Ada County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Ada County
Arrest records in Ada County are considered public records under Idaho's Public Records Act, Idaho Code § 74-101. This statute establishes the presumption that all government records are open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by law. The Idaho Public Records Act affirms that transparency in government is essential to the functioning of a democratic society.
It is important for members of the public to understand the distinction between arrest records and conviction records. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement on suspicion of criminal activity, while a conviction record indicates that the individual was found guilty of a crime through the judicial process. Under Idaho law, both types of records are generally accessible to the public, though certain exemptions may apply.
The Ada County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the county and makes them available pursuant to the state's public records laws. However, certain information within these records may be redacted to protect privacy interests as outlined in Idaho Code § 74-105, which provides specific exemptions for law enforcement records.
Ada County Sheriff's Office
7200 Barrister Drive
Boise, ID 83704
(208) 577-3000
Ada County Sheriff's Office
What's in Ada County Arrest Records
Ada County arrest records contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies within the county. These records typically include the following categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
- Residential address
- Photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Arresting officer's name and badge number
- Circumstances leading to the arrest
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statute or ordinance citations
- Classification of offense (felony, misdemeanor)
- Description of alleged criminal activity
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date of issuance
- Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)
Booking Information:
- Booking number
- Date and time of booking
- Facility where individual was processed
- Property inventory
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond amount
- Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
- Bond status (posted, denied, pending)
- Conditions of release
Court Information:
- Court case number
- Assigned court
- Scheduled court appearances
- Judge assigned to the case
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility where individual is being held
- Expected release date (if applicable)
- Custody level classification
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Known aliases
- Immigration status
- Probation/parole status
- Emergency contact information
- Medical alerts or special needs
The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency and the circumstances of the arrest. All information is maintained in accordance with Idaho Code § 67-3001, which governs criminal history records and identification.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Ada County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Ada County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains systems that allow for both in-person and remote access to these public records. The following steps outline the process for obtaining arrest records:
-
Determine the appropriate agency: Identify which law enforcement agency made the arrest. Ada County contains multiple jurisdictions including the Ada County Sheriff's Office, Boise Police Department, Garden City Police Department, Meridian Police Department, and Kuna City Police Department.
-
Submit a public records request: Complete an official public records request form specifying the information sought. Request forms are available at agency offices or on their respective websites.
-
Provide required identification: Requestors must present valid government-issued photo identification when submitting requests in person. For online or mail requests, a copy of identification may be required.
-
Supply sufficient information: Include as much identifying information as possible about the subject of the search, such as full name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest.
-
Pay applicable fees: Fees for record searches and copies are established pursuant to Idaho Code § 74-102(10), which authorizes agencies to charge for the direct cost of copying records.
-
Allow processing time: Agencies typically require 3-10 business days to process requests, depending on complexity and volume.
-
Receive records: Records may be provided in person, by mail, or electronically, depending on the agency's capabilities and the requestor's preference.
Ada County Clerk's Office
200 W. Front Street
Boise, ID 83702
(208) 287-6900
Ada County Clerk
For expedited service, requestors may visit the Ada County Sheriff's Office Records Division during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM) to submit requests in person.
How To Find Ada County Arrest Records Online
Ada County provides several digital resources that allow members of the public to access arrest records through online platforms. These electronic services enhance accessibility while maintaining compliance with Idaho public records laws.
The primary online resource for arrest information in Ada County is the Ada County Sheriff's Office Inmate Roster. This searchable database provides current information about individuals currently in custody at the Ada County Jail. Users may search by name to access booking information, charges, and custody status.
For historical arrest data and crime mapping, the CrimeMapper application offers a geographic representation of criminal activity throughout Ada County. This tool allows users to filter by crime type, date range, and location to view arrest incidents.
The Idaho Department of Correction maintains a Resident/Client Search database that provides information about individuals who have been sentenced to state custody following conviction. This resource is particularly useful for tracking post-conviction status.
For court case information related to arrests, the Idaho Supreme Court Data Repository provides access to court records. Users must create an account to access this system, which contains case information, hearing schedules, and disposition information.
When utilizing these online resources, users should note that:
- Information is updated according to each agency's established schedule
- Some details may be redacted pursuant to privacy protections
- Online records may not contain complete arrest information
- Verification of information with the originating agency is recommended for official purposes
How To Search Ada County Arrest Records for Free?
Ada County residents and other interested parties may access arrest records without incurring fees through several publicly available resources. These no-cost options provide basic information while complying with Idaho's public disclosure requirements.
The most comprehensive free resource is the Ada County Sheriff's Office Inmate Roster, which is accessible online without charge. This database provides current information about individuals in custody, including names, booking dates, charges, and bond amounts.
Public access terminals are available at the following locations where individuals may conduct free searches of basic arrest information:
Ada County Courthouse
200 W. Front Street
Boise, ID 83702
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Ada County Sheriff's Office
7200 Barrister Drive
Boise, ID 83704
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The Idaho State Police provides limited free access to criminal history information through their public website. While comprehensive criminal history reports require payment, basic arrest information may be available without charge.
Local public libraries in Ada County also offer free internet access where individuals may utilize the online resources mentioned previously. Library staff can provide assistance with navigating these systems:
Boise Public Library
715 S. Capitol Boulevard
Boise, ID 83702
(208) 384-4200
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM; Friday-Saturday, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM; Sunday, 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
It should be noted that while basic searches are free, fees may apply for:
- Certified copies of records
- Extensive research requiring staff time
- Records that require redaction
- Large volume requests
How To Delete Arrest Records in Ada County
Under Idaho law, arrest records are not automatically removed from public access, even in cases where charges were dismissed or the individual was found not guilty. However, several legal mechanisms exist for limiting public access to these records through expungement or sealing processes.
Expungement refers to the legal process of erasing arrest records, while sealing restricts public access while maintaining the records for certain official purposes. In Ada County, the following provisions apply:
Eligibility for Expungement/Sealing:
-
Arrests without charges: Pursuant to Idaho Code § 67-3004(10), individuals arrested but never charged may petition for expungement one year after the date of arrest.
-
Dismissed charges: If charges were filed but later dismissed, individuals may petition for expungement five years after dismissal.
-
Acquittals: Those found not guilty at trial may petition immediately following the verdict.
-
Juvenile records: Special provisions exist for juvenile records under Idaho Code § 20-525A, which allows for automatic sealing of records when the individual reaches age 18, provided certain conditions are met.
-
Pardoned offenses: Individuals who have received a pardon may petition for expungement.
Process for Expungement/Sealing:
- File a petition with the district court in the county where the arrest occurred
- Pay the required filing fee (approximately $166)
- Provide fingerprints for verification purposes
- Attend a hearing before a judge who will determine if expungement is appropriate
- If granted, obtain a court order directing all relevant agencies to expunge or seal records
Individuals seeking expungement are advised to consult with an attorney, as the process can be legally complex. The Ada County Public Defender's Office may provide assistance to qualifying individuals:
Ada County Public Defender
200 W. Front Street, Suite 1107
Boise, ID 83702
(208) 287-7400
It should be noted that even when records are expunged from public access, certain government agencies may retain access for law enforcement and national security purposes.
What Happens After Arrest in Ada County?
Following an arrest in Ada County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Idaho state law and local procedures. This process typically follows these sequential steps:
1. Booking and Initial Detention Upon arrest, individuals are transported to the Ada County Jail for booking. This process includes:
- Photographing and fingerprinting
- Collection of personal information
- Medical screening
- Property inventory
- Assignment to appropriate housing
2. Initial Appearance Within 24 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays), arrestees appear before a magistrate judge who:
- Informs the individual of charges
- Advises of constitutional rights
- Makes initial bail determination
- Determines if probable cause exists to continue detention
- Appoints counsel if the individual qualifies
3. Bail Consideration The court sets bail based on:
- Nature and severity of charges
- Criminal history
- Flight risk assessment
- Community ties
- Public safety considerations
4. Formal Charging For misdemeanors, charges are typically filed at the initial appearance. For felonies, the prosecutor must file formal charges within:
- 21 days if the defendant is in custody
- 60 days if the defendant is released on bail
5. Preliminary Hearing (Felonies Only) Within 14 days of the initial appearance (if in custody) or 21 days (if released), a preliminary hearing is held where:
- The prosecution must demonstrate probable cause
- The defense may challenge evidence
- The judge determines if the case proceeds to district court
6. Arraignment At arraignment in district court, the defendant:
- Receives formal reading of charges
- Enters a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest)
- Receives trial scheduling information
7. Pre-trial Proceedings Before trial, various proceedings may occur:
- Discovery exchange
- Motion hearings
- Plea negotiations
- Status conferences
8. Trial or Plea Resolution Cases conclude through:
- Jury or bench trial
- Guilty plea pursuant to agreement
- Dismissal of charges
9. Sentencing If convicted, sentencing follows within:
- 30 days for misdemeanors
- 90 days for felonies
10. Post-Conviction After sentencing, options include:
- Appeal to higher courts
- Probation supervision
- Incarceration
- Payment of fines/restitution
Throughout this process, individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, as guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and Idaho law.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Ada County?
Arrest records in Ada County are maintained according to retention schedules established by Idaho state law and administrative rules. These schedules ensure proper documentation while balancing public access rights with individual privacy concerns.
The Idaho State Historical Society serves as the official records management authority for the state and establishes retention guidelines pursuant to Idaho Code § 67-4126. Under current retention schedules, arrest records are generally maintained as follows:
Adult Arrest Records:
- Felony arrests: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor arrests: Minimum 10-year retention
- Infractions: 5-year retention
- Arrests without charges: 5-year retention unless expunged
Juvenile Arrest Records:
- Felony arrests: Until age 25, then eligible for sealing
- Misdemeanor arrests: Until age 18, then automatically sealed in most cases
- Status offenses: Until age 18, then automatically sealed
Booking Records:
- Photographs (mugshots): Permanent retention
- Fingerprints: Permanent retention
- Booking sheets: 10-year minimum retention
Associated Records:
- Incident reports: 10-year minimum retention
- Investigation files: Varies by case type (5 years to permanent)
- Property/evidence records: Until final disposition plus 5 years
Different agencies within Ada County may maintain separate records systems with varying retention periods. The Ada County Sheriff's Office, Boise Police Department, and other law enforcement agencies coordinate with the Idaho State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification to ensure proper maintenance of criminal history information.
It is important to note that even after the minimum retention period has expired, records may be maintained for longer periods at the discretion of the maintaining agency. Additionally, records that have historical significance may be preserved permanently in the state archives.
How to Find Mugshots in Ada County
Mugshots, the official photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest, are considered public records in Ada County with certain limitations. These photographs serve as visual identification of arrested individuals and become part of the official arrest record.
What Mugshots Are Mugshots typically consist of front-facing and profile photographs of arrested individuals, taken under standardized conditions to document appearance at the time of booking. These images are associated with the individual's booking number and arrest information in law enforcement databases.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained In Ada County, mugshots are primarily maintained by:
Ada County Sheriff's Office
7200 Barrister Drive
Boise, ID 83704
(208) 577-3000
Ada County Sheriff's Office
Finding Mugshots Members of the public seeking mugshots may:
- Submit a public records request to the Ada County Sheriff's Office specifying the individual's name and approximate date of arrest
- Visit the Sheriff's Office Records Division during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
- Provide sufficient identifying information to locate the specific record
- Pay applicable fees for reproduction of photographs
Can They Be Found Online The Ada County Sheriff's Office publishes limited booking information, including mugshots, for currently incarcerated individuals through their online inmate roster. These images remain available only during the period of incarceration and are removed upon release.
Historical mugshots are not systematically published online by official government sources in Ada County. While some third-party websites may aggregate and publish mugshot information, these are not official government resources and may contain inaccurate or outdated information.
Obtaining Mugshots Officially To obtain official copies of mugshots, individuals must:
- Complete a public records request form
- Provide the full name and date of birth of the subject
- Specify the approximate date of arrest
- Pay the established fee ($5-$15 per photograph, depending on format)
- Allow 3-7 business days for processing
Restrictions on Mugshot Access Access to mugshots may be restricted in certain circumstances:
- Juvenile mugshots are generally not public records
- Ongoing investigations may result in temporary restrictions
- Expunged or sealed records are not accessible to the public
- Certain victim protections may apply in sensitive cases
Requestors should note that while mugshots are generally available as public records, their publication and use may be subject to other legal considerations including privacy laws and commercial restrictions.