Idaho Arrest Records

The Idaho State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) is the central authority responsible for storing and disseminating criminal history information (including arrest records) within Idaho. These official documents provide information about the arrests of individuals within the state. Local law enforcement authorities also maintain these records. Arrest records differ from criminal records, which indicate the outcome of a case, such as whether a court convicted, acquitted, or dismissed charges against an individual.

Arrest records have legal uses; they detail the reasons for arrests, the amount and conditions of bail, the status of pretrial release, and an arrestee's eligibility for alternative sentencing programs. Arrest records also have non-legal uses: employers, landlords, and others who perform background checks on potential candidates may check the records to determine a candidate's eligibility for jobs, housing, or other opportunities. However, arrest records do not constitute evidence of guilt or innocence.

Are Arrest Records Public in Idaho?

Yes, Idaho arrest records are public. The Idaho Public Records Act grants individuals the right to access arrest information unless there is a valid reason to keep it confidential. As such, anyone can access and copy arrest records by forwarding a request to the appropriate authority unless there is a legal exemption.

Access restrictions on some public records balance the public's right to know and the right to privacy. For example, arrest records that pertain to minors are not publicly disclosable, as Idaho law recognizes the need to protect their identities and promote their rehabilitation. Similarly, arrest records that are part of an active criminal case may be withheld from the public, as disclosing them could compromise the investigation. Additionally, the public cannot access records expunged by a court; they are deleted from the official records.

Idaho Arrest Statistics

The Idaho State Police Crime in Idaho 2024 report indicates that law enforcement agencies arrested 49,689 individuals for various offenses within Idaho in 2024. This figure includes 44,852 adults and 4,835 juvenile offenders, comprising 35,238 males and 14,449 females. Furthermore, authorities executed 19,416 arrests without warrants, summoned or cited 16,210 individuals, and took 14,063 into custody.

A breakdown of Idaho's 2024 arrest statistics shows that law enforcement arrested:

• 5,979 individuals for crimes against persons
• 4,714 for property crimes
• 22,901 for crimes against society
• 26,786 for Group B offenses.

Idaho's 2024 arrest trend reveals a 4.0% decrease from the 51,749 arrests reported in 2023.

Find Public Arrest Records in Idaho

Individuals who want to obtain public arrest records in Idaho can follow the steps below to get one.

Identify the Correct Agency: In Idaho, the Idaho State Police's BCI maintains criminal history records, which are available to the public and carry arrest data. County sheriff's offices also maintain arrest records.

Collect Required Information: Before contacting the appropriate agency, individuals need to gather information about the person whose arrest records they seek, such as their complete name and aliases, arrest date, or arrest number.

Submit the Request: Depending on the agency, individuals can use the methods below to find an arrest record:

• Online: Many agencies offer portals where individuals can request public arrest records. These platforms typically require users to fill out online forms with relevant details about the arrest, such as the individual's name, date of birth, and other identifying information. Once submitted, the agency will process the request and access the requested records electronically
• In-Person: Visiting the appropriate agency in person is an option for those who favor face-to-face interaction. By visiting the agency's office, individuals can speak with staff members and request arrest records. This method allows for immediate assistance and the opportunity to clear up any questions or concerns with agency personnel
• By Mail: Individuals also have the option to request arrest records by mail. To do so, they need to prepare a written request that includes all pertinent details about the arrest. This request should be mailed to the appropriate agency's address. Additionally, it is crucial to include a self-addressed stamped envelope along with the request to facilitate the agency's response process. After the agency receives the request, it will process it and send the arrest records through the mail to the provided address. Custodian agencies may provide Records Request Forms to obtain information about the individual whose records are sought, including the requester's contact details. An example is the BCI's Name-Based Criminal Background Check Form (required for accessing criminal history records).
• Pay Fees: Accessing Idaho arrest records may include fee payments depending on the request method. For example, anyone requesting arrest records from BCI may need to pay a $20 fee. Individuals can pay these fees by cash, check, or credit/debit card.

Requesters may need subpoenas to access restricted or non-public arrest records. This legal document orders a person or an entity to produce evidence or testify in a legal proceeding. To get a subpoena in Idaho, individuals should follow these steps:

• Request a subpoena from a court clerk or judge: Individuals can ask the clerk or judge to issue a subpoena, which will carry the court's seal but be otherwise blank. The requesting party is required to fill in the blanks with the relevant information before serving the subpoena. Alternatively, individuals can ask an Idaho-licensed attorney to issue a subpoena.
• Serve the subpoena to the person or entity: Individuals can hire a professional process server, peace officer, or any other person at least 18 years old to serve the subpoena. Serving a subpoena means delivering a copy to the person or entity named therein and offering payment for one day's attendance and the mileage allowed by law if the recipient requests it. However, individuals may be exempted from fee payments and mileage if the subpoena is issued by the Attorney General, a prosecuting attorney, or on behalf of the state or any of its agencies.
• File proof of service with the court: Individuals are required to file proof of service with the court that issued the subpoena, stating the date and manner of service. The proof of service can be either an officer's certificate of service or an affidavit by the person who served the subpoena.

How to Look Up Arrest Records Online in Idaho

In Idaho, accessing arrest records online involves querying two primary sources: the Idaho Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) and local law enforcement agencies. To begin, individuals can visit the Idaho State Police website for a section dedicated to criminal history checks. Here, users are guided through a process that often entails creating an account, completing necessary forms, and paying any applicable fees. Information seekers are required to provide specific details about the search subject, such as their full name, date of birth, and possibly their Social Security number. Users can access arrest records online through the BCI's platform by providing the necessary information and completing all applicable steps.

Alternatively, for arrests at the local level, interested individuals need to determine the arrest location and the jurisdiction of the arresting agency, whether it is a city police department or a county sheriff's office, and visit their website to look for a webpage related to arrest records. For instance, anyone seeking access to Ada County arrest records can do so through the Ada County Sheriff's Office arrest webpage. Information seekers should note that some agencies may offer online portals for searching arrest records directly. In contrast, others may require contacting them through email or phone to inquire about accessing such records online.

Additionally, Idaho arrest records may be accessible through third-party websites. However, users should exercise caution and ensure the credibility and security of these websites before providing any payment information.

What is Included in Idaho Arrest Records?

The information in an arrest record may differ depending on where and how the record is obtained. Still, an arrest record often consists of the following components:

• Personal information: This includes:
  • The arrestee's name
  • Date of birth, gender
  • Race
  • Physical description. This information distinguishes an arrested person from others with similar names or features.
• Arrest information: This details the arrest and the legal basis for it. Arrest information includes:
  • The arrest date
  • Time and location of the arrest
  • Arresting agency
  • Charges
  • Bail amount
  • Arrest status
  • Booking number.

Fingerprint information: This may not be publicly accessible. However, a suspect's fingerprint classification, fingerprint image, and fingerprint identification number help verify the person's identity and link them to other records that may contain their fingerprints, such as state criminal history or FBI records.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record in Idaho

The duration of arrest information on an individual's record in Idaho depends on several factors, including the type of offense, the outcome of the case, and the legal actions taken by the court or the individual. According to the Idaho Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI), arrest information remains on a criminal record indefinitely unless expunged, sealed, redacted, dismissed, or pardoned by the court or the governor. However, these relief options have strict eligibility criteria and procedures.

Expunge an Arrest Record in Idaho

One way to clear an arrest record in Idaho is to expunge it; this hides it from public scrutiny. However, not all arrest or conviction records can be expunged. Expunction of Idaho arrest records depends on he case outcome.

Per Section 67-3004(100 of the Idaho Code, only arrests that did not result in convictions are eligible for expungement. Convictions resulting in prison terms, probation, or parole, or crimes such as sex offenses, violent felonies, or crimes against children, are not expungeable. To apply for an expungement, applicants are required to submit Expungement Application Forms to the Idaho State Police, along with a copy of their orders of acquittals or dismissals from the courts. Processing may take up to 30 days. If the application is successful, the Idaho State Police will inform the arresting agency and the court to delete the arrest information from their records. The individual will also receive a Certificate of Expungement from the Idaho State Police, which is evidence of the sealing or expunction of the arrest record.

Expungement does not entirely erase an arrest record, as it may still be seen by law enforcement agencies, courts, or prosecutors for certain purposes. For instance, expunged arrests may count as previous offenses for sentencing enhancement or habitual offender statutes. Furthermore, expungement does not restore civil or firearms rights lost after a conviction.

Another option in Idaho is deferred sentencing, also called a partial expungement. This is a process where the court delays entering a guilty plea or verdict and puts the defendant on probation for a certain period. If the defendant completes the probation and fulfills all conditions set by the court, the court may drop the charge and seal the record from public view. However, the record may still be accessible to law enforcement agencies, courts, and prosecutors as evidence of a previous offense for future charges.

Deferred sentencing is not a right but a favor the courts grant at their discretion. The court may consider factors such as:

• The type and seriousness of the offense
• The defendant's criminal history
• The defendant's age and situation
• The victim's opinion
• Public interest.

Deferred sentencing is not possible for crimes such as sex offenses, violent felonies, and crimes against children.

Individuals seeking deferred sentences must file their motion with the appropriate courts along with proposed probation plans and waive their rights to trials. The courts may hold hearings to decide whether to approve their motions and may set additional terms and conditions for probation. If a defendant does not follow the probation terms, the court may cancel the deferred sentence and enter a conviction. After the defendant completes the probation, the court may drop the charges and seal the arrest record. A defendant may also ask the court to lower a felony charge to a misdemeanor if the offense is eligible for such a reduction.

How Do I Find Recent Arrests in Idaho?

County sheriff's offices in Idaho may have websites that post recent arrest information, including names, charges, and booking dates. For instance, the Blaine County Sheriff's Online List provides information about recent arrests within its jurisdiction. The Canyon County Sheriff's Office, the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office, the Bannock County Sheriff's Office, and the Twin Falls County Sheriff's Office also have online databases or platforms that display recent arrest information. However, this feature is not available in all counties, and some may have limited arrest information.

Another option for accessing recent arrest records in Idaho is to contact relevant law enforcement agencies by phone, email, or in person. Individuals seeking access to Idaho arrest records may be required to provide the reasons for their requests and provide valid identification documents. Additionally, accessing arrest records in Idaho may involve fees.

Are Idaho Arrest Records Free?

Yes, access to Idaho arrest records may be free. Per the Idaho Public Records Act, Idaho arrest records are public and can be accessed free of charge. However, some law enforcement agencies may charge a fee for copies of arrest records or for conducting background checks.