Kootenai County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Kootenai County
Arrest records in Kootenai County are considered public information under the Idaho Public Records Act. Pursuant to Idaho Code § 74-102, members of the public have the right to examine and copy public records maintained by government agencies, including law enforcement entities within Kootenai County. However, it is important to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement, while a conviction record indicates that the individual was found guilty of a criminal offense through the judicial process.
The Idaho State Police maintains specific policies regarding the dissemination of criminal history record information in accordance with Idaho Code § 67-3001. Under current law, certain arrest record information may be exempt from disclosure if it falls under one of the exemptions outlined in Idaho Code § 74-105, such as records that would interfere with enforcement proceedings or constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy.
What's in Kootenai County Arrest Records
Kootenai County arrest records contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies within the county. These records typically include the following categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name (first, middle, last)
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
- Fingerprints
- Photograph (mugshot)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Arresting officer's name and badge number
- Reason for arrest
- Use of force information (if applicable)
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statute citations
- Charge classification (felony, misdemeanor)
- Charge severity level
- Description of alleged criminal activity
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date issued
- Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)
Booking Information:
- Booking date and time
- Booking number
- Processing officer information
- Property inventory
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bail amount set
- Bond type
- Bond conditions
- Release eligibility
Court Information:
- Court case number
- Assigned court
- Scheduled court appearances
- Judge assigned to case
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility of incarceration (if applicable)
- Expected release date (if applicable)
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Known aliases
- Vehicle information
- Emergency contact information
- Medical alerts or special needs
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Kootenai County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Kootenai County may utilize several methods to access this information. The Kootenai County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records and provides access in accordance with the Idaho Public Records Act.
To request arrest records in person:
- Visit the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office Records Division during regular business hours.
Kootenai County Sheriff's Office
5500 N. Government Way
Coeur d'Alene, ID 83815
(208) 446-1300
Kootenai County Sheriff's Office
- Complete a public records request form, which is available at the front desk.
- Provide specific information about the record being requested, including:
- Full name of the individual
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest (if known)
- Case number (if known)
- Present valid government-issued photo identification.
- Pay applicable fees for record retrieval and copying.
To request arrest records by mail:
- Download and complete the public records request form from the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office website.
- Include a copy of your government-issued photo identification.
- Mail the completed form, identification copy, and any applicable fees to:
Kootenai County Sheriff's Office
Records Division
5500 N. Government Way
Coeur d'Alene, ID 83815
To request arrest records electronically:
- Visit the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office website.
- Navigate to the Public Records Request section.
- Complete the online public records request form.
- Submit the form electronically.
- Await confirmation and further instructions regarding payment and record delivery.
Pursuant to Idaho Code § 74-102(10), agencies must respond to public records requests within three working days. For more complex requests, the agency may extend the response time by up to ten additional working days.
How To Find Kootenai County Arrest Records Online
Kootenai County provides several online resources for accessing arrest record information. The following methods are currently available for conducting online searches:
-
Kootenai County Jail Roster: The Sheriff's Office maintains a current inmate roster that is updated regularly. This resource provides information about individuals currently in custody.
- Visit the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the "Jail Information" section
- Select "Inmate Roster"
- Search by name or booking number
-
Idaho Supreme Court Data Repository: This statewide system contains court case information, including criminal cases resulting from arrests.
- Access the Idaho Court Case Search Portal
- Select "Smart Search" or "Case Search"
- Enter the individual's name
- Filter results by Kootenai County
- Review case information for criminal proceedings
-
Idaho Department of Correction Offender Search: For individuals who have been sentenced to state custody following conviction.
- Visit the Idaho Department of Correction website
- Select "Prisons" then "Offender Search"
- Enter the individual's name
- Review custody status and facility information
-
Idaho State Police Criminal History Records: For official criminal history information, including arrest records.
- Access the Idaho State Police Criminal History Unit
- Follow instructions for requesting criminal history information
- Note that fees apply and proper identification is required
When conducting online searches, users should be aware that information may be limited due to privacy protections under Idaho Code § 74-105. Additionally, the most current and complete information is typically available through direct requests to the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office.
How To Search Kootenai County Arrest Records for Free?
Members of the public have several options for accessing Kootenai County arrest records without incurring fees. These free resources provide basic information about arrests and criminal cases:
-
Kootenai County Jail Roster: This free online resource provides information about individuals currently in custody.
- Visit the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the "Jail Information" section
- Select "Inmate Roster"
- Search by name to view current custody status and basic charge information
-
Public Access Terminals: The Kootenai County Courthouse provides public access terminals where visitors can search court records at no cost.
Kootenai County Courthouse
324 W. Garden Avenue
Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814
(208) 446-1000
Kootenai County District Court
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Court Hearings Calendar: Court hearings are public proceedings, and the court calendar is available for review.
- Visit the Kootenai County Courthouse
- Review posted court calendars in public areas
- Alternatively, check the online court calendar through the Idaho Court Case Search Portal
-
Local Law Enforcement Social Media: The Kootenai County Sheriff's Office maintains social media accounts where they sometimes post information about significant arrests.
- Follow official accounts on platforms like Facebook and Twitter
- Review public posts about recent law enforcement activities
-
Local News Sources: Local media outlets often report on significant arrests and criminal cases in Kootenai County.
- Check local newspaper websites and television station websites
- Review crime reports and court proceedings coverage
It is important to note that while these resources are free, they may provide limited information compared to official records obtained through formal requests. Additionally, pursuant to Idaho Code § 74-102(10)(a), examining public records at the agency's office is free, though copying fees may apply.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Kootenai County
In Idaho, including Kootenai County, there are legal mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records through expungement (legal erasure) or sealing (restricting public access). These processes are governed by Idaho Code § 67-3004.
Expungement vs. Sealing:
- Expungement generally refers to the complete removal of records from public view
- Sealing restricts access to records but does not completely destroy them
- In Idaho, the process is technically referred to as "expungement" but functions more like sealing
Eligibility for Expungement: Under current Idaho law, arrest records may be eligible for expungement in the following circumstances:
- The arrest did not lead to charges being filed
- The charges were dismissed
- The individual was acquitted (found not guilty)
- The conviction was vacated or reversed on appeal
- The individual received a withheld judgment and successfully completed probation
- The individual was pardoned
Steps to Request Expungement in Kootenai County:
- Obtain a complete copy of your criminal history record from the Idaho State Police.
Idaho State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification
700 S. Stratford Drive, Suite 120
Meridian, ID 83642
(208) 884-7130
Idaho State Police
-
Complete the "Application for Expungement" form available from the Idaho State Police.
-
Gather supporting documentation:
- Court disposition documents
- Proof of completed probation (if applicable)
- Pardon documentation (if applicable)
- Personal identification
-
File the petition with the court that handled the original case.
Kootenai County District Court
324 W. Garden Avenue
Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814
(208) 446-1160
Kootenai County District Court
-
Pay the required filing fee (fee waivers may be available for those who qualify).
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Attend the scheduled hearing before a judge.
-
If the expungement is granted, ensure that all relevant agencies receive the court order, including:
- Kootenai County Sheriff's Office
- Idaho State Police
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Prosecuting attorney's office
- Any other agencies that may have the record
It is important to note that even if an expungement is granted, certain government agencies may still have access to the records for specific purposes, such as law enforcement investigations or employment screening for sensitive positions, in accordance with Idaho Code § 67-3004(10).
What Happens After Arrest in Kootenai County?
The criminal justice process in Kootenai County follows a structured sequence of events after an arrest occurs. This process is designed to protect individual rights while ensuring public safety and adherence to legal procedures.
Initial Arrest and Booking: When law enforcement officers make an arrest in Kootenai County, the individual is transported to the Kootenai County Jail for booking. During this process:
- Personal information is recorded
- Fingerprints and photographs are taken
- Personal property is inventoried and secured
- Initial health screening is conducted
- The individual is placed in appropriate housing
Initial Appearance: Within 24 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays), the arrestee appears before a magistrate judge for an initial appearance where:
- The charges are formally read
- Constitutional rights are explained
- Bail or bond is considered
- A determination is made regarding the need for a public defender
- A preliminary hearing date is set (for felony cases)
Bail Considerations: The court determines bail based on factors including:
- Severity of the alleged offense
- Criminal history
- Ties to the community
- Flight risk assessment
- Public safety considerations
Preliminary Hearing (Felony Cases): For felony charges, a preliminary hearing is held within 14 days if the defendant is in custody or 21 days if released. At this hearing:
- The prosecution must demonstrate probable cause
- The defense may challenge evidence
- The judge determines if the case should proceed to district court
- If probable cause is not established, charges may be dismissed
Arraignment: Following the preliminary hearing (for felonies) or after the initial appearance (for misdemeanors), an arraignment is held where:
- Formal charges are read
- The defendant enters a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest)
- Trial dates are set if a not guilty plea is entered
- Sentencing may occur immediately if a guilty plea is entered for minor offenses
Pre-Trial Proceedings: Before trial, several proceedings may occur:
- Discovery (exchange of evidence)
- Pre-trial motions
- Plea negotiations
- Status conferences
- Trial preparation
Trial: If the case proceeds to trial:
- Jury selection occurs (unless the defendant waives the right to a jury trial)
- Opening statements are presented
- Evidence and testimony are presented
- Closing arguments are made
- The jury deliberates and renders a verdict (or the judge in a bench trial)
Sentencing: If the defendant is found guilty or pleads guilty:
- A pre-sentence investigation may be conducted
- A sentencing hearing is scheduled
- Victims may provide impact statements
- The judge imposes a sentence based on Idaho sentencing guidelines
Post-Conviction: After conviction, the defendant may:
- File an appeal
- Seek post-conviction relief
- Serve the imposed sentence
- Be placed on probation
- Pay fines and restitution
Throughout this process, individuals have constitutional rights protected under both the Idaho and U.S. Constitutions, including the right to counsel, the right to remain silent, and the right to a fair and speedy trial.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Kootenai County?
Arrest records in Kootenai County are maintained according to the Idaho Records Retention Schedule as established under Idaho Code § 67-4126 - Public Records Retention. The retention of these records serves multiple purposes, including preserving evidence, maintaining accountability, and supporting the criminal justice system.
Under current law, different types of arrest records are subject to varying retention periods:
Arrest Reports and Booking Information:
- Complete arrest reports: Permanent retention
- Booking photographs (mugshots): Minimum of 10 years
- Fingerprint cards: Permanent retention
- Arrest logs and registers: Permanent retention
Investigative Records:
- Felony case files: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor case files: 10 years after case closure
- Juvenile case files: Until the individual reaches age 25, or 10 years after case closure, whichever is longer
Warrant Records:
- Served warrants: 10 years after service
- Unserved warrants: Until the statute of limitations expires or the warrant is recalled by the court
Jail Records:
- Inmate files: 10 years after release
- Jail logs and incident reports: 5 years
- Visitor logs: 3 years
It is important to note that different agencies within Kootenai County may have specific retention requirements based on their functions:
- The Kootenai County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records according to law enforcement retention schedules
- The Kootenai County Prosecutor's Office retains case files according to prosecutorial standards
- The Kootenai County Court system maintains court records according to judicial retention policies
Electronic records systems have extended the practical retention of many records beyond the minimum required periods. Additionally, records of significant historical or legal importance may be preserved permanently in county archives.
The Idaho State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification maintains a central repository of criminal history information, including arrest records from Kootenai County, in accordance with Idaho Code § 67-3003. These records are generally maintained permanently unless expunged by court order.
How to Find Mugshots in Kootenai County
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots, also known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest. These photographs serve to document the physical appearance of an arrested individual at the time of processing into the criminal justice system. In Kootenai County, mugshots are taken as part of standard booking procedures at the Kootenai County Jail.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
Mugshots in Kootenai County are primarily maintained by the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office as part of their arrest records. These photographs are stored in the following locations:
Kootenai County Sheriff's Office Records Division
5500 N. Government Way
Coeur d'Alene, ID 83815
(208) 446-1300
Kootenai County Sheriff's Office
Additionally, mugshots may be included in:
- Digital records management systems used by law enforcement
- Court case files when submitted as evidence
- The Idaho State Police criminal history database
Finding Mugshots
To locate mugshots in Kootenai County, members of the public may:
- Submit a public records request to the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office specifically requesting booking photographs
- Include in the request:
- Full name of the individual
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest
- Case number (if available)
- Pay applicable fees for record retrieval and copying
Can Mugshots Be Found Online
The Kootenai County Sheriff's Office does not maintain a public-facing database of all booking photographs. However, limited mugshot information may be available online through:
- The Kootenai County Jail Roster, which displays booking photos of currently incarcerated individuals
- Third-party websites that aggregate mugshots from public sources (these sites may not be current or accurate)
It is important to note that Idaho Code § 74-106(28) provides that a person whose mugshot has been posted to a publicly available website may request removal if:
- The person's criminal proceedings have concluded
- The person was acquitted or the charges were dismissed
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
The most reliable method for obtaining official mugshots is through a formal public records request:
- Visit or contact the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office Records Division
- Complete the public records request form
- Provide specific identifying information about the individual
- Pay the established fees for record retrieval and copying
- Receive the records in the requested format (paper or digital)
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
Access to mugshots in Kootenai County may be restricted under certain circumstances:
- Juvenile records are generally confidential under Idaho Code § 20-525
- Records related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily exempt from disclosure
- Records that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy may be withheld
- Mugshots may be removed from public websites upon request if the case was dismissed or resulted in acquittal
Individuals seeking mugshots should be aware that these images are obtained for legitimate public safety and criminal justice purposes. The use of mugshots for commercial purposes, particularly "mugshot websites" that charge removal fees, has been subject to increasing regulation in many jurisdictions.