Kootenai County Arrest Records

In Kootenai County, Idaho, arrest records are created when law enforcement officers detain individuals suspected of criminal activities. These records provide specific details about the arrest and the circumstances surrounding it. The Kootenai County Sheriff's Office and other local law enforcement agencies are responsible for managing and disseminating these records. In addition, arrest details may become part of Kootenai County court records once individuals are arraigned, making these records accessible through the county's judicial system. The Idaho State Police also maintains criminal history records, which include arrest data, as part of the state's comprehensive criminal records system.

Are Arrest Records Public in Kootenai County?

Under Idaho's Public Records Act (Idaho Code § 74-102), arrest records are generally accessible to the public. However, the law restricts the disclosure of certain sensitive information, such as details that may compromise an individual's privacy or public safety.

What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?

Publicly available arrest records in Kootenai County typically include:

• The name, date of birth, and physical description of the arrestee
• The summary of the alleged offense, as well as the charges
• Bail/bond information
• Arrest and booking date and time

Find Kootenai County Arrest Records

Individuals seeking arrest records from Kootenai County have several options. The Kootenai County Sheriff's Office is the primary repository for these records. Requests can be made in person at the Sheriff's Office, online through the county's website, or via mail. When making a mail request, individuals should use the Kootenai County Public Records Request Form, available on the Sheriff's Office website, and provide specific details about the arrest, including:

• Date of the incident
• Name(s) of involved parties
• Location of the incident
• Arresting agency
• Case or docket number (if available)

Under Idaho Code § 74-103, Kootenai County law enforcement is required to respond to requests for public records within three business days, either providing the information or issuing a denial.

Kootenai County maintains an online system that allows individuals to search for inmates currently held in county detention facilities. This system can be searched by name and provides basic details such as the charges against the inmate, the arresting agency, and the facility in which they are held. Additional inquiries, such as bond amounts or court dates, can be addressed by calling the Kootenai County Jail at (208) 446-1300.

Free Arrest Record Search in Kootenai County

Typically inquirers may access arrest records for free through official government sources. However, physical copies may be charged a small fee to cover reproduction costs. To avoid these fees, individuals can view the records in person or take photographs of the documents with their own devices.

In addition to official channels, third-party websites often offer public access to arrest records. However, the information on these sites may not always be as accurate or up-to-date as records obtained directly from law enforcement agencies.

Get Kootenai County Criminal Records

Criminal records in Kootenai County consist of detailed documentation regarding a person's interactions with the justice system, including arrests, prosecutions, and convictions. The Idaho Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) maintains these records and offers two primary methods for obtaining them: name-based and fingerprint-based searches.

To conduct a name-based search, individuals must fill out the Idaho Name-Based Background Check Form and submit it to the BCI, along with a $20 fee. A more thorough fingerprint-based search can be initiated by obtaining a fingerprint card from the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office, which is then submitted to the BCI.

Requests can be sent to the following address:

Bureau of Criminal Identification
700 S. Stratford Dr.,
Suite 120
Meridian, ID 83642
Phone: (208) 884-7130
Fax: (208) 884-7193

Kootenai County Arrest Records Vs. Criminal Records

Arrest records document a person's apprehension by law enforcement but do not necessarily lead to charges or convictions. On the other hand, criminal records contain a more comprehensive account of an individual's history within the justice system, including both conviction and non-conviction data.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

In Idaho, arrest records do not automatically disappear and may remain on a criminal record indefinitely unless specific steps are taken to expunge them. Arrests can stay on record even if charges are not filed or if you are acquitted, but eligible individuals may seek expungement. However, certain offenses, particularly serious crimes, are not eligible for expungement.

Expunge Kootenai County Arrest Records

To expunge arrest records in Kootenai County, petitioners must first determine their eligibility to have their records restricted. While some records may be eligible to be shielded from public disclosure, others may be expunged if they are found suitable for deletion.

According to the Idaho Clean Slate Act, the sentence must have been completed at least five years ago before the record holder is eligible to request a restriction (or shielding) of the record. Non-violent, non-assaultive offenses may also be eligible. Inquirers may review Idaho Code section 67-3004(11)(a)-(c) to check eligibility. Eligible petitioners may apply to have their records shielded thus:

• Step 1: Review Idaho Criminal History Before filing and gather the following information:
  • The case number for the records to be shield
  • Exact criminal charges, including statutes and classification (misdemeanor or felony).
  • Date of probation or parole completion (if applicable).
  • Date all fines, restitution, and conditions were satisfied.

This information is available through the court or the iCourt Portal.

• Step 2: Fill out the Petition to Shield Records from Public Disclosure
• Step 3: Sign the petition, then file it either in person at the county court where the original criminal case was filed or online through iCourt. There is no filing fee.
• Step 4: Attend the Hearing Once filed, the court will schedule a hearing and notify the parties concerned. A Notice of Hearing will be sent, and petitioners may track the case status via the iCourt Portal.

While shielding a record only restricts it from public access, expungement legally destroys or obliterates it. Records that may be eligible for expungement include:

• Documents pertaining to a juvenile that was detained and booked per I.C. § 20-516.
• Records of a person arrested or served a criminal summons but was not charged within one year of the arrest/summons or were acquitted of the alleged offenses I. C. § 67-3004.
• Records of persons granted exemption from registration as sexual offenders. I. C. § 18-8310.
• Juvenile offenders, except for those offenses, are covered under I.C. 20-525A.

The process of expungement varies with the type of expungement in question. However, the general procedure will require the applicant to petition the department holding the record (such as the Idaho state police or court) and subsequently notify prosecutors and attend a hearing where the expungement request will be granted or denied.

Kootenai County Arrest Warrants

In Kootenai County, Idaho, an arrest warrant is a legally binding document issued by the court authorizing law enforcement to detain an individual suspected of committing a crime. Under Idaho Criminal Rule 4, a magistrate judge must review a sworn complaint or affidavit before issuing an arrest warrant. The magistrate will only issue the warrant if there is a determination that probable cause exists. This rule ensures that the decision to issue a warrant is based on sufficient legal grounds.

An arrest warrant issued in Kootenai County typically contains the following details:

• The full name of the individual accused of committing the offense.
• The criminal charges the individual faces.
• The court that issued the warrant, including the name of the magistrate judge.
• The date and time of the issuance of the warrant.
• Any bail or bond conditions, if applicable.

Kootenai County Arrest Warrant Search

The Records Division of the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office manages and processes arrest warrants and other legal documents. Inquirers may contact them by phone or visit their office in person. To perform a search, the requesting party will typically need to provide the individual's full name and possibly the date of birth.

Interested members of the public can also check for arrest warrants by contacting the Kootenai County Clerk's Office. They maintain records of all court documents, including warrants, and may assist with warrant searches. At the state level, Idaho's iCourt Portal system provides online access to public records, including arrest warrants.

Do Kootenai County Arrest Warrants Expire?

According to Idaho Code Section 19-4404, arrest warrants remain active indefinitely in Idaho unless they are served, recalled, or quashed by the court. Warrants do not expire over time, meaning that law enforcement can still act upon even warrants issued years ago.