Attorney Profile
Shawn Wilkerson
Criminal Defense Attorney, 15+ Years of Experience
Attorney Profile
Criminal Defense Attorney, 15+ Years of Experience
Shawn Wilkerson brings 15+ years of criminal defense experience, including ten years handling felony and misdemeanor caseloads. He also has five years of experience as a criminal appellate attorney. He earned his bachelor's degree from Idaho State University and his law degree from the University of Idaho College of Law.
Shawn argued before the Idaho Supreme Court and Idaho Court of Appeals, giving him appellate experience that few defense attorneys can match. This experience means he understands not just how to win at trial, but how to preserve issues for appeal and how appellate courts analyze criminal cases. Shawn's writing background also provides an advantage in complex pretrial litigation.
His ten years as a trial criminal defense attorney gave him extensive trial experience across a wide range of felony cases, from drug crimes and DUI to violent crimes and sex offenses. He handled hundreds of cases in Ada, Elmore, Valley, Boise, and Canyon County courts, developing deep familiarity with local prosecutors, judges, and courtroom procedures.
Together with Randall Barnum, Shawn handles complex felony and misdemeanor cases across Boise and the Treasure Valley, including drug crimes, DUI, violent crimes, weapons violations, sex crimes, and vehicular homicide. Your case is handled directly by Shawn, no hand-offs, no associates.
Rape
Reduced to Misdemeanor
Aggravated Battery
Acquittal
Felony Domestic Violence
Acquittal
Possession of Stolen Firearm
Acquittal
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is unique.
"I was terrified when I got arrested. Shawn made me feel like everything was going to be okay — and it was. Charges reduced significantly."
– Cyn Cowns
"Shawn Wilkerson is a phenomenal attorney. He fought for me when I thought all hope was lost. I can't recommend him enough."
– E F
"I cannot say enough good things about Shawn Wilkerson. He represented me during an incredibly difficult and sensitive time in my life. Throughout the entire process, Shawn was professional, compassionate, patient, and genuinely supportive. He took the time to listen to my concerns, explain everything clearly, and made sure I felt informed and comfortable every step of the way. If you are looking for an attorney who is not only highly skilled but also caring and understanding, I wholeheartedly recommend Shawn Wilkerson."
– Johanna S.
"Thank you Shawn, I very much appreciate everything you've done for me. You are an excellent lawyer and will recommend you highly. Thank you again."
– Jared P.
State v. White, 158 Idaho 827, 353 P.3d 448 (Ct. App. 2015)
Holding a magistrate's probable cause determination, alone, does not provide a basis to revoke probation.
State v. Hurles, 158 Idaho 569, 349 P.3d 423 (2015)
Holding civil attorney fees incurred in litigation to prevent future financial harm cannot be awarded as restitution in related criminal matter.
State v. Bias, 157 Idaho 895, 341 P.3d 1264 (Ct. App. 2014)
Holding criminal defendants' right to conflict free counsel extends to post-judgment Idaho Criminal Rule 35 proceedings.
State v. Bitkoff, 157 Idaho 410, 336 P.3d 817 (Ct. App. 2014)
Holding a probationer is entitled to credit for time served pursuant to Idaho Code Section 19-2603 from the date a probationer is served with an arrest warrant.
State v. Easley, 156 Idaho 214, 322 P.3d 296 (2014)
Holding that the prosecution cannot veto a trial court's sentencing decision placing a criminal defendant into a specialty court.
State v. Day, 154 Idaho 649, 301 P.3d 655 (Ct. App. 2013)
Holding that a district court abused its discretion when revoking probation based upon the erroneous belief it had ongoing jurisdiction to later reinstate probation.
State v. Williston, 159 Idaho 215, 358 P.3d 776 (Ct. App. 2015)
Interpreting Idaho's attempted strangulation statute I.C. § 18-9232 as a general intent offense.
State v. Howell, 159 Idaho 245, 358 P.3d 806 (Ct. App. 2015)
Defining a seizure in the context of a two-hour automobile detention.
State v. Grant, 154 Idaho 281, 297 P.3d 244 (2013)
Defining admissible scope of victim impact statements for purposes of sentencing.
Talk directly with Shawn Wilkerson about your case.
Every criminal case is different. Contact Idaho Defense Firm to discuss your situation directly with a senior attorney. With over 40 years of combined criminal defense experience in Idaho's state and federal courts, we can help you understand your options and build a defense strategy tailored to your case.
