Brian Donesley

Brian Donesley

4.8
Rating: 9.9

Licensed for 47 years

Family Lawyer at Boise, ID
Practice Areas: Family, DUI & DWI, Criminal Defense, Divorce & Separation

802 W Bannock St Ste Lp106, Boise, ID

About Brian

Biography

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 25%

Misdemeanors. Felonies. Juvenile Cases. DUI. DWP. Domestic Violence. Drug Cases. Theft Charges. Assault/Battery. Probation Violations. No Contact Orders. Bond Reductions.

47 years | 300 cases

25%
DUI and DWI 25%

Misdemeanor. Excessive DUI. Aggravated DUI. Felony DUI. Probation Violations. Injuries.

47 years | 100 cases

25%
Family 25%

Divorce. Custody. Modifications. Child Support. Guardianships. Conservatorships. Adoptions. Pre-Nuptial Agreements.

47 years | 300 cases

25%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 15 minutes

Contingency

25%-45%

Retainer

Sometimes


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Licenses

Licensed in Idaho for 47 years

State: Idaho

Acquired: 1978

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in Washington for 21 years

State: Washington

Acquired: 2004

Retired

No misconduct found

Location

Brian Donesley, Attorney

802 W Bannock St Ste Lp106, Boise, ID, 83702-5837

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Brian Donesley's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.8 /5.0

23 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (23) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 reviews | Criminal Defense

Posted by anonymous | December 14, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Wasn't sure if he was on my side or the state's

I honestly didn't know if he was on my side or the state's. Was extremely adverse towards me and genuinely didn't believe anything I had to say. He genuinely was not advocating for me. After changing attorneys, the person who had actually attacked myself and my family made a victim impact statem...ent in which they confessed to aggravated assault (in which I had acted in self-defense)... I'm looking back and considering having the verdict reversed due to manifest injustice now given his misconduct. It's really just a question of how much justice I can afford.

Posted by Caleb | October 26, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Felony DUI

Brian represented me on my felony DUI case back in 2016. From the beginning he was transparent and realistic about my options and possible outcomes. He was able to get me a withheld judgement on my 3rd offense and zero jail time. I couldn't be more pleased with the out come. The only thing I'm upset ...about is the fact that I didnt get positive review of.him in after the case was settled... Better late than never I suppose! Thanks Brian!

Posted by Jeremy | April 28, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Great

I did my homework when looking to hire an attorney and I’m glad I did. I found that Brian was Stanford and U of I educated. Had a 40 year track record of success and was an expert of the law specifically dealing with alcohol related issues. I had a DUI case that was 11 years old due to work issues an...d moving around the country. Anyways upon return to Idaho I knew I would have to handle this and began seeking out an attorney. I hired Brian and he was able to get my 11 year old court case reduced down to reckless driving. I would recommend Brian to anyone needing a skilled attorney. I couldn’t be happier.

See All Client Reviews

Brian Donesley's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Brian
Scott Ross Learned headshot
Scott Learned

Family lawyer | Apr 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Brian is a hard-working, experienced attorney. He is well-respected, and I often refer friends and clients to him."

Michael R. Johnson headshot
Michael Johnson

General practice lawyer | Nov 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Brian is a zealous and spirited advocate for his clients and is vested in achieving the best possible result for each of them. He is highly knowledgeable, professional and well-respected in the legal community. I endorse Brian without hesitation."

Ronald Robert Shepherd headshot
Ronald Shepherd

Family lawyer | Sep 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Brian is a very professional, competent attorney. I have had occasion to work with him on the other side of a couple of cases now. I gladly endorse him."

Michael C. Larsen headshot
Michael Larsen

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Brian is an excellent attorney. He has many years of experience and knows everybody in the Boise legal community. Brian is very intelligent, honest and has a tremendous work ethic. I highly recommend Brian for any criminal or DUI case."

Lauren E. McConnell headshot
Lauren McConnell

Employment and labor lawyer | Jun 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Brian has a great deal of experience and a deep understanding of labor and administrative law. He is passionate in his advocacy because he truly enjoys is work. I highly recommend him."

View All Endorsements
Michael R. Johnson headshot
Michael Johnson

Family lawyer

Ronald Robert Shepherd headshot
Ronald Shepherd

Family lawyer

Lauren E. McConnell headshot
Lauren McConnell

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.9 (Superb)

Honors

2024

Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell

2016

BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2015

BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2014

BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2013

BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2012

BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

N/A

Sky League Football MVP, Culver City High School

N/A

Sky League Batting Champion, Culver City High School

N/A

All CIF Football Selection, California Southern Section

N/A

Varsity Football, Baseball and Rugby, Stanford University

N/A

Idaho State Senator, District 16, Boise, 1989-93

Work Experience

1987 - Present

Owner, Brian Donesley, Attorney

2004 - 2006

General Counsel, Shoshone-Paiute Nation, Owyhee, NV

1989 - 1993

Senator, Idaho State Senate

1981 - 1987

Alcohol Beverage Chief, Idaho State Police

1979 - 1987

Chief Legal Counsel, Idaho State Police

1978 - 1979

Associate, Nick Chenoweth, Attorney

Associations

2013 - Present

Idaho State Bar, Family Law Section

Member

2013 - Present

Idaho State Bar, Employment and Labor Law Section

Member

2012 - Present

National Association of Alcoholic Beverage Licensing Attorneys

Member

2009 - Present

Idaho Licensed Beverage Association

Member

2006 - Present

Idaho State Bar, Lawyer Assistance Program Committee

Executive Committee Member

1988 - Present

Idaho Trial Lawyers Association

Member

1978 - Present

Idaho State Bar

Attorney Member

2009 - 2010

Idaho Licensed Beverage Association

Legal Counsel

1990 - 1992

National Conference of State Legislatures

Executive Committee

1980 - 1989

Idaho State Bar Fee Arbitration Committee

Executive Committee Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Fuchs v. Idaho State Police, Alcohol Beverage Control, 279 P.3d 100, 153 Idaho 114 (Idaho 2012)

Fuchs v. State, Dept. of Idaho State Police, Bureau of Alcohol Beverage Control, 272 P.3d 1257, 152 Idaho 626 (Idaho 2012)

Lang v. Ustick Dental Office, P.A., 817 P.2d 1069, 120 Idaho 545 (Idaho 1991)

Ray v. Nampa School Dist. 131, 814 P.2d 17, 120 Idaho 117 (Idaho 1991)

Sheets v. Idaho Dept. of Health and Welfare, 753 P.2d 1257, 114 Idaho 111 (Idaho 1988)

Bissett v. State, 727 P.2d 1293, 111 Idaho 865 (Idaho App. 1986)

State, Dept. of Law Enforcement v. Engberg, 708 P.2d 935, 109 Idaho 530 (Idaho App. 1985)

Henson v. Department of Law Enforcement, 684 P.2d 996, 107 Idaho 19 (Idaho 1984)

Shoshone-Paiute Tribes of Duck Valley Indian Reservation v. United states, 889 F.Supp. 1292 (D.Idaho 1995)

See More Legal Cases

Education

1985

National Institute of Trial Advocacy

Certificate of Completion

1982

FBI Legal Advisor Academy, Quantico, VA

Certificate of Completion

1978

University of Idaho College of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1970

Stanford University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Languages

English

French

Activity

Avvo Rating

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What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution