idahoCourtRecords.us is a privately owned website that is not owned or operated by any state government agency.
Notice

CourtRecords.us is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), and does not assemble or evaluate information for the purpose of supplying consumer reports.

You understand that by clicking “I Agree” you consent to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy agree not to use information provided by CourtRecords.us for any purpose under the FCRA, including to make determinations regarding an individual’s eligibility for personal credit, insurance, employment, or for tenant screening.

This website contains information collected from public and private resources. CourtRecords.us cannot confirm that information provided below is accurate or complete. Please use information provided by CourtRecords.us responsibly.

You understand that by clicking “I Agree”, CourtRecords.us will conduct only a preliminary people search of the information you provide and that a search of any records will only be conducted and made available after you register for an account or purchase a report.

Idaho Court Records

IdahoCourtRecords.us is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the FCRA and does not provide consumer reports. All searches conducted on IdahoCourtRecords.us are subject to the Terms of Service and Privacy Notice.

The information provided on this webpage has been prepared for general informational purposes only and is not, nor is it intended to, constitute legal advice. Use of and access to the information provided on this webpage or any of the links or resources contained within do not create an attorney-client relationship. This webpage contains links to other third-party websites and services. Such links are provided solely as a convenience and are not endorsements of such third-party websites or services. We have no responsibility for the content or availability of such third-party websites or services. THE INFORMATION ON THIS WEBPAGE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND MAY NOT BE THE MOST UP TO DATE. Please see our Terms of Use for more information.

How to Fight a Traffic Ticket in Idaho

In the State of Idaho, traffic tickets are issued to individuals who violate the state’s road-traffic laws. Also known as “uniform citations,” these tickets are generated by law enforcement officers, processed by the Magistrate Division of the District Court, and prosecuted by city or county attorneys. The information contained on these tickets includes:

  • The offender’s name/descriptions.
  • The nature of the offense and timestamp.
  • Jurisdictional court.
  • Court date.
  • Ticket amount.
  • The ticket’s deadline.

An alleged offender who has received a ticket has two options: admit guilt and pay the fine or challenge the ticket and go to court. Recipients of a traffic ticket in Idaho may be subject to fines, court costs, jail time (for misdemeanor offenses), license suspensions, probation, community service, and other court-imposed sentences, including point assessments from the ITD. Additionally, traffic tickets can lead to a substantial increase in an offender’s auto insurance premiums.

Records that are considered public may be accessible from some third-party websites. These websites often make searching more straightforward, as they are not limited by geographic location, and search engines on these sites may help when starting a search for specific or multiple records. To begin using such a search engine on a third-party or government website, interested parties usually must provide:

  • The name of the person involved in the record, unless said person is a juvenile
  • The location or assumed location of the record or person involved. This includes information such as the city, county, or state that the person resides in or was accused in.

Third-party sites are independent of government sources and are not sponsored by these government agencies. Because of this, record availability on third-party sites may vary.

Is it Worth it To Fight a Traffic Ticket in Idaho?

It will prove worth it to contest a traffic ticket in an Idaho Court if the ticketed party can prove that the ticket was issued in error or that they are innocent of the alleged offense. If the court rules in favor of the defendant, they may be absolved of all the financial implications (high fines, jail terms, license suspensions) that may result from a guilty conviction or plea.

In contesting a traffic ticket, the defense may negotiate a plea bargain with the prosecutor and get reduced charges, and if all else fails, the defendant may appeal the court’s decision within 42 days of a conviction. However, contesting a traffic ticket may prove far more expensive than the apparent alternative. This is because the defendant will be required to cover all the associated costs, including legal and court-related, associated with these actions. If the defendant is found guilty, offenders may incur even higher penalties. As such, defendants are advised to consult with an experienced Idaho traffic ticket attorney and weigh all available options before proceeding with a court case.

Ways to Fight a Traffic Ticket in Idaho

Traffic tickets are usually issued for an infraction or misdemeanor in Idaho. How a ticket is fought depends on the type of ticket. For traffic infractions, ticketed persons may contest a ticket by entering a not-guilty plea on or before the date stated on the ticket at the court clerk’s office. Some courts allow this plea to be sent in by mail, fax, or email. Whatever the case, the defendant will be furnished with a court date for a pretrial conference. The reason for this conference is to determine if a resolution can be met without a court trial. In infraction cases, defendants may hire legal representation or represent themselves, as the court does not appoint counsel for defendants in these cases, whether or not they are indigent, because the severest punishment is a fine.

Cases that cannot be resolved during the pretrial conference may proceed to trial. There is no right to a jury trial in an infraction case. Defendants who are found guilty are subject to fixed fines and costs established in the Idaho Supreme Court’s Infraction Penalty Schedule, as well as point assessments by the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD). Under § 18–113A, fine penalties for infractions cannot be reduced, increased, or suspended, and cannot exceed $300. If found not guilty, the case is dismissed. Persons who fail to appear will have a default judgment entered against them. Failure to pay the required fine results in 90-day license suspensions by the Idaho Department of Transportation (DOT). Suspended licenses can only be reinstated upon complete payment of the fine penalty and the DOT’s reinstatement fee.

Court appearances are mandatory for misdemeanor offenses such as reckless driving or fleeing/attempting to elude a peace officer, whether the offender intends to contest the ticket or not. This appearance may occur in the county where the offense occurred or in a county of the offender’s choosing upon request to the ticketing officer. Anyone who wants to contest a misdemeanor ticket may appear at the clerk’s office on/before the appearance date indicated on the ticket and enter a not-guilty plea. Offenders also have the right to enter pleas before the court. However, if the case was initially transferred to another county, it may be returned to the original county for the trial upon entry of a not-guilty plea.

Persons who fail to appear on their specified court date may have warrants issued for their arrests and bail set forth as directed in the Idaho Misdemeanor Criminal Rules (IMCR). Inability to post bail results in imprisonment. After entry of a not-guilty plea, a trial date is scheduled by the court, and a notice is issued to the defendant. A judge or jury may hear this trial, and the defendant has the right to counsel. The court may appoint an attorney for a defendant if the offense has a possible prison sentence or if the conviction of the offense could result in a subsequent misdemeanor conviction being penalized as a felony. Penalties for guilty convictions include fines, community services, court costs, incarceration, license suspensions, victim restitution, and probation.

How to Fight a Traffic Ticket Without Going to Court

Unfortunately, there is no way to fight an Idaho traffic ticket without going to court. Ticketed road users are required to appear in court to contest infractions or misdemeanors. However, Rule 5(d), IMCR, and Rule 6(d) Idaho Infraction Rules (IIR) allow an attorney to appear in place of a defendant, no matter the offense, unless the court requires the defendant’s presence.

How do You Get a Traffic Ticket Reduced in Idaho

In Idaho, fines for traffic infractions, whether incurred upon entry of a guilty plea or entry of a judgment after a trial, cannot be reduced or suspended. A defendant may establish a payment plan or agreement with the court via the clerk of court’s office for any infraction fine, surcharge, or extra court cost. There is an agreement form designed by the court for this purpose, which must be signed by the defendant and court for any payment agreement to be in effect. Failure to comply with an agreement can result in a person’s arrest. A payment agreement form is also available for misdemeanor convictions. Also, a convicted party can request community service in place of fine payments for misdemeanor offenses.

Can you Get a Speeding Ticket Dismissed in Idaho?

No. While some US states dismiss traffic tickets if the offender agrees to certain programs e.g. participating in a driver improvement course, the option for dismissals does not apply to traffic offenders in Idaho. The court will only dismiss an Idaho traffic infraction upon entry of a not-guilty verdict or per Rules 60(a) and (b), Idaho Rules of Civil Procedure (IRCP). Otherwise, these tickets cannot be dismissed.

What Happens if You Plead Guilty to a Traffic Ticket in Idaho

Anyone who pleads guilty to a traffic ticket in Idaho is liable to the following penalties:

  • Fines
  • Surcharges and other court costs
  • Probation
  • Community service
  • Incarceration
  • License suspensions
  • ITD administrative fees
  • Victim compensation
  • Higher car insurance rates

How to Find a Traffic Ticket Attorney in Idaho

An experienced Idaho traffic attorney’s assistance is invaluable when contesting a traffic ticket to reduce or dismiss charges. The Idaho State Bar offers online services to members of the public who want to find traffic attorneys or require suitable referrals. Also, individuals who cannot afford an attorney may check if they qualify for legal representation through the Idaho Volunteer Lawyers Program.

The information provided on this webpage has been prepared for general informational purposes only and is not, nor is it intended to, constitute legal advice. Use of and access to the information provided on this webpage or any of the links or resources contained within do not create an attorney-client relationship. This webpage contains links to other third-party websites and services. Such links are provided solely as a convenience and are not endorsements of such third-party websites or services. We have no responsibility for the content or availability of such third-party websites or services. THE INFORMATION ON THIS WEBPAGE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND MAY NOT BE THE MOST UP TO DATE. Please see our Terms of Use for more information.

  • Criminal Records
  • Arrests Records
  • Warrants
  • Driving Violations
  • Inmate Records
  • Felonies
  • Misdemeanors
  • Bankruptcies
  • Tax & Property Liens
  • Civil Judgements
  • Federal Dockets
  • Probate Records
  • Marriage Records
  • Divorce Records
  • Death Records
  • Property Records
  • Asset Records
  • Business Ownership
  • Professional Licenses
  • And More!