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Idaho Domestic Violence Law

Idaho Domestic Violence Defense

What you're facing under 18-918, how the penalties scale, and the questions your attorney needs to answer, specific to Idaho (ID) domestic violence law.

Offense Class

Misdemeanor (no traumatic injury); Felony (traumatic injury)

Maximum Penalty

6 months (first misdemeanor); 1 year (second misdemeanor); 10 years (felony with traumatic injury)

Maximum Fine

$1,000 (first misdemeanor); $2,000 (second misdemeanor); $10,000 (felony)

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Federal Firearms Prohibition (Lautenberg Amendment)

A conviction for misdemeanor domestic violence in Idaho carries a federalfirearms-possession ban under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(9). This consequence is collateral to Idaho state penalties and applies regardless of the state sentence imposed.

Penalty Range in Idaho

Statute18-918 — Domestic Violence
Minimum Penalty
Maximum Penalty6 months (first misdemeanor); 1 year (second misdemeanor); 10 years (felony with traumatic injury)
Maximum Fine$1,000 (first misdemeanor); $2,000 (second misdemeanor); $10,000 (felony)

Charge Enhancements

These factors can elevate the charge or penalty in Idaho:

  • Traumatic injury: felony, up to 10 years — I.C. § 18-918(2)
  • Prior domestic violence conviction: enhanced misdemeanor penalties
  • In the presence of a child: maximum penalties doubled — I.C. § 18-918(4)
  • Attempted strangulation: separate felony up to 15 years — I.C. § 18-923

Idaho-Specific Detail

Idaho's domestic violence statute (I.C. § 18-918) covers both assault and battery against household members. Traumatic injury elevates to felony. Penalties are doubled when committed in the presence of a child under 16. Attempted strangulation is a separate, more serious felony.

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Important: This page provides legal INFORMATION about Idaho domestic violence law as of the date of publication. Laws change frequently. This is not legal advice. The analysis draws on methods developed by defense attorneys, applied to public data. Your attorney remains the final authority on defense direction.