Idaho Arrest Records
Idaho Arrest Records provide comprehensive information about the individuals arrested within the state due to alleged crimes. However, these documents are not a substitute for criminal records and are not evidence that the individual was guilty of an offense.
Arrest records in Idaho typically include the person's full name, date of birth, address, fingerprints, booking details, charges filed against them, mugshots, and other relevant data about the arrest.
Additionally, these records may incorporate court documents, such as indictments, judgments, and sentencing information, providing a comprehensive view of an individual's involvement with the criminal justice system.
These records are useful in Idaho for various reasons, including criminal history checks, job evaluations, and inspections of tenants. They may also give awareness of a person's criminal record enabling the public to make informed decisions and promote a safer community.
The Idaho Public Records Act largely governs the accessibility of these documents to the public. This law, enacted to uphold transparency and accountability, establishes the right of citizens to access and review public records, including arrest records.
However, certain circumstances limit the accessibility of arrest records to selected individuals. In this state, the law typically mandates that arrest records remain confidential until a suspect has proven guilty. Once charges have been filed, the court can release the arrest records to ensure fair justice administration.
Furthermore, Title 74 Section 105 or the Transparent and Ethical Government of the state's law outlined that arrest information that contains juvenile arrest records, investigatory arrest records, and any arrest records related to offenses such as sex offenses, stalking, and domestic violence are not available for public viewing.
What Laws Govern Arrests in Idaho?
The law governing arrests in Idaho is Chapter 6 of Title 19, also known as the Criminal Procedure of the state statute. This law outlines the rights and responsibilities of law enforcement officers and establishes the procedures for apprehending individuals suspected of criminal activity.
Following this law, peace officers can arrest individuals suspected of committing crimes. They may also conduct a warrantless arrest in specific situations.
For example, if a peace officer has probable cause to believe that an offense has been committed in their presence, they can make a warrantless arrest.
Additionally, a peace officer can conduct a warrantless arrest if they have sufficient reasons to believe that the arrested person has committed or is about to commit a felony. If a peace officer receives a report that a person committed a crime, they can also conduct a warrantless arrest in this state.
Apart from peace officers and authorized law enforcement agents, private citizens can conduct an arrest in Idaho under section 19-604 of the above law. However, they can only do so if they witness the public offense or someone admits to committing a felony, even if the citizen did not see it directly.
Furthermore, suppose a private citizen knows of a felony committed and has reasonable suspicion that someone they know committed it. In that case, they can make an arrest and bring the individual to the police for further processing.
What Is the Arrest Booking Process in Idaho?
The Idaho Arrest Booking Process, which shows the initial stages of an individual's journey through the legal system, is essential to the state's criminal justice system.
In Idaho, arrests occur based on an arrest warrant or when a peace officer witnesses a crime or has probable cause to believe a crime has been committed.
Upon apprehension, the peace officer will transport the offender to the county jail for a booking procedure that can take several hours and may include the following steps:
Recording Personal Information
At the county jail, the peace officer will record the arrested individual information, such as their name, address, and birthday, for record purposes.
This information is necessary to maintain accurate records of the person's identity and is an essential step in the booking process.
Fingerprinting and Photographing
After recording personal details, the individual typically undergoes fingerprinting as part of the booking process. The peace officer will also take the arrested individual's mugshot to create a visual record of their appearance.
These records are crucial for identification and are often entered into law enforcement databases.
Collection of Personal Belongings and Property
During the booking process, the peace officer collects and secures the personal belongings and property of the arrested person. The officer will also document valuables like cash, jewelry, and electronic devices and store them as evidence.
Upon release, the individual's items are usually returned to them unless they are considered contraband or connected to the alleged crime as evidence.
Medical Screening
Sometimes, arrested individuals may undergo a medical screening during the booking process. It involves a basic assessment of the person's physical and mental health to ensure their well-being while in custody.
The jail will provide medical attention or medication to address any immediate health concerns if necessary.
Administrative Documentation
Administrative documentation is an essential part of the booking process in Idaho. It includes completing arrest reports, creating an inmate file, and generating necessary paperwork for court proceedings.
The documentation captures details of the arrest, charges filed, and other relevant information to ensure an accurate record of the arrest and subsequent legal proceedings.
Detention or Release
After the booking process, the arrested person is detained or released.
If the individual cannot post bail or if there are other legal considerations, they may be held in a local detention facility pending further court proceedings.
However, if they are eligible for release, they may be released with certain conditions, such as a requirement to appear in court later.
What Are Idaho Mugshot Records?
Mugshot records, an integral component of the Idaho Arrest Records, refer to official photographic documentation taken during an individual's arrest. They serve as a visual representation of the person in custody, helping to identify suspects accurately and assist in subsequent criminal investigations.
Law enforcement agencies, correctional facilities, and other relevant entities in Idaho maintain mugshot records. These documents help law enforcement identify and show criminals to witnesses and victims. They also serve to inform the public and protect people from potential threats.
In Idaho, these records are public documents that anyone can access. In addition to the person's photograph, these records typically include personal details, arrest information, booking records, and the case's outcome.
One can use the Resident/Client Search tool provided by the Idaho Department of Correction (IDOC) to obtain Idaho Mugshot Records. This database helps find information about individuals on court probation or under IDOC jurisdiction.
Knowing the inmate's name and ID number is necessary when using the database. Individuals may conduct partial searches in this search tool if they include at least the first three characters of the name or number.
Additionally, interested individuals can check the websites of county Sheriffs for access to these records. Some counties, like Blaine County, provide a Detention Roster where the public can view the list of individuals arrested in the county and their mugshots.
However, it's important to note that not all counties offer these online services. In such cases, it's best to directly contact local police departments or county Sheriff's Offices for guidance on obtaining the records.
How Long Does an Arrest Record Stay in Idaho?
The time an arrest record stays on file is crucial to the criminal justice system. In Idaho, the retention period of arrest records is essential for maintaining accurate and up-to-date criminal histories while considering individuals' chances for rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
The duration of Idaho Arrest Records on file depends on several factors, such as the offense's nature, the case's outcome, and the applicable laws and regulations.
In this state, convictions for crimes such as misdemeanors and felonies remain on a person's record forever. However, if a charge is dismissed or an individual is found not guilty, they have one year to file an expungement request.
How To Expunge an Arrest Record in Idaho
In Idaho, individuals can clear their arrest records through a legal process called expungement. This process allows them to start anew and opens up more significant life opportunities. However, this state has strict laws regarding expungement, and most people's arrest records will stay with them permanently.
In general, individuals in Idaho can have their records expunged if they have dismissed charges, were found not guilty or acquitted, or were arrested but not charged within a year. To determine their eligibility for expungement, interested individuals can refer to the Expungement Flow Chart provided by the state.
Also, Idaho only allows the expungement of certain crimes from an individual's arrest record.
Generally, misdemeanors and non-violent felony offenses are more likely to be eligible for expungement. Some common examples of crimes eligible for expungement include minor drug offenses, theft, property crimes, and certain assault charges, provided they meet the specific requirements mentioned earlier.
However, some crimes are ineligible for expungement in Idaho. These typically include severe crimes, such as sexual offenses, crimes involving children, and felony DUI convictions.
Expungement Process in Idaho
The expungement process varies by state. However, in this state, there are specific steps that an eligible person must take to have their Idaho Arrest Records expunged, and these are as follows:
- Complete the expungement application form and obtain a certified copy of the court disposition related to the arrest record.
- File the completed expungement application form and the certified court disposition at the appropriate court. Filing these documents in the county where the individual was arrested is essential. Also, note that filing typically requires a fee.
- After filing the expungement application, the individual must give the prosecution attorney a copy of the paperwork. This step ensures that the prosecuting attorney knows about the expungement request.
- Once the prosecuting attorney receives the expungement petition, they will review it. Subsequently, the court will schedule a hearing to consider the request. During the hearing, the petitioner will have an opportunity to explain why their record should be expunged.
After evaluating all the evidence presented during the hearing, the court will decide on the expungement request. If the court grants the request, the individual's arrest record will no longer be accessible to the public.
How To Search Idaho Arrest Records
One of the primary avenues for accessing Idaho Arrest Records is through the Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) of the Idaho State Police (ISP). The BCI maintains a comprehensive repository of criminal history records, including arrest records, for the state.
The BCI offers two options to search for arrest records: the Fingerprint Background Check and the Name Based Background Check. To obtain these records using these background checks, one must submit the appropriate forms and other relevant documents.
Apart from the BCI, county-level law enforcement agencies play a vital role in maintaining and providing access to arrest records. These offices typically maintain arrest records for their respective jurisdictions.
To access county-level arrest records, individuals must contact the specific Sheriff's Office or visit their website, if available, to inquire about the required information. Some Sheriff's Offices even provide recent arrest records on their websites.
For example, the Sheriff's Office of Canyon County provides a Jail Roster that allows individuals to obtain arrest details.
On this roster, interested parties can click on the letters to search by the initial letter of the arrestee's last name or look by name using the search box.
For a more up-to-date arrest search, individuals must click the Current Arrests page to see a record of individuals currently arrested in the county.
Similarly, the Sheriff's Office of Ada County offers an Inmate Roster where interested parties can look for apprehended people.
Users can search on this tool by typing the initial letter of the detained person's last name. The search results will display the individual's name, mugshot, JID number, age, charge, arresting agency, bail, and severity.
Alternatively, one can browse the county’s Sheriff's webpage to view a record of its Current Arrests in the region.
Counties in Idaho
- Ada
- Adams
- Bannock
- Bear Lake
- Benewah
- Bingham
- Blaine
- Boise
- Bonner
- Bonneville
- Boundary
- Butte
- Camas
- Canyon
- Caribou
- Cassia
- Clark
- Clearwater
- Custer
- Elmore
- Franklin
- Fremont
- Gem
- Gooding
- Idaho
- Jefferson
- Jerome
- Kootenai
- Latah
- Lemhi
- Lewis
- Lincoln
- Madison
- Minidoka
- Nez Perce
- Oneida
- Owyhee
- Payette
- Power
- Shoshone
- Teton
- Twin Falls
- Valley
- Washington