About

Chuck Peterson practices law in Boise, Idaho and has built his reputation as a criminal defense lawyer.  He has successfully tried civil and criminal cases in Idaho and throughout the Pacific Northwest for more than 25 years. He has obtained acquittals in a number of high profile cases, including the 1993 Ruby Ridge case (which he tried with Gerry Spence), and the terrorism prosecution of a Saudi Arabian graduate student, Sami Omar Al-Hussayen (which he tried with David Nevin and Scott McKay). His criminal defense practice in state and federal courts has included the successful defense of complex felony cases and the successful prosecution of federal habeas petitions. His civil trial practice includes wrongful death and injury cases, civil rights matters, as well as complex business disputes.

He previously served in the United States Army, as a member of the Judge Advocate General’s Corps, with the 4th Infantry Division. He founded Peterson Law Offices in Boise, and he practices in association with Gerry Spence’s law firm, the Spence Law Firm, LLC.  He is a 2008 graduate of the Trial Lawyers College and was selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers In America, 2010 Edition. 

Practice Areas

  • Defense of criminal cases, including racketeering, fraud, murder, and other serious felony cases
  • Defense of driving under the influence cases (DUI)
  • Plaintiff’s injury, wrongful death and civil rights cases
  • Plaintiff’s defamation and insurance bad faith

Professional Associations

  • National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • Idaho Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Education

  • Gonzaga University School of Law; JD (magna cum laude); 1981
  • Gonzaga University; BA (Psychology – magna cum laude); 1978

Bar Admissions

  • Idaho State Bar
  • Washington State Bar (inactive)

Mr. Peterson’s work in defense of Randy Weaver in the Ruby Ridge case is discussed in “Every Knee Shall Bow,” by Jess Walter (Regan Books/Harper Collins 1995), and in “Ambush at Ruby Ridge,” by Alan W. Bock (Dickens Press 1995). He received the Clarence Darrow Award from the American Civil Liberties Union of Idaho for his work on the defense of Sami Al-Hussayen. He has lectured on issues involving trial practice, criminal law, the death penalty, and civil rights, including appearances on NBC News, National Public Radio and Court TV. He has received an “AV” rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the country's preeminent lawyer rating service.