Latah County Arrest Records

When an individual is suspected of committing a felony or misdemeanor, they can be arrested and taken to the nearest station or county jail, where they will undergo a process known as booking. In Latah County, arrests usually occur after a warrant has been issued. However, if an arresting officer directly witnesses the crime or has probable cause, they can execute an arrest without a warrant. The information collected during the booking process typically forms part of a suspect's Latah County arrest record.

Arrest records are primarily maintained by the arresting law enforcement agencies, although they can be found with other agencies. For instance, the court clerk preserves the Latah County court records, which may include arrest information. Additionally, arrest records are part of the broader collection of Idaho criminal records.

Are Arrest Records Public in Latah County?

Yes. Latah County arrest records are accessible under the Idaho Public Records Act. This law stipulates that all documents created or maintained by government agencies within the state be accessible for public inspection and copying during reasonable hours.

However, certain records are exempt from public disclosure, such as:

• Personal Information: Sensitive personal details that could compromise an individual's privacy or endanger a person's safety are protected from public access
• Information About Minors: Records that contain information on individuals under the age of 18 are typically kept confidential
• Active Investigative Information: Records of ongoing investigations or cases are not released to the public
• Records Exempt by Law: Any record or specific portions thereof protected by law cannot be publicly disclosed

What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?

The following details typically appear in a Latah County public arrest record:

• Name of Offender: The full name of the individual who was arrested.
• Booking Date: The date the individual was booked into a jail or other facility.
• Booking Number: The unique number assigned to the offender that helps track them within the system.
• Mugshot: An image of the offender taken at the time of booking, often used for identification purposes.
• Offenses: A list of the charges or crimes the individual is accused of, which may include felonies, misdemeanors, or both.
• Court Case Number: A distinct number assigned to the court case associated with the arrest, which enables tracking and reference during legal proceedings.
• Bail Amount: The specified amount of money that must be posted for the offender to be released from custody, pending further legal action.

Latah County Arrest Statistics

According to the Idaho 2023 Crime Report, law enforcement agencies in Latah County (i.e., the Moscow Police and Sheriff departments) made 763 arrests, and the county had an arrest rate of 1,850.73 per 100,000 residents.

Of Latah County's total arrests in 2023, 330 adults and four juveniles were apprehended for Group A offenses, the more serious crimes. Meanwhile, 419 adults and 10 juveniles were arrested for Group B offenses, which generally encompass lesser offenses.

Find Latah County Arrest Records

To access an arrest record in Latah County, individuals can contact the sheriff's office or Moscow Police Department in person, by mail, or by phone, depending on the agency that made an arrest. Additionally, the sheriff's office features a jail roster on its website, which provides basic information on individuals in custody.

At the state level, the Idaho State Police maintains arrest records as part of statewide criminal records. Members of the public can perform a name-based check or a fingerprint check, both of which attract a $20 fee.

Individuals can also query the Federal Bureau of Investigation for their nationwide criminal history records, which will include any arrest information that the FBI received from Latah County criminal justice agencies.

Free Arrest Record Search in Latah County

Latah County arrest records may be accessible for free by submitting an inspection request to the agency that made the arrest. Researchers can visit an office to request access or seek non-physical methods for obtaining such information, such as a phone call to the relevant department.

Additionally, individuals can find arrest records on third-party websites that aggregate such data. While many of these sites operate for commercial purposes and may charge a fee for complete access, some offer limited access to arrest records at no cost.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

Permanently. However, when an individual receives an expungement, their arrest record becomes unavailable to the public. In other words, without an expungement, an arrest record remains a permanent part of a person's criminal history.

While public access to an arrest record is restricted, it is essential to note that the record is not destroyed and can still be accessed by authorized personnel.

Expunge Latah County Arrest Records

Expunging an arrest record in Latah County restricts public access to that record. Under Idaho law, only specific offenses are eligible for expungement in Latah County. Statutes like I.C. §§ 19-5513, 20-516, 67-3004, and 20-525A outline the various records that can be expunged and who can file for expungement.

Generally, individuals seeking expungement must submit a written request to a court of jurisdiction and any required documentation. The court will examine the application to determine whether an expungement should be granted. If the court approves the request, the arrest record will be expelled from public access and sealed.

Applicants must remember that even if they meet the qualifications to petition for expungement, the final decision rests solely with the court, which can grant or deny the request.

Latah County Arrest Warrants

When a law enforcement officer presents sufficient facts or evidence establishing probable cause that a specific resident or person has engaged in criminal activity, the court may approve a warrant for that individual's arrest.

According to I.C. § 19-507, an arrest warrant is a written order issued in the name of the state and signed by a judge or magistrate. This document ensures that a person is apprehended lawfully and brought to justice.

Besides the judge's signature, an arrest warrant will state the county where it was issued, the name of the suspect, the issuing court, and the issue date. These elements are essential for the warrant's validity and execution.

Do Latah County Arrest Warrants Expire?

No, Latah County arrest warrants do not expire. They remain valid until the named individuals are arrested or a judge issues a recall. In other words, law enforcement retains the authority to execute an active arrest warrant at any time, regardless of how long it has been since the warrant was issued.