Licensed for 26 years

State ID

Acquired 1997

Status
Active No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

James Keith Ball

Criminal defense Attorney at Boise, ID

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Simply the Best

Good Lawyer - When you want someone who knows what they are doing

About James

Learn James’s areas of practice.

Practice areas

Criminal defense

80%

All federal and State crimes

26 years, 5,000 cases
Appeals

5%

Argue cases in the Idaho Court of Appeals, Idaho Supreme Court and 9th Circuit of Appeals.

26 years, 25 cases
DUI and DWI

5%

Specialize in all Breath and Blood defense

26 years, 1,000 cases
Federal crime

5%

Handle complex Drug Conspiracies, Tax Fraud, Sex Crimes and Fraud.

26 years, 100 cases
Juvenile law

5%

All State and Federal Juvenile crimes.

26 years, 500 cases

I have been practicing state and federal law for over 20 years. I am a former Deputy Prosecutor for the Ada County Prosecutor's Office. I spent five years prosecuting crimes ranging from misdemeanors, such as driving under the influence (DUI), to drug related crimes and violent felonies. I also served for two years as the Lobbyist for the Idaho Prosecuting Attorneys Association, where I was involved in writing criminal legislation and testifying in committee meetings and hearings throughout the state of Idaho. I have tried over 50 cases to verdict.

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Breen, Ball & Marelius

355 W. Myrtle

Boise, ID, 83702

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Reviews

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5.0 / 5.0

72 customer reviews

5 Star

100%

4 Star

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2 Star

1 Star

Posted by Nick | June 12, 2023

Simply the Best

I have had the pleasure of working with Mr. Ball three times. In all cases, Mr. Ball worked with the court to get the best possible outcome. I believe Jim Ball is the best lawyer in Idaho.

Posted by anonymous | June 5, 2022

Good Lawyer - When you want someone who knows what they are doing

Any legal case can be a bit scary; Jim does a good job laying things out. Albeit a little cold and callous at times, I would recommend his services to those who need it.

Posted by ralph | April 27, 2022

Got the job done very efficiently

Mr. Ball and his staff assisted me in clearing my record that dated back to 1971. They very quickly assembled the information necessary, contacted the district court and restored my civil rights that had be wrongly denied for years. I have 35 years experience dealing with law firms as it related to my company and I seriously doubt the two national law firms that represented us were anywhere as efficient as Mr. Ball and his assistant Ms Perren where. Highly recommend this firm and Jim Ball.

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Posted by Jacob | February 24, 2021

Criminal Defense

Involved in a controlled substance case in an area that was somewhat new to me. Jim not only put me at ease and explained everything in clear to understand terms but didn’t sugar coat the facts or make any false promises. Communicative and pro active, Jim helped navigate a confusing and worrying situation with ease. The case ended up going Federal and Jim was able to seamlessly carry on with the defense, not something that all lawyers would be willing to, or even be capable of doing. Ultimately the outcome was as favorable as it could have been in the circumstances, no jail time in a case where I was initially facing up to a life sentence. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Jim’s services to anyone facing criminal charges in the state of Idaho. He knows the system inside and out.

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Posted by anonymous | February 19, 2021

Excellent experience

This was my first experience working with a lawyer. I hired Jim to represent my cousin. He was vey patient and very knowledgeable. Jim walked me through the process, and fought hard for my cousin. He listens and know his stuff! I would highly recommend him to anyone needing lawyer services.

Posted by Bryan | November 25, 2019

Highly Recommend

Jim made our first legal matter a very positive experience. I would recommend Jim Ball to anyone with legal needs.

Posted by anonymous | July 17, 2019

Criminal Attorney

Jim is a very caring, excellent, thorough attorney. He took on a difficult case re: animal cruelty and represented me well. I would definitely hire Jim again. His retainer fee is high for ppl with a lower income- but he’s a class act!!! 5 stars!

Posted by Richard | June 22, 2019

Money well spent !!

I was involved in a DUI arrest. I can't say enough good about Jim's attorney skills. He has a very pleasant personality and a reassuring attitude. I was skeptical at first, being he was so optimistic about the case, during our first meeting, but he exceeded all my expectations. If you need a great attorney look no further.

Posted by Shannon | February 6, 2019

Excellent Attorney

I would define Jim Ball as a very caring and competent attorney. Jim took on my case without hesitation and got the paperwork started within 24 hours of my arrest. He researched police reports and body cams to ensure my rights were not violated. He ensured that the arrest process was both valid and legal. I was involved in a alcohol related traffic accident and the other party was requesting thousands and thousands of dollars worth of damages. Jim negotiated with the prosecuting attorney and got those damages to only a couple hundred dollars. They were also requesting to put me in jail for 12 days and once again Jim negotiated for me and presented our case to the judge and I was only given 5 days in jail with the option of community service. This allowed me to continue on with my normal life. Jim definitely showed his professionalism as an attorney throughout the entire process and I would not hesitate to recommend him to any of my family, friends or colleagues.

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Posted by Mark | January 29, 2019

Excellent Lawyer

James was very professional and knowledgeable in defending me in my case. He took the time to explain everything and make sure that I knew what was happening and what the next step would be. I would highly recommend James to any future client.

Posted by anonymous | January 28, 2019

Fantastic attorney!!! Professional & personable

I was involved in a road rage incident where battery charges were filed. Having not had any issues with law enforcement for over 20 years, I did not know what to do or how the legal process even worked. Also, since it was a battery charge. I was very fearful of my future and all that I had worked for over the years. Jim was great, He answered all calls in a timely manner and was very easy to talk with. The outcome came out much better than anticipated with Jim's skills and knowledge of law. If you have to meet and work with an attorney with a legal matter, Jim's the lawyer you want. He is well respected in the law community.

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Posted by Dan | January 28, 2019

Dan C.

I was arrested in Mountain Home, Elmore County for DUI in September, 2018 on my back from the Country Music Festival. I hired Jim Ball to represent me. When I contacted Jim’s office, I left a message explaining my situation. Jim return my call that evening and set up an appointment for me to meet him the next day. Jim went over in great detail of his services, expectations and what he needed from me. Jim led me through the process and made the experience as painless as possible. He is very proactive and knows the system well. Jim is well respected by the courts and exceeded my expectations. I have no double that sentencing would have be much more severe without Jim help. Not only is Jim a great attorney, he is great guy that truly cares and does his best for his clients. I would highly recommend Jim to anyone facing a criminal charge, guilty or not.

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Posted by anonymous | January 28, 2019

Jim’s a great attorney. Very professional and caring. In my book he’s top notch.

After researching Jim Ball on the internet I liked his experience, education and the many excellent reviews former clients had written about him. After consulting with him I made the decision to retain him to defend me against a Domestic Violence charge. While in court Jim got my charge reduced to Disturbing the Peace. Jim was professional and attentive to my case the entire time as well as very caring and supportive of me as a client. I was very happy with the outcome of my case and would highly recommend him.

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Posted by John | January 27, 2019

Extremely professional and conscientious

My son suffers from schizophrenia. On a couple of occasions he went off his medication and ended up with criminal and other charges. At the time he was undergoing the citizenship process being a New Zealand citizen. Jim worked with the DA and my son’s immigration lawyers to have the charges modified in such a way so as to not endanger his potential citizenship. The resulting outcome kept my son out of jail and allowed him to successfully become an American citizen. I’m grateful for Jim’s expertise and dedication it achieving a successful outcome

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Posted by Wayne | July 31, 2018

Jim was awesome!

I contacted Jim through a friend's recommendation. When I first met Jim he took the time to understand my situation and concerns and discuss options and all potential outcomes. I engaged Jim's services the first day and he provided me directions and actions as the steps to take to improve my outcome while he did his job. I believe the outcome could not have been better in my circumstance.

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Posted by anonymous | July 31, 2018

Great Guy, Great Lawyer

Jim was absolutely fantastic. I hired him for my DUI case and he was able to make the whole process much less stressful. He has a great deal of knowledge and knows how to explain it to you in terms that are easy to understand. He was able to get the best case outcome for my case (withheld judgement) and I couldn't be happier with my decision to hire Mr. Ball. If I need legal assistance in the future I know who I'll call!

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Posted by anonymous | May 19, 2018

Exceptional Lawyer

James Ball was so informative and responsive with whatever questions I had. He kept me in the loop through the whole process. Even though the experience was stressful he would try his best to be as accommodating as possible.

Posted by Elizabeth | May 9, 2018

A+ Professional

I couldn't be happier with the legal services provided to me by Attorney James Ball. I felt that my case was handled in the most diligent and professional manner possible. Jim was always straightforward, realistic, honest and compassionate. I never waited for a response to my questions; he promptly answered both email and phone messages. I believe his experience and legal knowledge were evident throughout my case-he knows the law! What really impressed me was the excellent rapport he had with his colleagues, to include the judges, the prosecutors and other attorneys. I faced a serious matter with tough consequences. Because I was lucky enough to find Jim, I had an outcome that was frankly, easy. Don't tell the judge! Thanks Jim, for all your hard work and great representation!

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Posted by anonymous | May 2, 2018

Thankful!

Jim is worth every penny, he negotiated expertly for a family member of mine who was in trouble due to a past discretion many years ago. We are all very happy with the outcome. Thanks again, Jim!

Posted by anonymous | April 27, 2018

Jim Ball is a top-notch attorney!

Jim represented me when I was unjustly charged with a felony aggravated assault. He swiftly got my charges reduced to a misdemeanor and I received no jail time, along with the minimum fees and community service. Jim is professional and very competent. I will refer his services, every chance I get!

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Cost

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

Partner
Manweiler, Breen, Ball & Davis
2001 - Present

Lobbyist
Idaho Prosecuting Attorney's Association
1998 - 2000

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney
Ada County Prosecutors Office
1995 - 2000

Education

University of Idaho College of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1996

Boise State University
BS - Bachelor of Science
1993

Legal Cases

U.S. v. Loveland, 825 F.3d 555 (9th Cir 2016)
Mr. Loveland's conspiracy conviction was overturned and life sentenced was vacated.

U.S. v. Molesworth, No. 05-30630, 2006 W. 2404576 (9th Cir. 2006)
Case remanded for new sentencing.

State v. Robinson, 143 Idaho 306, 142 P.3d 729 (2006)
Clarified Idaho's Post Conviction Dismissal Statute.

View all legal cases

Associations

Make-A-Wish Idaho
Board of Directors
2017 - Present

Federal Bar Association
Barrister
2010 - Present

United States Supreme Court
Barrister
2006 - Present

Idaho State Bar, IOLTA Fund Committee
Member
2006 - Present

United States Court of Appeals For the Ninth Circuit
Barrister
2003 - Present

Idaho Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Member
2001 - Present

Idaho Trial Lawyers Association
Member
2001 - Present

Idaho State Bar
Barrister
1997 - Present

Fourth District Bar Association
Member
1997 - Present

Idaho Volunteer Lawyers
Member
1997 - Present

View all associations

Languages Spoken

English

Honors and Awards

Client Distinction Award
Martindale-Hubbell
2020

AV Preeminent Rated
Martindale-Hubbell
2020

Client Distinction Award
Martindale-Hubbell
2019

AV Preeminent Rated
Martindale-Hubbell
2019

Client Distinction Award
Martindale-Hubbell®
2018

AV Preeminent Rated
Martindale-Hubbell
2018

Best Law firm 2017
U.S. News and World Report
2017

Idaho Top Ten Attorney Award
NACDA
2017

Client Rating
Martindale-Hubbell
2017

AV Preeminent Rated
Martindale-Hubbell
2017

2016 Preeminent AV award
Martindale-Hubbell
2016

Best Law Firm In Idaho
US News and World Report
2016

Client Distinction Award
Martindale-Hubbell
2016

Client Distinction Award
Martindale-Hubbell
2015

AV Preeminent Rated
Martindale-Hubbell
2015

Client Distinction Award
Martindale-Hubbell
2014

AV Preeminent Rated
Martindale-Hubbell
2014

Executive and Professionals Distinction
World Wide Registry
2014

Best Law Firms in Idaho
U.S News and World Report
2014

Client Distinction Award
Martindale-Hubbell
2013

AV Preeminent Rated
Martindale-Hubbell
2013

AV Preeminent Rated
Martindale-Hubbell
2012

Client Distinction Award
Martindale-Hubbell
2012

AV Preeminent Rated
Martindale-Hubbell
2011

AV Preeminent Rated
Martindale-Hubbell
2010

AV Peer Review Rating
Martindale-Hubbell
2010

View all awards

Speaking Engagements

2018 Idaho Law Review Symposium: Dean Erwin Chemerinsky Keynote Speaker
Terry V. Ohio-Stop and Frisk in Idaho
2018

Brown Bag Seminar
Ethics
2015

The Practice of Law
Private Practice in Idaho
2014

The Practice of Law
Private Practice in Boise
2013

The Practice of Law
Private Practice in Boise
2012

Handling your next DUI case
DUI in Idaho
2002

View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (8)

Given (8)

Endorse James

Elisa Massoth

Criminal defense Attorney | Apr 16
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I've known Jim Ball for 20 years. He is top notch and one of the best lawyers I know."

John Hammond

Criminal defense Attorney | Mar 17
Relationship: Friend

"Jim is a fantastic attorney who represents his client's zealously in trying situations. Very calm and collected, has superior legal ability and tons of experience. Most importantly, everyone I know who Jim has represented have given him glowing praise for his work. I would not hesitate to refer folks to Jim and do so whenever I can. In my mind he is one of the top criminal defense attorneys in Idaho."

Ashley Marelius

Criminal defense Attorney | Mar 13
Relationship: Co-worker

"Jim is an attorney many young (and older) attorneys look up to and aspire to be. Jim is never too busy to spend time with someone who needs guidance or advice and has been a wonderful mentor to myself and other young attorneys in the firm. Our desperate questions are always met with a kind smile. Jim is also a rockstar in the courtroom. If I was even in a bind, Jim would be the one I would ask to represent me. Jim is incredibly talented and does not hesitate to go the extra mile to ensure he is ready to be the best advocate a client could have. Not to mention he is one of the best dressed attorneys in the state!"

Ty Ketlinski

Criminal defense Attorney | Apr 14
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Ball is an outstanding lawyer, and I readily endorse him. I have referred clients to Mr. Ball and will continue to do so."

Katherine Ball

Criminal defense Attorney | Nov 11
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have worked with Jim on criminal cases and he always identifies the salient issues and has a plan to resolve them. Because of Jim's skill and experience I have him help instruct law students in my advanced criminal law writing course. He has an excellent reputation in the legal community and I highly endorse him."

Gerald Bublitz

Criminal defense Attorney | Apr 28
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jim is a dedicated attorney and provides top quality representation on behalf of his clients. I recommend him to anyone needing criminal representation."

Ryan Henson

Criminal defense Attorney | Apr 20
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Mr. Ball's dedication to his clients and their success surpasses other attorneys in his field. I would not hesitate in recommending him to anyone needing assistance with a legal matter."

William O'Connor

Criminal defense Attorney | Apr 17
Relationship: Co-worker

"Jim is an outstanding criminal defense lawyer! My office has been a few feet down the hall from Jim's office for almost four years. During that time, I have observed Jim's work ethic and his dedication to his clients. Not only is Jim's knowledge of criminal law excellent, but he is very skilled at how to practice law. If you're in trouble with the law, call Jim Ball."

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James Keith Ball

About James

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