Felony Process in Idaho

 Caviot: This does not include Grand Jury Indictments.

 

What Is a Felony in Idaho?

Under Idaho law, a felony is a crime punishable by more than one year in prison. Felonies include offenses like:

• Aggravated assault or battery

• Drug trafficking

• Attempted strangulation

• Burglary or robbery

• Felony DUI

• Sexual assault

• Homicide

Unlike misdemeanors, felonies can lead to long-term incarceration, large fines, and the loss of civil rights, such as voting and firearm ownership.

---

Stages of the Felony Criminal Process in Idaho

1. Investigation and Arrest

Felony cases often begin with a police investigation or a report from a civilian. Law enforcement may gather evidence, interview witnesses, or obtain a warrant before making an arrest.

Important: You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Exercise both.

2. Initial Appearance

Once arrested, you must be brought before a judge within 24 hours (excluding weekends/holidays). At this hearing:

• Charges are read

• Bail is addressed

• You are informed of your rights

This is not your trial—it's the beginning of the formal court process.

3. Preliminary Hearing

Within 14 days (if you're in custody), the court must hold a preliminary hearing to determine whether there's probable cause to proceed. This is your first opportunity to challenge the State’s evidence.

A skilled Caldwell felony defense lawyer can cross-examine witnesses and potentially weaken or dismantle the State’s case here.

4. Arraignment in District Court

If the case moves forward, you’ll be arraigned in District Court. You’ll enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. If you plead not guilty, your case proceeds toward pretrial motions, hearings, and possibly trial.

5. Discovery and Pretrial Motions

Your defense team will request evidence (called “discovery”), including:

• Police reports

• Body cam footage

• Lab results

• Witness statements

• Expert evaluations

Motions may be filed to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence or dismiss charges for legal defects.

6. Plea Negotiations

Most felony cases in Idaho resolve through a plea agreement. A strong defense attorney will negotiate aggressively to reduce charges or sentencing exposure.

However, if a favorable deal isn’t reached...

7. Trial

Your case may be set for a jury trial in District Court. The prosecution must prove every element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt.

Your defense may challenge:

• Credibility of witnesses

• Constitutional violations

• Chain of custody of evidence

• Motivation of informants or accusers

8. Sentencing

If convicted, sentencing occurs in a separate hearing. Idaho judges consider:

• The seriousness of the offense

• Victim impact statements

• Your prior criminal history (if any)

• Mitigating factors presented by your attorney

Felony sentences can include prison time, probation, restitution, fines, and mandatory programs.

---

Why You Need a Felony Defense Attorney in Idaho

The stakes in felony cases are incredibly high. A conviction can destroy your career, damage your reputation, and strip away your rights.

That’s why it’s critical to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney in Caldwell, Idaho who understands Idaho’s laws, local court procedures, and how to effectively challenge the State’s case at every stage.

---

Protect Your Rights—Call Travis Rice Attorney at Law, PLLC

If you or a loved one is facing a felony charge in Canyon County or anywhere in Idaho, don’t go it alone. At Travis Rice Attorney at Law, PLLC, we provide aggressive, strategic defense for those accused of serious crimes.

We know how prosecutors build their cases—and we know how to take them apart.

The Canyon County Prosecutors Office has a more detailed flow chart of a criminal case. Click here for flow chart