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James Keith Ball
also known as Jim Ball
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About James
Biography
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.
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%
29 years | 5,000 cases
Appeals
5%
29 years | 25 cases
DUI and DWI
5%
29 years | 1,000 cases
Federal Crime
5%
29 years | 100 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
$ 200-400 per hour
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Licenses
Licensed in Idaho for 28 years
State: Idaho
Acquired: 1997
No misconduct found
Location
Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find James online.
James Keith Ball's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
72 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (72)
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 1 - 5 of 16 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge
Posted by Jacob | February 24, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
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 situ...
Posted by anonymous | July 17, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Animal Law
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 Mark | January 29, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
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 | July 31, 2018 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
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) ...
Posted by anonymous | April 19, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Extremely intelligent and master negotiator
I called Jim after being referred. He spoke with me in-depth about my criminal case just based off what he knew from experience, but I could immediately tell that he cared and wasn’t there to sugarcoat the realities of what I was dealing with. I met with him in person and we went over everything ...
James Keith Ball's Lawyer Endorsements
"I've known Jim Ball for 20 years. He is top notch and one of the best lawyers I know."
"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."
"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!"
"Mr. Ball is an outstanding lawyer, and I readily endorse him. I have referred clients to Mr. Ball and will continue to do so."
"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."
"Jim is a dedicated attorney and provides top quality representation on behalf of his clients. I recommend him to anyone needing criminal representation."
"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."
"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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Experience
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 IdahoBoard of Directors
2010 - Present
Federal Bar AssociationBarrister
2006 - Present
United States Supreme CourtBarrister
2006 - Present
Idaho State Bar, IOLTA Fund CommitteeMember
2003 - Present
United States Court of Appeals For the Ninth CircuitBarrister
2001 - Present
Idaho Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2001 - Present
Idaho Trial Lawyers AssociationMember
1997 - Present
Idaho State BarBarrister
1997 - Present
Fourth District Bar AssociationMember
1997 - Present
Idaho Volunteer LawyersMember
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
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