Criminal records in Ada County, Idaho, can be accessed through several channels, including online tools, official court systems, law enforcement agencies, and the clerk's office. AdaCourt.us can help find publicly available criminal case information filed in Ada County courts. The Idaho Fourth Judicial District Court, which serves Ada County, maintains case records that are generally accessible to the public. The Ada County Clerk's office and the Idaho State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification also handle record requests.
How to Search Criminal Records in Ada County
There are several ways to look up criminal records in Ada County, depending on what you need and how quickly you need it.
Through AdaCourt.us
Start at AdaCourt.us to search for publicly available criminal case information. You can search by the defendant's name or case number to find case details filed in Ada County courts.
Online — State and County Portals
- iCourt Portal: The Idaho Supreme Court operates the statewide iCourt Portal, where you can search court case information across all Idaho counties, including Ada County. You'll need the person's name or case number.
- Idaho State Police — Criminal History: The Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) maintains Idaho's central criminal history repository. You can request a name-based or fingerprint-based criminal history check through BCI.
- Idaho Department of Correction: Use the IDOC Resident/Client Search to find information about individuals currently under IDOC supervision or on court probation.
- CrimeMapper: The Ada County CrimeMapper tool shows recent crime and arrest data reported by the Ada County Sheriff's Office, Boise Police, Garden City Police, and Meridian Police.
- Offender and crime resources: The state's Offenders & Crime page links to background checks, sex offender registries, and other public safety databases.
In Person
- Visit the Ada County Clerk of the Court at the Ada County Courthouse. Public access terminals may be available for searching case records.
- Bring a valid photo ID. Staff can help locate case files, but they cannot provide legal advice.
By Mail or Written Request
- Send a written request to the Ada County Clerk of the Court specifying the defendant's full name, date of birth (if known), and case number (if available).
- For statewide criminal history records, submit a request to the Idaho State Police BCI. Fingerprint-based checks require a fingerprint card.
What you'll need to begin a search:
- Defendant's full legal name
- Date of birth (helpful but not always required)
- Case number (if known)
Search Ada County Criminal Cases by Case Number
Idaho uses a standardized case number format across its court system. Understanding it helps you search more efficiently.
A typical Ada County criminal case number looks like this: CR01-24-12345
- CR — Case type prefix. "CR" indicates a criminal case. Other prefixes include "MD" for misdemeanor and "FE" for felony in some older formats.
- 01 — County code. Ada County is county code 01.
- 24 — The two-digit filing year (2024 in this example).
- 12345 — Sequential case number assigned by the clerk's office.
If you have the full case number, enter it directly into the court's search tool for the fastest results. Partial case numbers may return multiple matches, so include as many digits as possible.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Ada County
Charges
| Element | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Statute code | The Idaho Code section the defendant is charged under (e.g., I.C. § 18-903 for battery) |
| Severity | Felony, misdemeanor, or infraction — determines which court division handles the case |
| Amended charges | The prosecution may change charges through a plea agreement or based on new evidence; amended charges replace or modify the original filing |
Case Status
- Pending: The case is open and awaiting resolution.
- Active: Proceedings are underway (hearings scheduled, motions filed).
- Disposed: The case has reached a final outcome — conviction, dismissal, or acquittal.
- Closed: All obligations (fines, probation, sentencing) are complete and the case is administratively closed.
Hearing Types
- Arraignment: The defendant is formally advised of charges and enters an initial plea.
- Preliminary hearing: In felony cases, a magistrate judge determines whether probable cause exists to send the case to district court.
- Pre-trial conference: A meeting between the judge, prosecutor, and defense to discuss case status, possible plea agreements, or trial preparation.
- Sentencing: The judge imposes penalties after a guilty plea or conviction.
- Review hearing: A follow-up to check compliance with probation or other court-ordered conditions.
Court Results
- Guilty: The defendant was convicted, either by plea or trial verdict.
- Not guilty: The defendant was acquitted at trial.
- Dismissed: The court or prosecution dropped the charges.
- Withheld judgment: The court delays entering a judgment of conviction, typically during a probation period. If probation is completed successfully, the charge may be dismissed.
- Acquitted: A formal finding that the evidence was insufficient for conviction.
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Ada County
From the Ada County Clerk of the Court
The clerk's office provides certified copies of court documents, including criminal case records. You can request them in person or by mail.
What to bring or include:
- A written request identifying the case by number, defendant name, or both
- Valid government-issued photo ID (for in-person requests)
- Payment for copy and certification fees
From the Idaho State Police (Statewide Criminal History)
For a formal criminal history record (not limited to Ada County cases), submit a request through the Idaho State Police BCI.
- Name-based check: Submit a completed request form with the subject's identifying information.
- Fingerprint-based check: Requires a completed fingerprint card. This is the most thorough type of background check and is often required for employment, licensing, or adoption.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Ada County
| Service | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Court record copies (non-certified) | $1.00 per page | Per Idaho Code § 31-3201 |
| Certification fee | $1.00 per certificate | Added to copy cost; per Idaho Code § 31-3201 |
| Name-based criminal history check (BCI) | $20.00 | Submitted to Idaho State Police BCI |
| Fingerprint-based criminal history check (BCI) | $40.00+ | May include FBI check fee; varies by purpose |
Processing times:
- In-person court record copies: Often available the same day, depending on staff availability and record age.
- Mail requests to the clerk: Typically 5–10 business days after receipt of the request and payment.
- BCI name-based checks: Usually processed within 3–5 business days.
- BCI fingerprint-based checks: May take 2–4 weeks, longer if an FBI check is included.
Older or archived records may take additional time to retrieve. Contact the clerk's office or BCI directly to confirm current fees and turnaround times before submitting a request.