Criminal records in Kootenai County, Idaho, are available through several channels. KootenaiCourt.us allows you to quickly find public information about criminal cases in the county. Additionally, you can use the iCourt portal at the Idaho Supreme Court, visit the county clerk's office at 501 North Government Way in Coeur d'Alene, or contact the county sheriff. Below are step-by-step instructions for searching, interpreting, and obtaining certified copies of criminal records.
How to Search Criminal Records in Kootenai
To search, you will need at least one of the following:
- Full name of the person (First Name, Last Name)
- Date of Birth
- Case Number
Online Search
- Go to KootenaiCourt.us and enter a name or case number — the system will show publicly available information about county criminal cases.
- Use the iCourt portal on the Idaho Supreme Court website. The portal covers cases statewide, including Kootenai County. Search is available by name or case number.
- For checking individuals under the supervision of the Department of Corrections, use the IDOC inmate and client search. It displays felons serving sentences, on probation, or on parole.
- Information about arrest warrants in the county is handled by the Kootenai County sheriff.
In-Person Visit
The Kootenai County Clerk's Office provides access to public court records. Visit the courthouse, approach the clerk's desk, and provide a name or case number. Terminals for self-search are usually available on-site.
Written Request
A request for criminal records can be mailed to the county clerk. Include the full name of the person, date of birth (if known), and case number. For an official state-level criminal history, contact the Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) at the Idaho State Police — such a request requires fingerprints.
Search Kootenai Criminal Cases by Case Number
A case number in Idaho follows a standard format consisting of several parts. A typical example: CR01-24-12345.
| Element | Value | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Case Type Prefix | CR — Criminal case. Others include: FE (felony in old format), MD (misdemeanor in old format) | CR |
| County Code | Two-digit numerical county code in the Idaho system. Kootenai County has code 01 in the First Judicial District | 01 |
| Year | Two-digit year the case was opened | 24 |
| Sequential Number | Sequential case number assigned automatically | 12345 |
If you know the case number — enter it in full on the iCourt portal or in the search field on KootenaiCourt.us. This is the most accurate way to find a specific case, as searching by name may yield multiple results for people with the same last name.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Kootenai
Charges
- Statute Code — reference to the Idaho Code (e.g., I.C. § 18-8004 for DUI).
- Severity Level: Felony (most serious crimes), Misdemeanor (less serious), Infraction (violations).
- Amended Charges — the prosecutor may change the qualification during proceedings, and the new article will appear alongside the initial one.
Case Status
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Pending | The case is open, and a decision has not yet been made |
| Active | The proceedings are active — hearings are being held, sentence is being executed |
| Disposed | The court has made a final decision |
| Closed | All obligations have been fulfilled, and the case is closed |
Types of Hearings
A criminal case in Kootenai County District Court goes through several stages:
- Arraignment — the first court session where the charges are read to the accused, and they plead guilty or not guilty.
- Preliminary Hearing — the judge determines if there is enough evidence to transfer the felony case to district court.
- Pre-Trial Conference — a meeting of the parties to discuss evidence, possible agreements, and preparation for the trial.
- Sentencing — the issuance of a sentence after a guilty plea or jury verdict.
- Review Hearing — checking compliance with the sentence conditions (probation, rehabilitation programs).
Court Results
- Guilty — found guilty.
- Not Guilty — acquitted by jury or court verdict.
- Dismissed — the case was closed by the prosecutor or court without a verdict.
- Withheld Judgment — the court postpones sentencing; upon successful completion of probation, the charges may be dropped.
- Acquitted — complete acquittal after trial.
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Kootenai
Certified copies of criminal records are needed for official purposes — employment, licensing, immigration. There are two main ways to obtain them.
Through the County Clerk
The Kootenai County Clerk issues certified copies of court documents — indictments, sentences, court decisions. Requests can be made in person or by mail.
What is needed:
- Full name of the accused and case number (or date of birth)
- Valid photo ID if you are requesting your own records
- Payment of the certification and copying fee
Through Idaho State Police (BCI)
For a complete state-level criminal history, contact the Bureau of Criminal Identification. The procedure requires fingerprinting, which can be done at accredited locations. Non-law enforcement organizations and private individuals are entitled to obtain BCI records in accordance with Idaho Code § 67-3008.
Access to the statewide court data array is also regulated by Idaho Court Administrative Rule 32 — this rule defines which records are public and which are restricted.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Kootenai
Fees are set according to Idaho Code § 31-3201 and the local fee schedule of the court clerk.
| Service | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court document | $1.00 per page | Standard fee for an uncertified copy |
| Document Certification | $1.00 per document (in addition to the copy cost) | Clerk's seal and signature |
| Criminal history check through BCI (fingerprint-based) | Depends on the type of check; approximately $30–$40 | Payable upon fingerprint submission; check the exact amount on the ISP BCI website |
| Court Mail Service | Additional fee | Charged for mailing physical copies; amount determined by the Idaho Court Assistance Office |
Processing Times
- In-person visit to the clerk: copies are usually issued the same day if the case is easily found in the system. Older cases may require additional time for archive search.
- Mail request: 5 to 15 business days, depending on the volume and complexity of the request.
- Check through BCI: 3 to 10 business days after receiving fingerprints. Electronic submission speeds up the process.
Payment at the clerk's office is accepted in cash, check, or money order. Confirm the possibility of card payment directly with the Kootenai County Court before visiting.