Kootenai County Criminal Records
What Is Kootenai County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Kootenai County are official documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. Pursuant to Idaho Code § 9-338, these records are maintained as part of the public record, with certain exceptions as provided by law.
Criminal records encompass several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement, including the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office or local police departments. These records exist whether or not charges are ultimately filed.
- Conviction Records: Official documentation of criminal cases resulting in a guilty verdict or plea, establishing that an individual has been found legally responsible for a criminal offense.
- Felony Records: Documentation of more serious crimes punishable by imprisonment of one year or more in state prison facilities.
- Misdemeanor Records: Documentation of less serious offenses typically punishable by up to one year in county jail, fines, or both.
Juvenile records in Kootenai County are generally sealed and not accessible to the public, in accordance with Idaho Code § 20-525, which protects the privacy of minors involved in the juvenile justice system.
The primary agencies responsible for maintaining criminal records in Kootenai County include:
Kootenai County Sheriff's Office
5500 N Government Way
Coeur d'Alene, ID 83815
(208) 446-1300
Kootenai County Sheriff's Office
First Judicial District Court - Kootenai County
324 W Garden Avenue
Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814
(208) 446-1160
Idaho Courts
Idaho State Police - Bureau of Criminal Identification
700 S. Stratford Drive, Suite 120
Meridian, ID 83642
(208) 884-7130
Bureau of Criminal Identification
These criminal records typically include documentation of the entire criminal justice process, from initial arrest through final disposition, including charges filed, arraignments, plea agreements, trial proceedings, verdicts, and sentencing information. For individuals placed on probation or parole, records may also include supervision terms and compliance status.
Are Criminal Records Public In Kootenai County
Criminal records in Kootenai County are generally considered public information under the Idaho Public Records Act, specifically Idaho Code § 74-102, which establishes the right of citizens to examine and copy public records. This statute affirms that "every person has a right to examine and take a copy of any public record of this state" with certain exceptions as provided by law.
The statute specifically states: "Every person has a right to examine and take a copy of any public record of this state and there is a presumption that all public records in Idaho are open at all reasonable times for inspection except as otherwise expressly provided by statute."
Public criminal records in Kootenai County typically include:
- Adult arrest records
- Court proceedings and case files
- Conviction records
- Incarceration records
- Sex offender registry information
- Probation and parole status
However, certain criminal records are restricted from public access, including:
- Records pertaining to active criminal investigations, as protected under Idaho Code § 74-124
- Sealed or expunged records, typically available only by court order
- Juvenile criminal records, which are confidential under Idaho Code § 20-525, except in specific circumstances
- Records that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
- Pre-sentence investigation reports
- Victim information in certain sensitive cases
The Idaho Bureau of Criminal Identification maintains the state's central repository of criminal history information and regulates access to these records in accordance with state and federal laws. While many criminal records are publicly accessible, requestors must follow established procedures and may be required to provide identification or other verification when seeking certain types of records.
Law enforcement agencies and courts in Kootenai County maintain discretion to withhold certain information when disclosure would interfere with enforcement proceedings, deprive a person of a fair trial, constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy, or reveal confidential sources or techniques.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Kootenai County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Kootenai County may utilize several methods to access this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for obtaining criminal records:
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office Records Division during regular business hours:
Kootenai County Sheriff's Office - Records Division
5500 N Government Way
Coeur d'Alene, ID 83815
(208) 446-1300
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Kootenai County Sheriff's Office
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Complete a public records request form, providing:
- Full name of the subject
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of incident (if applicable)
- Case number (if known)
- Requestor's contact information
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Present valid government-issued photo identification.
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Pay applicable fees for record retrieval and copying services.
Court Records Requests:
For case files and court proceedings, visit:
First Judicial District Court - Kootenai County
324 W Garden Avenue
Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814
(208) 446-1160
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Idaho Court Portal
Court records may be accessed through the public terminals available at the courthouse. Pursuant to Idaho Court Administrative Rule 32, most court records are open to the public, with certain exceptions for sealed or confidential cases.
Written Requests:
Submit a written request to the appropriate agency:
- Include all relevant identifying information about the subject.
- Specify the records being requested.
- Provide contact information and preferred delivery method.
- Include payment for applicable fees.
Written requests to the Sheriff's Office may be mailed to the address listed above or emailed to records@kcgov.us.
State-Level Criminal History:
For comprehensive criminal history information that includes records from multiple jurisdictions within Idaho:
- Submit a request to the Idaho State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification.
- Complete the required fingerprint card and authorization forms.
- Pay the required fee (currently $20-$25 per record).
- Submit the request by mail or in person to the Bureau of Criminal Identification office.
Processing times vary based on the complexity of the request and current workload, but most local records requests are processed within 3-10 business days.
How To Find Criminal Records in Kootenai County Online?
Kootenai County offers several online resources for accessing criminal records electronically. These digital platforms provide convenient alternatives to in-person requests, though the scope of information available online may be more limited than records obtained directly from agencies.
Idaho iCourt Portal:
The Idaho Judiciary's centralized case management system provides public access to court records:
- Visit the Idaho iCourt Portal
- Select "Smart Search" for case record searches
- Create a free user account or continue as a guest
- Search by name, case number, or citation number
- Filter results by county (select Kootenai) and case type (criminal)
- Review basic case information including charges, hearing dates, and disposition
The iCourt Portal contains records for cases filed after the system's implementation in Kootenai County. Older cases may require in-person requests at the courthouse.
Kootenai County Jail Roster:
The Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate lookup system:
- Access the Kootenai County Jail Inmate Roster
- Search by name or booking number
- View current inmates, charges, bond amounts, and next court dates
This database only includes currently incarcerated individuals and those recently released. Historical booking information requires a formal records request.
Idaho Department of Correction Offender Search:
For information on individuals currently under state supervision:
- Visit the Idaho Department of Correction Resident/Client Search
- Enter the individual's name or IDOC number
- Review incarceration status, facility location, or supervision status
- View offense information and tentative release dates for current inmates
Idaho Sex Offender Registry:
To search for registered sex offenders in Kootenai County:
- Access the Idaho Sex Offender Registry
- Search by name, address, city, county, or zip code
- View offender photos, addresses, conviction information, and risk levels
Online Record Request Portal:
Kootenai County provides an electronic submission system for public records requests:
- Visit the Kootenai County Public Records Request Portal
- Complete the electronic form with request details
- Submit the form electronically
- Receive confirmation and tracking information
- Pay applicable fees online when notified records are ready
Users should note that certain sensitive records, sealed cases, juvenile matters, and active investigations will not appear in online searches. Additionally, online systems may not contain complete historical records, particularly for cases predating digital record-keeping.
Can You Search Kootenai County Criminal Records for Free?
Kootenai County provides several options for members of the public to access criminal records at no cost, in accordance with the Idaho Public Records Act. Idaho Code § 74-102(10) establishes that "examining public records and making copies of public records" shall be available to the public, though reasonable fees may be charged for copies or extensive searches.
Free In-Person Inspection:
Citizens may inspect criminal records at no cost at the following locations:
Kootenai County Sheriff's Office - Records Division
5500 N Government Way
Coeur d'Alene, ID 83815
(208) 446-1300
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
First Judicial District Court - Kootenai County
324 W Garden Avenue
Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814
(208) 446-1160
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
When inspecting records in person:
- Valid identification must be presented
- Records may be viewed under staff supervision
- Note-taking is permitted
- Photography of records may be restricted
Free Online Resources:
Several online platforms provide free access to criminal record information:
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Idaho iCourt Portal - The state's court records system allows free basic searches and viewing of case summaries at iCourt Portal. While creating an account is recommended, guest access is available for basic searches.
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Kootenai County Jail Roster - The Sheriff's Office provides free access to current inmate information through their online inmate search.
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Idaho Department of Correction Offender Search - Information about individuals currently incarcerated or under supervision by the state is freely available through the IDOC Resident/Client Search.
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Idaho Sex Offender Registry - The public can freely search for registered sex offenders residing in Kootenai County through the Idaho Sex Offender Registry.
Fee-Based Services:
While inspection is free, fees may apply for:
- Printed copies (typically $0.25-$1.00 per page)
- Certified copies of court documents ($1.00-$5.00 per document)
- Research services for extensive or complex requests ($20-$30 per hour after first 100 pages or 2 hours)
- Fingerprint-based criminal history checks from the Idaho State Police ($20-$25)
Pursuant to Idaho Code § 74-102(10)(f), agencies may waive fees when the requester demonstrates an inability to pay or when the request is deemed to primarily benefit the general public.
What's Included in a Kootenai County Criminal Record?
Criminal records maintained by Kootenai County agencies typically contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. The specific content may vary depending on the nature of the case and the maintaining agency, but generally includes the following categories of information:
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye and hair color)
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Last known address
- State Identification Number (SID)
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information:
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer information
- Booking number and facility
- Initial charges filed by law enforcement
- Probable cause statements
- Bail or bond amount and status
- Detention facility information
Court Case Information:
- Case number and filing date
- Court of jurisdiction (Magistrate or District Court)
- Assigned judge
- Formal charges filed by prosecutor with Idaho statute citations
- Classification of offenses (felony, misdemeanor, infraction)
- Plea information
- Attorney representation details
- Hearing dates and proceedings
- Motion filings and judicial rulings
Disposition and Sentencing:
- Verdict or case outcome (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, etc.)
- Conviction date
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration terms (jail or prison)
- Probation conditions and duration
- Fines, fees, and court costs
- Restitution orders
- Treatment or program requirements
- Community service obligations
- Post-conviction proceedings
- Appeal information
Additional Information:
- Active warrants or pending charges
- Protective or no-contact orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/DWI history
- Probation or parole status
- Compliance with court-ordered conditions
- Prior criminal history within the jurisdiction
The Bureau of Criminal Identification at the Idaho State Police maintains the state's central repository of criminal history information, which may provide a more comprehensive record spanning multiple jurisdictions throughout Idaho.
It should be noted that pursuant to Idaho Code § 20-525, juvenile records are generally confidential and maintained separately from adult criminal records. Additionally, records that have been sealed or expunged by court order will not appear in standard criminal record searches.
How Long Does Kootenai County Keep Criminal Records?
Kootenai County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by the Idaho State Historical Society and the Idaho Supreme Court Records Management Program, as mandated by Idaho Code § 67-4126. These schedules determine how long different types of criminal records must be preserved before they may be destroyed or archived.
Court Records Retention:
The First Judicial District Court in Kootenai County follows the Idaho Supreme Court's records retention schedule:
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Felony Case Files: Permanently retained. After 10 years, records may be transferred to microfilm or electronic format, but the information is preserved indefinitely.
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Misdemeanor Case Files: Retained for a minimum of 10 years after case closure. DUI and domestic violence cases are typically kept for longer periods (20+ years).
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Infractions: Generally retained for 5 years after case closure.
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Court Dockets and Indexes: Permanently retained as they serve as finding aids to case files.
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Exhibits: Retained until all appeals are exhausted plus additional time based on case type (typically 2-5 years), after which they may be returned to parties, destroyed, or preserved depending on historical significance.
Law Enforcement Records Retention:
The Kootenai County Sheriff's Office maintains records according to the following general guidelines:
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Arrest Reports: Felony arrests are retained permanently; misdemeanor arrests are typically kept for 10 years.
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Incident Reports: Retention periods vary based on case type:
- Homicide/Death Investigations: Permanent retention
- Sexual Assault/Crimes Against Persons: 25 years to permanent
- Property Crimes: 5-10 years
- Minor Incidents: 3-5 years
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Booking Photos and Fingerprints: Maintained permanently in electronic databases.
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Body/Dashboard Camera Footage: Generally retained for 2 years for non-evidentiary footage; footage related to felony cases is retained according to the case retention period.
Corrections Records:
- Jail Records: Inmate files are typically retained for 10 years after release.
- Booking Information: Maintained for 10 years.
- Inmate Medical Records: Retained for 10 years after release, subject to health information privacy laws.
Specialized Records:
- Sex Offender Registration: Maintained for the duration of registration requirement plus 10 years.
- Probation/Parole Records: Typically retained for 10 years after supervision ends.
It's important to note that even after the physical or electronic destruction of records according to retention schedules, basic case information often remains permanently in court indexes and dockets. Additionally, information that has been published in third-party databases or websites may persist even after official records have been destroyed or sealed.
The Idaho State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification maintains criminal history information in the state's central repository indefinitely, unless a court order for expungement is received.
Lookup Criminal Records in Kootenai County
Idaho Department of Correction offender search
Idaho State Police fingerprinting and background check services
Criminal history record information from Idaho State Police