×
Go back to Martindale-Avvo ➔

Breen, Ball & Marelius, PLLCMember
James Keith Ball
Pro

James Keith Ball

4.9
163 reviews

355 W. Myrtle Street, Suite 100, P.O. Box 937, Boise, ID 83702

Criminal Law, Juvenile Law, Personal Injury and 63 more

About James Keith Ball

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.    

 

James Keith Ball (Boise, Idaho) View website

Awards

Platinum Client Champion
This award is granted to attorneys who have received at least 10 client reviews, and have an average review score of 4.5 or higher.
Champion Badge Platinum
AV Preeminent Peer Rated
This elite award is granted to attorneys who have been recognized by their peers for their very high ethical standards, with an average peer review score of 4.5 or higher.
Martindale-Hubbell Peer AV

Client Champion Awards

Client Champion awards recognize those attorneys who excel at service as affirmed by their clients. The awards, based on the quantity and quality of an attorney’s Martindale-Hubbell client reviews, demonstrate an ongoing commitment to delivering excellent client service. Award recipients stand out from their peers with a platinum, gold or silver icon.

Champion Badge Silver

At least three reviews and a score of 4.0 or higher.

Champion Badge Gold

At least six reviews and a score of 4.2 or higher.

Champion Badge Platinum

At least ten reviews and a score of 4.5 or higher.

James Keith Ball got this award in 2021

Martindale Peer Awards

A lawyer who receives a minimum threshold of qualifying responses from fellow attorneys can qualify for one of three prestigious Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings:

Martindale-Hubbell Peer AV Preeminent Rating

AV Preeminent®: The highest peer rating standard. This rating signifies a large number of the lawyer’s peers rank him or her at the highest level of professional excellence for their legal knowledge, communication skills and ethical standards.

James Keith Ball got this award in 2021

Martindale-Hubbell Peer Distinguished Rating

Distinguished: An excellent rating for a lawyer with some experience. This rating indicates the attorney is widely respected by their peers for high professional achievement and ethical standards.

Martindale-Hubbell Peer Notable Rating

Notable: This rating indicates that the lawyer has been recognized by a large number of their peers for strong ethical standards.

Avvo Awards

Avvo Top Contributor

Avvo Top Contributor: The Avvo Top Contributor Award is granted to attorneys who have earned significant contribution points in a given year on our sister site, Avvo.com. Contribution points are earned by answering questions in Q&A, publishing Legal Guides, and other useful contributions to the Avvo community.

Avvo Client Choice

Avvo Client’s Choice: The Avvo Client's Choice Award Badge is granted to attorneys with a significant number of 4+ star reviews in a given year.

Reviews for James Keith Ball

Have you consulted or hired this lawyer?

Leave a review about your experience with this lawyer.

Write a Review

Overall Rating
4.9
See All Reviews
163
4.9
Lawyers.com
77
4.7
Martindale
14
5.0
Avvo
72
Showing 1-10 of 77 client reviews from Lawyers.com
Lawyers.com Rating Snapshot
5 stars
87%
4 stars
13%
3 stars
0%
2 stars
0%
1 star
0%
What do people say on Lawyers.com?
Communication
4.9
Quality of Service
4.9
Responsiveness
4.9
Value for Money
4.9
DUI/DWI
Posted by Nick
June 12, 2023
Hired Attorney James Keith Ball

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.

DUI/DWI
Posted by anonymous
March 11, 2020
Hired Attorney James Keith Ball

Mr. Ball is an extremely diligent, compassionate, and experienced attorney and I would highly recommend working with him. He was able to get me a deal significantly better than what is generally achieved for first-time DUIs. After my DUI arrest, I hired another defense attorney in Boise who urged me to take the first deal the prosecution offered, even though he had not yet reviewed my case. I was scared and confused when I found Mr. Ball. He was understanding, proactive, and able to review my case in a timely manner. He was patient and walked me through my options. Mr. Ball is confident, persuasive, and well-liked in the courthouse. I felt as though I truly had an advocate and that he had my best interests at heart.

 
DUI/DWI
Posted by anonymous
February 06, 2019
Hired Attorney James Keith Ball

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. 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.

 
Criminal Law
Posted by anonymous
January 28, 2019
Hired Attorney James Keith Ball

Professional and personable. Having worked both sides of the profession, Jim was very knowledgeable, intelligent and guided me through this stressful situation with great results.

Criminal Law
Posted by anonymous
January 27, 2019
Hired Attorney James Keith Ball

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.

 
DUI/DWI
Posted by anonymous
July 31, 2018
Hired Attorney James Keith Ball

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!

 
DUI/DWI
Posted by anonymous
July 31, 2018
Hired Attorney James Keith Ball

Jim was excellent as my attorney. From our first meeting he listened and provided feedback. He went through all of the potential outcomes good and not so good.. He laid out a path of actions for me to take and what avenues he would explore. I could not have expected a better resolution and timely outcome for my case. I would not hesitate to recommend Jim to a family member or friend

 
DUI/DWI
Posted by anonymous
February 12, 2018
Hired Attorney James Keith Ball

I have only 1 Attorney at Law Experience and that is with Mr James Ball and he has set the Bar extremely high a far as I'm concerned, fro first contact after explaining my needs through to Court having an excellent staff to perform before the Judge with excellent communication of my Case upon having all the Facts to provide the most suitable outcome. Provided excellent counseling for the case and mitigation before Court. Mr Ball showed the utmost respect of my case and does well with Court.

 
Criminal Law
Posted by anonymous
October 04, 2017
Hired Attorney James Keith Ball

Jim is the best in his profession! During the entire process I felt more like he was representing family rather than “just” a client! He was there for me all the way through this tough time! He truly cares and in combination with his superb knowledge, professionalism and honest way of practice, this makes him not only an outstanding lawyer but an outstanding person as well. Thanks to Jim this charge won’t affect my future!

 
Assault
Posted by anonymous
September 05, 2017
Hired Attorney James Keith Ball

Mr. Ball was the best person to have in my corner in my time of need. He was kind, soft spoken, reliable, knowledgeable, and when he spoke to me about me, I knew it was genuine. He helped get a felony charge reduced to a misdemeanor, and allowed me to get normalcy back into my life where chaos and stress had been. Highly recommend Mr. Ball for anyone who needs someone who knows the laws, shows up for their clients, and will be respectful during the entire process.

 
From the Martindale-Avvo Legal Network

Services

Areas of Law

  • Criminal Law 11
    • Juvenile Law
    • DUI/DWI
    • Expungements
    • Federal Criminal Law
    • Felonies
    • Misdemeanors
    • Sex Crimes
    • Theft
    • Traffic Violations
    • Weapons Charges
    • Drug Crimes
  • Personal Injury 3
    • Automobile Accidents
    • Boating Accidents
    • Motorcycle Accidents
  • Family Law
  • Drivers License Suspension
  • Malicious Prosecution
  • Alcoholic Beverages 2
    • Liquor Liability
    • Liquor Licensing
  • White Collar Crime
  • Appellate Practice
  • Other 43
    • Wills
    • Assault and Battery
    • Bribery
    • Burglary
    • Criminal Appeals
    • Criminal Conspiracy
    • Criminal Defense
    • Criminal Fraud
    • Driving While Intoxicated
    • Extortion
    • Extradition
    • Forgery
    • Grand Jury Practice
    • Hit and Run
    • Juvenile Criminal Law
    • Juvenile Delinquency
    • Mail Fraud
    • Manslaughter
    • Money Laundering
    • Search and Seizure
    • Sexual Assault
    • Shoplifting
    • Stalking
    • Vehicular Homicide
    • Wire Fraud
    • Wiretapping
    • Alcoholic Beverage Law
    • Alcoholic Beverage Control
    • Accidents
    • Automobile Negligence
    • Bodily Injury
    • Brain Injury
    • Bus Accidents
    • Catastrophic Injury
    • Commercial Vehicle Liability
    • Head Injury
    • Motor Vehicle Accidents
    • Embezzlement
    • White Collar Criminal Defense
    • White Collar Fraud
    • Drugs and Narcotics
    • Controlled Substances Law
    • Drug Trafficking

Practice Details

  • Payment Information
    Payment & Cost Features
    Fixed hourly rates
    Fixed fees available
    Accepted Credit Cards
    MasterCard
    Visa
  • Firm Information
    Position
    Member
    Firm Name
    Breen, Ball & Marelius, PLLC
  • Representative Cases & Transactions
    Cases
    U.S. v. Lovel
    , 825 F.3d 555 (9th Cir 2016)
    U.S. v. Kilby, 443 F.3d 1135 (9th Cir. 2006)
    U.S. v. Molesworth, No. 05-30630, W.240576 (9th Cir. 2006)
    State v. Robinson, 143 Idaho 306, 142 P.3d 729 (2006)
    State v. Lamay, 140 Idaho 835, 103 P.3d 448 (Idaho 2004)
    Reyes v. Craven, 111 Fed. App., 46 2d (9th Cir. 2004).
  • Pro Bono Services
    Time Spent on Pro Bono Work: 5%

    Jim is a strong supporter of pro bono and other volunteer efforts within the legal industry. His own recent pro bono efforts include work with the Idaho C.A.S.A program where Jim represents children who have been neglected and abused in Child Protection proceedings.

  • Additional Links
    http://www.mmbb-law.com http://www.boise-idaho-criminal-attorney.com

Experience

  • Bar Admission & Memberships
    Admissions
    1997, Idaho
    U.S. District Court, District of Idaho
    2003, U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
    2006, U.S. Supreme Court
    Memberships
    United States Supreme Court
    United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
    United States District Court, District of Idaho
    Idaho State Bar
    Idaho State Bar IOLTA Committee
    Barrister, American Inns of Court, No. 130
    Fourth District Bar Association
    Federal Bar Association, Idaho Chapter
    Idaho Volunteer Lawyers
    Idaho Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
    Idaho Trial Lawyers Association
    and Ada County Court Domestic Violence Committee.
  • Education & Certifications
    Law School
    University of Idaho
    Class of 1996
    J.D.
    Other Education
    Boise State University
    Class of 1993
    B.S.
  • Personal Details & History
    Hobbies & Interests
    Backpacking, snowboarding, waterskiing, rafting and golf.

Contact James Keith Ball

Member at Breen, Ball & Marelius, PLLC
4.9
163 reviews

355 W. Myrtle Street, Suite 100P.O. Box 937Boise, ID 83702U.S.A.

Show on map
Fax: 208-424-3100
Office Hours:
  • Monday 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Tuesday 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Wednesday 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Thursday 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Friday 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Saturday By appointment
  • Sunday By appointment

Activity

Email James Keith Ball

Case type is required.
I am is required.
First name is required.
Last name is required.
A valid zip code is required.
Country is required.
State is required.
A valid city is required.
A valid email address is required.
A valid phone number is required.
Message is required.
0/1000 characters

By clicking the Submit button, you agree to the Terms of Use, Supplemental Terms and Privacy Policy. You also consent to be contacted at the phone number you provided, including by autodials, text messages and/or pre-recorded calls, from Lawyers.com and its affiliates and from or on behalf of attorneys you request or contact through this site. Consent is not a condition of purchase.

You should not send any sensitive or confidential information through this site. Emails sent through this site do not create an attorney-client relationship and may not be treated as privileged or confidential. The lawyer or law firm you are contacting is not required to, and may choose not to, accept you as a client. The internet is not necessarily secure and emails sent though this site could be intercepted or read by third parties.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA. See Google’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.

Thank you! Your message has been successfully sent.

For your records, a copy of this email has been sent to test@test.com.

Summary of Your Message
Case Type:
I am a/an:
First Name:
Last Name:
City:
Zip Code or Postal Code:
State:
Country:
Phone Number:
Message:
Return to Profile Reset Form
Lawyers.com Client Reviews

Martindale-Hubbell® Client Review Ratings™ display reviews submitted by individuals who have either hired or consulted the lawyers or law firms.

The Client Review Rating score is determined through the aggregation of validated responses. People who submit reviews are either individuals who consulted with the lawyer/law firm or who hired the lawyer/law firm and want to share their experience of that lawyer or law firm with other potential clients. Reviewers can be anyone who consults or hires a lawyer including in-house counsel, corporate executives, small business owners, and private individuals.

Martindale-Hubbell validates that a reviewer is a person with a valid email address. As part of the review process, respondents must affirm that they have had an initial consultation, are currently a client or have been a client of the lawyer or law firm identified, although Martindale-Hubbell cannot confirm the lawyer/client relationship as it is often confidential. The content of the responses is entirely from reviewers.

Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome and Martindale-Hubbell accepts no responsibility for the content or accuracy of any review. For more information on Martindale-Hubbell Client Review Ratings, please visit our Client Review Page

Martindale Peer Reviews

Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™ are the gold standard in attorney ratings, and have been for more than a century. These ratings indicate attorneys who are widely respected by their peers for their ethical standards and legal expertise in a specific area of practice.

The Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings process is the gold standard due to its objectivity and comprehensiveness. Lawyers solicited for peer reviews include both those selected by the attorney being reviewed and lawyers independently selected by Martindale-Hubbell. All reviewers are verified as attorneys through Martindale-Hubbell’s extensive attorney database. Only attorneys practicing at least three years and receiving a sufficient number of reviews from non-affiliated attorneys are eligible to receive a Rating.

What are the different Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings?*

• AV Preeminent®: The highest peer rating standard. This rating signifies that a large number of the lawyer’s peers rank him or her at the highest level of professional excellence for their legal knowledge, communication skills and ethical standards.

• Distinguished: An excellent rating for a lawyer with some experience. This rating indicates the attorney is widely respected by their peers for high professional achievement and ethical standards.

• Notable: This rating indicates that the lawyer has been recognized by a large number of their peers for strong ethical standards.

Lawyers who have received peer reviews after 2009 will display more detailed information, including practice areas, summary ratings, detailed numeric ratings and written feedback (if available). Details for individual reviews received before 2009 are not displayed.

Attorneys that receive reviews from their peers, but not a sufficient number to establish a Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Rating, will have those reviews display on our websites.

For more information on Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings™, please visit our Ratings Page on Martindale.com and our Frequently Asked Questions

Avvo Client Reviews

Ratings and reviews are feedback from people who have either consulted an attorney about an issue (but may not have hired the attorney) or people who hired an attorney as a current or former client and provided their feedback to our sister site, Avvo.com.