James Keith Ball

PRO

James Keith Ball

also known as Jim Ball

5.0
Rating: 9.9

Licensed for 28 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Boise, ID
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI, Federal Crime ... +2 more

355 W. Myrtle, Boise, ID

Free Consultation

About James

Biography

Boise’s highest-rated criminal attorney. Former Deputy Prosecutor with award-winning results! Call (208) 314-0359

Boise’s highest-rated criminal attorney. Former Deputy Prosecutor with award-winning results! Call (208) 314-0359

Boise’s highest-rated criminal attorney. Former Deputy Prosecutor with award-winning results! Call (208) 314-0359

Boise’s highest-rated criminal attorney. Former Deputy Prosecutor with award-winning results! Call (208) 314-0359

Boise’s highest-rated criminal attorney. Former Deputy Prosecutor with award-winning results! Call (208) 314-0359

Boise’s highest-rated criminal attorney. Former Deputy Prosecutor with award-winning results! Call (208) 314-0359

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 80%

All federal and State crimes

29 years | 5,000 cases

80%
Appeals 5%

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

29 years | 25 cases

5%
DUI and DWI 5%

Specialize in all Breath and Blood defense

29 years | 1,000 cases

5%
Federal Crime 5%

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

29 years | 100 cases

5%
Juvenile Law 5%

All State and Federal Juvenile crimes.

29 years | 500 cases

5%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes

Hourly Rates

$ 200-400 per hour


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Licenses

Licensed in Idaho for 28 years

State: Idaho

Acquired: 1997

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Breen, Ball & Marelius

355 W. Myrtle, Boise, ID, 83702

boise-idaho-criminal-attorney.com

Online Presence

Other places you can find James online.

James Keith Ball's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

72 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (72) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 16 reviews | General Knowledge

Posted by Dan | January 29, 2019 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

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 h...im 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.

Posted by anonymous | January 29, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

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.

Posted by John | January 27, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

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 modifi...ed 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

Posted by Elizabeth | May 11, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

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 promptl...y 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!

Posted by anonymous | April 20, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Client

James Ball provided excellent counsel and service to me. His knowledge of the law and advocacy for me resulted in a successful conclusion to my case. He is both personable and accessible. When I emailed him I usually heard back from him within minutes. I would certainly call him again should I need a...n attorney, and will recommend him to others. First rate!

See All Client Reviews

James Keith Ball's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse James
Elisa G. Massoth headshot
Elisa Massoth

Criminal defense lawyer | 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 Richard Hammond Jr. headshot
John Hammond

Criminal defense lawyer | 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 Rachelle Marelius headshot
Ashley Marelius

Criminal defense lawyer | 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 A. Ketlinski headshot
Ty Ketlinski

Criminal defense lawyer | 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 Cecilia Ball headshot
Katherine Ball

Criminal defense lawyer | 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 Raymond Bublitz headshot
Gerald Bublitz

Criminal defense lawyer | 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 Patrick Henson headshot
Ryan Henson

Criminal defense lawyer | 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 J. O'Connor headshot
William O'Connor

Criminal defense lawyer | 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."

View All Endorsements
Ashley Rachelle Marelius headshot
Ashley Marelius

Family lawyer

D. Aaron Hooper headshot
D. Hooper

Criminal defense lawyer

Ty A. Ketlinski headshot
Ty Ketlinski

Estate planning lawyer

John Richard Hammond Jr. headshot
John Hammond

Business lawyer

William J. O'Connor headshot
William O'Connor

Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer

Gerald Raymond Bublitz headshot
Gerald Bublitz

Criminal defense lawyer

Ryan Patrick Henson headshot
Ryan Henson

Litigation lawyer

Elisa G. Massoth headshot
Elisa Massoth

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.9 (Superb)

Honors

2020

Client Distinction Award, Martindale-Hubbell

2020

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2019

Client Distinction Award, Martindale-Hubbell

2019

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2018

Client Distinction Award, Martindale-Hubbell®

2018

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2017

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

2016

2016 Preeminent AV award, Martindale-Hubbell

2016

Best Law Firm In Idaho, US News and World Report

2016

Client Distinction Award, Martindale-Hubbell

2015

Client Distinction Award, Martindale-Hubbell

2015

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2014

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

2013

Client Distinction Award, Martindale-Hubbell

2013

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2012

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2012

Client Distinction Award, Martindale-Hubbell

2011

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2010

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2010

AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell

Work Experience

2001 - Present

Partner, Manweiler, Breen, Ball & Davis

1998 - 2000

Lobbyist, Idaho Prosecuting Attorney's Association

1995 - 2000

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, Ada County Prosecutors Office

Associations

2017 - Present

Make-A-Wish Idaho

Board of Directors

2010 - Present

Federal Bar Association

Barrister

2006 - Present

United States Supreme Court

Barrister

2006 - Present

Idaho State Bar, IOLTA Fund Committee

Member

2003 - Present

United States Court of Appeals For the Ninth Circuit

Barrister

2001 - Present

Idaho Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2001 - Present

Idaho Trial Lawyers Association

Member

1997 - Present

Idaho State Bar

Barrister

1997 - Present

Fourth District Bar Association

Member

1997 - Present

Idaho Volunteer Lawyers

Member

Sample of 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.

State v. Robinson, 143 Idaho 306, 142 P.3d 729 (2006)

Clarified Idaho's Post Conviction Dismissal Statute.

U.S. v. Kilby, 443 F.3d 1135 (9th Cir. 2006

Reduction in Sentence

U.S. v. Molesworth, No. 05-30630, 2006 W. 2404576 (9th Cir. 2006)

Case remanded for new sentencing.

State v. Lamay, 140 Idaho 835, 103 P.3d 448 (2004)

Evidence Suppressed

Reyes v. Craven, 111 Fed.Appx. 462 (9th Cir. 2004) unpublished

Reduction in Sentence

See More Legal Cases

Education

1996

University of Idaho College of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1993

Boise State University

BS - Bachelor of Science

Speaking Engagements

2018

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

2015

Brown Bag Seminar

Ethics

2014

The Practice of Law

Private Practice in Idaho

2013

The Practice of Law

Private Practice in Boise

2012

The Practice of Law

Private Practice in Boise

2002

Handling your next DUI case

DUI in Idaho

Languages

English

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
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