If you were arrested in Post Falls, Idaho for a misdemeanor or felony, you're probably stressed, unsure of what to do, and maybe even a little embarrassed. That’s understandable. It doesn’t mean you’re a bad person — it means you need someone who knows what they’re doing to guide you through this.

We’ve helped a lot of people in your shoes. At Valiant Law, we handle misdemeanor or felony cases all across Kootenai County. I charge a flat fee, I return calls and emails quickly, and I won’t waste your time. Here’s what happens next — and what you should know right now.

Step 1: The Arrest

Most people in Post Falls are arrested for misdemeanors during traffic stops, bar incidents, or neighbor disputes. Sometimes it's a misunderstanding. Sometimes it's a mistake. Either way, here's how it usually plays out:

You might be taken to the Kootenai County Jail in Coeur d'Alene (5500 N Government Way).
You’ll be fingerprinted, booked, and either held or released.
If you're released, you’ll be given a court date. Write it down. Show up.

What If You’re Cited and Released?

Sometimes, especially for minor charges or first offenses, the officer will write you a citation and let you go on the spot. That doesn’t mean it’s no big deal. You’ve still been charged with a crime, and that court date on your ticket is just as serious as if you’d been booked.

If you were cited and released:

Your case is real — and it’s moving forward
If you miss your court date, a warrant will be issued
You should talk to a lawyer before you do anything else

📍 View Kootenai County Courthouse on Google Maps

Step 2: Your First Court Date (Arraignment)

If you were arrested or cited in Post Falls, your case will be heard at the Kootenai County Courthouse in Coeur d'Alene.

Your first appearance is called an arraignment. Here’s what will happen:

The judge will tell you what you’ve been charged with
You’ll be asked how you plead:
- Guilty – you admit to the charge and accept whatever sentence the court gives
- Not Guilty – you’re saying you want to fight the charge or review the evidence
- Stand Silent – the Court will enter a not guilty plea for you

You’ll also be given your next court date, usually called a pretrial conference.

💡 Here’s my advice: Don’t plead guilty before talking to a lawyer. It might seem like the easy way out, but it can wreck your record, your license, your job — all for something that might have been reduced or even dismissed. Even if it can't be reduced or dismissed, terms of the sentence can be discussed and agree to by the State and you.

As your attorney, I’ll:

Read the police report carefully
Review any video or witness statements
Push back if something doesn’t add up
Negotiate if that’s what’s best for you — or take it to trial if it’s not

🔍 *Relevant Statute: If you were arrested or cited in Post Falls, your case will be heard at the Kootenai County Courthouse in Coeur d'Alene.

Your first appearance is called an arraignment. Here’s what will happen:

The judge will tell you what you’ve been charged with
You’ll be asked how you plead:
- Guilty – you admit to the charge and accept whatever sentence the court gives
- Not Guilty – you’re saying you want to fight the charge or review the evidence
- Stand Silent – the Court will enter a not guilty plea for you

You’ll also be given your next court date, usually called a pretrial conference.

💡 Here’s my advice: Don’t plead guilty before talking to a lawyer. It might seem like the easy way out, but it can wreck your record, your license, your job — all for something that might have been reduced or even dismissed. Even if it can't be reduced or dismissed, terms of the sentence can be discussed and agree to by the State and you.

As your attorney, I’ll:

Read the police report carefully
Review any video or witness statements
Push back if something doesn’t add up
Negotiate if that’s what’s best for you — or take it to trial if it’s not

🔍 *Relevant Statute: https://isc.idaho.gov/icr

Step 3: The Pretrial Conference

This is the part most people don’t understand — and it’s where a lot can happen.

By the pretrial conference, your lawyer meets with the prosecutor. We go over the case: what the evidence looks like, what the cops did or didn’t do right, and whether the state has enough to convict you. This is often where things start to move in your favor.

A few things might happen at the Pretrial Conference:

Your case might get dismissed if the evidence is weak
You might be offered a plea deal (which could lower the charge, avoid jail, or keep it off your record)
If no agreement is reached, the case moves toward trial

This isn’t just a formality. This is strategy. I’ve resolved a lot of cases at this stage — sometimes with better outcomes than clients thought possible. Every case is different, but showing up prepared can make all the difference.

In my next article, I’ll explain how the pretrial hearing works and what to expect: What Happens at a Pretrial Hearing in Kootenai County?

Common Post Falls Misdemeanor Charges We Handle

DUI (First Offense): Read More →
Battery / Domestic Battery: Learn the Difference →
Shoplifting and Theft
Possession of Marijuana or Drug Paraphernalia
Disorderly Conduct

I only represent adults. I don’t take juvenile cases or anything involving sex charges.

Why Clients Choose Valiant Law

Here’s what I hear most often: “You actually got back to me.” Or “You didn’t make me feel stupid.” That’s on purpose. I don’t take on more clients than I can handle. I want you to feel like your case matters — because it does.

Here’s what you’ll get when you hire me:

🔒 Flat-Fee Pricing – No guessing what it’ll cost
💳 Payment Plans Available – We’ll work with you
📍 Local Experience – I’ve been in these courtrooms for years
📞 Real Communication – No texting, but my phones are answered and we talk

Take the First Step

If you were arrested in Post Falls, don’t wait around hoping it’ll just go away. The sooner we talk, the more options YOU have.

Schedule a Free Consultation today. I’ll shoot you straight and help you figure out your next move.

Arrested in Post Falls? Here’s What Happens Next