defense lawyer before your next deadline hits
Davis & Hoskisson Law Office represents clients across Idaho and Eastern Oregon. If you were arrested in Nampa or Canyon County, we can help you understand your timeline, protect your rights, and pursue the best path forward.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Outcomes depend on facts, history, and the court.
FAQ: Idaho arrest and criminal defense questions (Nampa-focused)
How soon should I hire a criminal defense lawyer after an arrest?
As soon as you can safely do it—ideally before your first court appearance. Early representation can help with bond conditions, no-contact orders, evidence preservation, and (in DUI cases) the tight administrative license hearing window.
If my DUI criminal case gets dismissed, do I still lose my license?
Possibly. Idaho’s Administrative License Suspension process can move independently of the court case. That’s why the ITD deadline to request a hearing (often 7 days from notice) is so important.
What is a “preliminary hearing” in Idaho felony cases?
It’s a hearing where the State must show probable cause to move a felony complaint forward (unless the case is indicted by a grand jury or the hearing is waived). Idaho Criminal Rule 5.1 sets time limits for when it must be scheduled depending on custody status.
Can I travel or move while my criminal case is pending?
Sometimes, but release conditions may restrict travel, alcohol use, contact with certain people, or possession of firearms. Violating conditions can lead to new charges or jail. Always confirm changes through your attorney or the court—don’t assume informal permission is enough.
Where can I learn more about your attorneys and approach?
You can review attorney backgrounds and the firm’s approach here: Meet Our Attorneys.
Glossary (plain-English definitions)
Administrative License Suspension (ALS): A civil (non-criminal) process that can suspend your driving privileges after a DUI arrest based on test failure or refusal—separate from what happens in court.
Arraignment: A court hearing where charges are formally read and you enter a plea (or a plea is scheduled/entered), and the court may set conditions and future dates.
Discovery: The evidence exchanged in a criminal case (reports, videos, lab results, witness lists, and more).
Motion to suppress: A request asking the court to exclude evidence because it was obtained unlawfully (for example, an illegal stop or unconstitutional search).
Preliminary hearing: In many Idaho felony cases, a hearing in magistrate court where the State must show probable cause to proceed (unless waived or the case is indicted).
