Court records for Kootenai County, Idaho, are available through several channels. KootenaiCourt.us allows you to search for public information about court cases in the county. Additionally, records can be found through the iCourt online portal on the Idaho Supreme Court website, directly at the district court clerk's office, or at public terminals in the courthouse in Coeur d'Alene.
Kootenai Court System & Jurisdictions
Kootenai County operates under Idaho's unified court system, which includes the District Court and the Magistrate Court. Both are located in the Kootenai County Courthouse.
District Court handles:
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil lawsuits over $10,000
- Appeals from the Magistrate Court
Cases involving murder, robbery, and large-scale fraud are all handled here.
Magistrate Court covers a much broader range of everyday cases:
- Misdemeanors and traffic violations
- Small Claims — up to $5,000
- Family cases: divorce, child custody, alimony
- Probate cases — the process of settling a deceased person's estate
- Protection Orders
- Preliminary hearings in criminal cases
If you're unsure which court your case belongs to, contact the clerk's office at 208-446-1160.
Kootenai Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
The schedule for court hearings today, tomorrow, or the current week can be viewed in several ways.
- iCourt Portal. The Idaho Supreme Court website offers an online statewide case search. Through the portal, you can find a specific case by number or party name and see scheduled hearing dates.
- Clerk's Office. Call the Kootenai County Court Clerk's Office or visit in person. Staff can provide information about a specific judge's or courtroom's schedule.
- Public Terminals. Computers for self-search are available at the courthouse located at 501 N Government Way, Coeur d'Alene.
Note: Schedules may change at the last minute due to case continuances or judge's decisions. Always verify current information before your hearing.
How to Get a Copy of a Kootenai Court Document
Copies of court documents are issued by the district court clerk. There are two types of copies — and the difference between them is significant.
Uncertified copy — simply a printout of the document. Suitable for review. A certified copy bears the court's seal and the clerk's signature, confirming authenticity. This is usually required by other institutions, employers, or attorneys.
How to obtain a copy:
- In person — visit the clerk's office at the courthouse.
- By mail — send a written request with the case number, document title, and return address. Include a check or money order for the appropriate amount.
- Online — some documents are available through the iCourt portal. Certified copies usually require direct contact with the clerk's office.
A case number or full party name is needed for the search. If you're looking for your own records, the Idaho Supreme Court recommends contacting the clerk of the county where the case was filed.
Mailing address of the clerk's office:
Records sealed by court order, juvenile cases, and some family cases are not publicly accessible. Access to them is governed by Idaho Court Administrative Rule 32.
Kootenai Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for copies and document searches are set according to Idaho Code and state court administrative rules. Below are typical fees charged by the clerk's office:
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Document copy (per page) | $1.00 |
| Certification of copy | $1.00 per document (in addition to the copy cost) |
| Record search | Depends on the scope; check with the clerk's office |
| File retrieval from archive | An additional fee may apply |
Fees are based on Idaho Code § 31-3201A. Specific amounts may change, so call the clerk's office to confirm before mailing a request.
Payment methods:
- In person — cash, check, money order; some courts accept credit and debit cards
- By mail — check or money order payable to "Kootenai County Clerk"
- Online — via the iCourt portal for paying fines and fees in supported counties
If you need help with forms or procedures, the Idaho Court Assistance Office offers free instructions and templates for self-representation in court.