Kootenai County Court Records
What Is Kootenai County Court Records
Court records in Kootenai County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's jurisdiction. Pursuant to Idaho Code § 74-101, court records are defined as "any writing containing information relating to the conduct or administration of the public's business prepared, owned, used or retained by any state agency, independent public body corporate and politic or local agency regardless of physical form or characteristics."
These records typically include:
- Case files containing pleadings, motions, and other filed documents
- Docket sheets listing chronological case events
- Judicial orders and final judgments
- Hearing and trial transcripts
- Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
- Sentencing and probation records in criminal matters
- Marriage and divorce decrees
- Probate and estate documentation
Court records differ from other public records such as property deeds, birth certificates, and tax assessments, which are maintained by other county departments. The Kootenai County Clerk serves as the official custodian of court records for proceedings conducted within the county's court system.
The following courts maintain records in Kootenai County:
- First Judicial District Court (District Court)
- Magistrate Division (including Small Claims Court)
- Family Court Services
- Probate Court
- Juvenile Court (with restricted access)
These courts handle a wide range of legal matters including civil litigation, criminal prosecutions, family law cases, probate proceedings, and traffic violations. The Idaho Court Administrative Rules (ICAR) govern the management and accessibility of these records, with Rule 32 specifically addressing public access to court records.
Are Court Records Public In Kootenai County
Court records in Kootenai County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with the Idaho Public Records Act § 74-102 and Idaho Court Administrative Rule 32. The Idaho Constitution and state statutes establish a presumption of openness for court proceedings and their associated records.
The following court records are typically available for public inspection:
- Civil case files (with certain exceptions)
- Criminal case files (post-charging)
- Judgments, orders, and decrees
- Docket sheets and registers of actions
- Court calendars and hearing schedules
- Property records related to judgments
However, certain records are exempt from public disclosure or have restricted access, including:
- Juvenile court records (except as provided in Idaho Juvenile Rule 52)
- Mental health proceedings
- Adoption records
- Sealed records pursuant to court order
- Records containing personal identifying information such as Social Security numbers
- Pre-sentence investigation reports
- Child custody evaluations and reports
It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho are governed by federal rules and accessed through the federal PACER system, not through Kootenai County offices.
The Idaho Supreme Court has established comprehensive rules regarding public access to court records through Idaho Court Administrative Rule 32, which balances the public's right to access with privacy concerns and the efficient administration of justice.
How To Find Court Records in Kootenai County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Kootenai County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The county maintains both electronic and physical record repositories that are accessible through established procedures.
To obtain court records in person:
- Visit the Kootenai County Courthouse Records Department during regular business hours.
- Complete a records request form, providing case number, party names, and filing dates if known.
- Present valid photo identification.
- Pay applicable copy fees ($1.00 per page for standard copies, additional fees for certified copies).
Kootenai County Courthouse
501 North Government Way
Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814
Phone: 208-446-1000
Kootenai County Courthouse
For remote requests:
- Submit a written request to the Kootenai County Clerk's Office by mail or email.
- Include case information, specific documents requested, and contact information.
- Enclose payment for estimated copy fees or provide credit card information for processing.
- Allow 3-5 business days for processing standard requests.
Kootenai County Clerk
451 Government Way, PO Box 9000
Coeur d'Alene, Idaho 83816
Phone: 208-446-1160
Kootenai County Clerk
For expedited service, the Idaho Court Assistance Office provides guidance on completing the appropriate request forms and navigating the records retrieval process. Pursuant to Idaho Court Administrative Rule 32(j)(5), requests for copies of court records must be processed within a reasonable time, with priority given to requests for current records.
How To Look Up Court Records in Kootenai County Online?
Kootenai County court records are accessible through Idaho's statewide electronic court records system. The primary online portal for accessing these records is the Idaho iCourt Portal, which provides comprehensive search capabilities for court cases throughout the state.
To search for court records online:
- Visit the Idaho Supreme Court website and navigate to the iCourt Portal.
- Create a user account if conducting detailed searches (basic searches may be performed without an account).
- Select "Smart Search" for general queries or "Advanced Search" for more specific parameters.
- Enter search criteria such as:
- Party name (last name, first name)
- Case number
- Citation number
- Filing date range
- Case type
- Review search results and select specific cases to view available documents.
- Pay applicable fees for document access and downloads ($0.10 per page for most documents).
The iCourt Portal includes records from:
- District Court cases
- Magistrate Division cases (including small claims)
- Family court proceedings
- Probate matters
- Civil and criminal cases
For older cases (generally pre-2015) that have not been digitized, only basic case information may be available online, with full documents requiring an in-person request at the courthouse.
The Idaho Courts Data Request system provides an additional method for requesting specialized court data or records not readily available through the standard online portal. This service is particularly useful for bulk data requests or research purposes.
How To Search Kootenai County Court Records for Free?
Idaho law provides for free public inspection of court records pursuant to Idaho Code § 74-102(1), which states that "every person has a right to examine and take a copy of any public record of this state." While obtaining copies typically involves fees, examining records is available at no cost through several methods.
Free access options include:
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In-person inspection at the Kootenai County Courthouse during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding holidays). Public access terminals are available in the clerk's office for viewing electronic records without charge.
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Basic case information searches through the Idaho iCourt Portal, which allows free access to:
- Case numbers and filing dates
- Party names
- Case types and status
- Scheduled hearings
- Register of actions (docket entries)
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Public access computers at the Kootenai County Courthouse provide free access to electronic court records for on-site users.
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The Idaho Court Assistance Office offers free guidance on locating and accessing court records, with self-help centers located in the courthouse.
While document viewing is free, fees apply for obtaining copies:
- Standard paper copies: $1.00 per page
- Certified copies: $1.00 per page plus $1.00 certification fee per document
- Electronic copies (when available): $0.10 per page
Pursuant to Idaho Court Administrative Rule 32(j)(7), fee waivers may be available for individuals who demonstrate financial hardship through an approved fee waiver application.
What's Included in a Kootenai County Court Record?
Kootenai County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings, with contents varying by case type. A typical court record file includes several categories of documents and information.
For civil cases, records generally contain:
- Complaint or petition initiating the action
- Summons and proof of service
- Defendant's answer or response
- Motions filed by either party
- Court orders and rulings on motions
- Discovery documents (if filed with the court)
- Exhibits admitted into evidence
- Trial transcripts (when prepared)
- Final judgment or decree
- Post-judgment motions and orders
- Appeal documentation (if applicable)
Criminal case records typically include:
- Charging documents (information or indictment)
- Arrest warrant or summons
- Bail or bond information
- Arraignment records
- Pre-trial motions and orders
- Plea agreements
- Trial exhibits and transcripts
- Verdict forms
- Sentencing documents
- Probation reports (with restricted access)
- Restitution orders
Family court records contain:
- Petitions for divorce, custody, or support
- Parenting plans
- Financial affidavits
- Child support worksheets
- Temporary and final orders
- Qualified domestic relations orders (QDROs)
Probate records include:
- Wills and codicils
- Petitions for probate or administration
- Inventories of estate assets
- Claims against estates
- Distribution plans
- Final accountings
- Orders closing estates
Each court record also contains a register of actions (docket sheet) that chronologically lists all events and filings in the case, serving as an index to the complete file.
How Long Does Kootenai County Keep Court Records?
Kootenai County maintains court records according to retention schedules established by the Idaho Supreme Court pursuant to Idaho Court Administrative Rule 37. These schedules vary based on case type, significance, and legal requirements.
General retention periods for major case categories include:
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Felony criminal cases:
- Capital crimes: Permanent retention
- Other felonies: 100 years from date of judgment
- Dismissed cases: 5 years from date of dismissal
-
Misdemeanor criminal cases:
- DUI and domestic violence: 10 years after case closure
- Other misdemeanors: 5 years after case closure
- Infractions: 2 years after case closure
-
Civil litigation:
- Cases with monetary judgments: 20 years from entry of judgment
- Cases without monetary judgments: 10 years after case closure
- Small claims: 5 years after case closure
-
Family law matters:
- Divorce with children: 28 years after judgment
- Divorce without children: 10 years after judgment
- Child support orders: Until youngest child reaches 23 years of age
- Adoption: Permanent retention
-
Probate proceedings:
- Estates: 10 years after closing
- Guardianships/conservatorships: 10 years after termination
-
Court transcripts: 20 years for felonies; 5 years for other cases
After the retention period expires, records may be destroyed according to approved procedures. However, the Idaho Supreme Court has designated certain case types for permanent retention due to their historical or legal significance. Additionally, case index information is typically retained permanently even when the underlying case files are destroyed.
Individuals seeking older records should contact the Kootenai County Clerk's Office to determine if the desired records still exist and in what format they may be available.
Types of Courts In Kootenai County
Kootenai County's court system operates as part of Idaho's unified judicial system, with several court types serving different jurisdictional functions. Each court handles specific categories of cases according to Idaho law.
Kootenai County District Court (First Judicial District)
501 North Government Way
Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814
Phone: 208-446-1160
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Kootenai County District Court
The District Court is Idaho's general jurisdiction trial court, handling felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $10,000, and appeals from magistrate courts.
Kootenai County Magistrate Division
501 North Government Way
Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814
Phone: 208-446-1170
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Kootenai County Magistrate Court
The Magistrate Division handles misdemeanors, infractions, preliminary felony proceedings, civil cases under $10,000, probate matters, family law, and small claims.
Kootenai County Drug Court
501 North Government Way
Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814
Phone: 208-446-1200
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Kootenai County Drug Court
This specialty court provides alternative sentencing and treatment options for qualifying drug offenders.
Kootenai County Mental Health Court
501 North Government Way
Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814
Phone: 208-446-1200
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Kootenai County Mental Health Court
This specialty court addresses cases involving defendants with mental health issues.
Kootenai County Juvenile Court
501 North Government Way
Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814
Phone: 208-446-1920
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Kootenai County Juvenile Court
The Juvenile Court handles delinquency cases and child protection matters for minors.
The court hierarchy in Idaho proceeds from Magistrate Courts to District Courts, then to the Idaho Court of Appeals, and finally to the Idaho Supreme Court, which is the state's highest judicial authority.
What Types of Cases Do Kootenai County Courts Hear?
Kootenai County courts adjudicate a diverse range of legal matters according to jurisdictional authority established by Idaho law. Each court level is designated to handle specific case types based on case complexity, monetary value, and subject matter.
The District Court has jurisdiction over:
- Felony criminal prosecutions
- Civil lawsuits with claims exceeding $10,000
- Real property disputes
- Administrative agency appeals
- Appeals from magistrate court decisions
- Complex commercial litigation
- Tort claims against government entities
- Extraordinary writs (mandamus, prohibition, etc.)
The Magistrate Division handles:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Traffic violations and infractions
- Civil disputes with claims up to $10,000
- Small claims (up to $5,000)
- Family law matters including:
- Divorce proceedings
- Child custody and support
- Paternity determinations
- Domestic violence protection orders
- Probate and estate administration
- Guardianships and conservatorships
- Mental health commitments
- Preliminary hearings in felony cases
- Search and arrest warrant applications
Specialty courts in Kootenai County address specific case types:
- Drug Court: Non-violent offenders with substance abuse issues
- Mental Health Court: Defendants with diagnosed mental health conditions
- DUI Court: Repeat driving under the influence offenders
- Veterans Treatment Court: Eligible veterans with criminal charges
- Juvenile Court: Delinquency cases and child protection matters
Municipal ordinance violations may be handled by city courts in incorporated areas, though many municipalities contract with the county for judicial services.
According to Idaho Code § 1-2208, magistrate judges have jurisdiction over all misdemeanors and proceedings to prevent the commission of crimes. District judges, pursuant to Idaho Code § 1-705, have original jurisdiction in all cases and proceedings.
How To Find a Court Docket In Kootenai County
Court dockets in Kootenai County provide chronological listings of all proceedings and filings in court cases. These records are accessible through multiple channels depending on the requester's needs and the case type.
To access court dockets electronically:
- Visit the Idaho Supreme Court website and navigate to the iCourt Portal.
- Select "Case Search" from the available options.
- Enter search criteria (case number, party name, or citation number).
- Review search results and select the desired case.
- View the Register of Actions, which serves as the official court docket.
For in-person docket access:
- Visit the Kootenai County Courthouse Clerk's Office during business hours.
- Request docket information for specific cases at the public service counter.
- Provide case number or party names to facilitate the search.
- Review docket information on public access terminals or request printed copies.
Kootenai County Courthouse
501 North Government Way
Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814
Phone: 208-446-1000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Kootenai County Courthouse
For upcoming court hearings:
- Access the court calendar through the iCourt Portal.
- Select "Court Calendar" and choose Kootenai County.
- Filter by date, judge, or case type.
- Review scheduled hearings and associated case information.
Alternatively, weekly court calendars are posted in the courthouse lobby and may be available on the county's website. For assistance with locating specific docket information, the Idaho Court Assistance Office provides guidance on navigating court records.
Pursuant to Idaho Court Administrative Rule 32, court dockets are public records unless specifically sealed by court order or protected by statute. Docket information typically includes filing dates, document titles, hearing dates, and judicial rulings, providing a comprehensive history of case proceedings.
Which Courts in Kootenai County Are Not Courts of Record?
In the Idaho judicial system, courts are designated as either "courts of record" or "courts not of record" based on their procedural requirements and appeal processes. This distinction is established by Idaho Code § 1-103, which defines courts of record as those where proceedings are documented by official court reporters or electronic recording systems.
In Kootenai County, the following are not courts of record:
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Small Claims Department of the Magistrate Division - Cases involving claims up to $5,000 are heard in an informal setting without court reporters. Proceedings are not transcribed verbatim, though written judgments are issued.
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Juvenile Informal Adjustment proceedings - Certain juvenile matters handled through diversionary programs rather than formal adjudication are not recorded.
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Problem-Solving Court sessions - While the underlying cases are of record, certain treatment team meetings and informal progress reviews in Drug Court, Mental Health Court, and other specialty courts may not be recorded.
The significance of a court not being "of record" includes:
- Appeals from these courts proceed as trials de novo (new trials) rather than reviews of the record
- No official transcript exists for appellate review
- Proceedings typically follow simplified rules of procedure
- Parties often represent themselves without attorneys
All other courts in Kootenai County, including the District Court, regular Magistrate Division proceedings, and formal Juvenile Court hearings, are courts of record where proceedings are documented by court reporters or digital recording systems as required by Idaho Court Administrative Rule 27.
When appealing from a court not of record, the case is heard anew in a court of record, with the entire matter retried rather than reviewing for errors in the original proceeding.