Ada County Court Records
What Is Ada County Court Records
Court records in Ada County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. Pursuant to Idaho Code § 31-2417, these records are maintained by the Ada County Clerk of the District Court as the official custodian of judicial records. Court records typically include:
- Case files containing pleadings, motions, and other filed documents
- Docket sheets listing chronological case events
- Judicial orders and final judgments
- Hearing and trial transcripts
- Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
- Sentencing information in criminal matters
- Marriage licenses and divorce decrees
- Probate and estate documentation
Court records differ from other public records such as property deeds, vital statistics, or tax assessments, which are maintained by separate county departments. The Idaho Public Records Act establishes the legal framework for public access to these judicial documents.
Ada County's court system operates within Idaho's Fourth Judicial District and maintains records for proceedings conducted in:
- Fourth District Court (felony criminal, civil cases exceeding $10,000)
- Ada County Magistrate Court (misdemeanors, civil cases under $10,000)
- Ada County Small Claims Court (disputes under $5,000)
- Ada County Juvenile Court (juvenile offenses, child protection)
- Ada County Family Court (divorce, custody, support)
- Ada County Probate Court (wills, estates, guardianships)
These courts collectively handle civil litigation, criminal prosecutions, family law matters, probate proceedings, and traffic violations occurring within Ada County jurisdiction.
Are Court Records Public In Ada County
Court records in Ada County are presumptively open to public inspection under Idaho's constitutional and statutory provisions. The Idaho Public Records Act specifically establishes that "every person has a right to examine and take a copy of any public record," which includes court records. Additionally, Idaho Court Administrative Rule 32 provides detailed guidance on public access to judicial records.
The following court records are generally accessible to the public:
- Civil case files (with limited exceptions for sealed documents)
- Criminal case files (post-charging, with certain juvenile exceptions)
- Court dockets and calendars
- Final judgments and orders
- Marriage licenses and divorce decrees
- Probate records and wills
However, certain records may be restricted from public access, including:
- Sealed cases or documents by judicial order
- Juvenile records (with exceptions for serious offenses)
- Mental health commitment proceedings
- Adoption records
- Certain family court evaluations and reports
- Grand jury proceedings
- Pre-sentence investigation reports
It is important to note that federal court records for the District of Idaho are maintained separately through the federal PACER system and are not part of Ada County's record system. The Idaho Supreme Court has established comprehensive rules governing public access to court records through Idaho Court Administrative Rules 32-38.
How To Find Court Records in Ada County in 2026
Members of the public seeking Ada County court records may utilize several methods to locate and review these documents. The county provides multiple access points depending on the requester's needs and the type of records sought.
For in-person requests, individuals may visit:
Ada County Courthouse
200 W. Front Street
Boise, ID 83702
208-287-7080
Ada County Court
Court records may be requested by following these steps:
- Complete a public records request form, available at the court clerk's office or downloadable from the Ada County website
- Provide specific case information including:
- Case number (if known)
- Names of parties involved
- Approximate date of filing
- Case type (civil, criminal, family, etc.)
- Present valid photo identification
- Pay applicable copy fees ($1.00 per page for standard copies)
- Allow processing time (same-day for simple requests, longer for extensive or archived records)
For mail requests, send a written request including the above information to:
Ada County Court Records
200 W. Front Street
Boise, ID 83702
Electronic access is available through Idaho's statewide court portal, iCourt, which provides remote access to most non-confidential court records. Registration is required for full access to documents, though basic case information is available without registration.
For certified copies of court records, requesters must specify this requirement and pay additional certification fees ($1.00 per certification). Pursuant to Idaho Code § 31-3201, the clerk charges statutory fees for copies and certifications of court records.
How To Look Up Court Records in Ada County Online?
Ada County court records are accessible through Idaho's unified court management system, providing comprehensive online access to judicial documents. The primary portal for electronic access is:
Idaho iCourt Portal
https://mycourts.idaho.gov/
This statewide system includes Ada County records and offers the following search capabilities:
- Case number search (most direct method)
- Party name search (allows searching by plaintiff, defendant, or other party)
- Attorney name search (cases associated with specific counsel)
- Hearing date search (calendar information)
- Judgment search (financial judgments and liens)
To conduct an online search:
- Navigate to the iCourt Portal
- Select "Smart Search" for general searches or choose a specific search type
- Enter relevant search criteria (minimum of three characters for name searches)
- Review search results showing basic case information
- Register for a user account to view or download actual document images
- Pay applicable fees for document access ($0.10 per page for most documents)
The portal provides access to:
- Civil case records (District and Magistrate courts)
- Criminal case records (felonies and misdemeanors)
- Family court cases (limited information due to privacy restrictions)
- Probate proceedings
- Small claims matters
- Traffic citations
Certain specialized records may require separate searches through:
- Idaho Supreme Court Data Repository for appellate cases
- Idaho Sex Offender Registry for offender information
- Ada County Jail Roster for current inmate information
Users should note that while basic case information is publicly viewable, document images require registration and may incur fees. Additionally, sealed or confidential cases will not appear in public search results.
How To Search Ada County Court Records for Free?
Idaho law provides for free public inspection of court records pursuant to Idaho Code § 74-102, which states that "every person has a right to examine and take a copy of any public record of this state." While copy fees apply, examination of records is available without charge through several methods.
Free access options include:
In-Person Inspection
Members of the public may visit the Ada County Courthouse during regular business hours to view court records without charge. Public access terminals are available for searching the electronic case management system.
Ada County Courthouse
200 W. Front Street
Boise, ID 83702
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
208-287-7080
Online Basic Case Information
The Idaho iCourt Portal provides free access to basic case information including:
- Case numbers
- Party names
- Filing dates
- Case types
- Hearing schedules
- Case status
- Register of actions (docket entries)
No registration is required for this basic information, though viewing actual document images requires registration and payment of access fees.
Public Law Library Resources
The Idaho State Law Library provides free public access to legal research tools and assistance with court record searches:
Idaho State Law Library
700 W. Jefferson Street, Room 215
Boise, ID 83702
208-334-3316
Idaho State Law Library
Free Case Lookup Tools
- Idaho Repository Case Search (basic information only)
- Idaho Supreme Court Opinions (published decisions)
- Ada County Court Calendar (hearing schedules)
While examination of records is free, standard copy fees apply for printed or electronic copies: $1.00 per page for physical copies and $0.10 per page for electronic documents. Certification fees are additional if required.
What's Included in a Ada County Court Record?
Ada County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings, with contents varying by case type. Pursuant to Idaho Court Administrative Rule 32, these records typically include:
Civil Case Records:
- Complaint or petition initiating the action
- Summons and proof of service
- Answers and counterclaims
- Motions and supporting memoranda
- Affidavits and declarations
- Court orders and rulings
- Exhibits admitted into evidence
- Transcripts of hearings (if ordered)
- Final judgment
- Post-judgment motions and orders
- Appeal documentation (if applicable)
Criminal Case Records:
- Criminal complaint, indictment, or information
- Probable cause affidavits
- Arrest warrants and returns
- Defendant's appearance and plea
- Bond or bail information
- Discovery motions and responses
- Evidentiary hearing transcripts
- Trial exhibits and witness lists
- Jury instructions (in jury trials)
- Verdict or finding of the court
- Pre-sentence investigation report (restricted access)
- Judgment of conviction
- Sentencing documents
- Probation terms and conditions
- Appeal documentation (if applicable)
Family Court Records:
- Petition for divorce or separation
- Child custody and support documents
- Parenting plans
- Financial affidavits
- Property division agreements
- Domestic violence protection orders
- Mediation agreements
- Guardian ad litem reports (often restricted)
- Final decree of divorce
- Post-judgment modifications
Probate Records:
- Will and testament
- Petition for probate
- Letters testamentary or administration
- Inventory of estate assets
- Creditor claims
- Accountings of estate administration
- Proposed distributions
- Final decree of distribution
- Guardianship/conservatorship documents
Each court record also contains a register of actions (docket sheet) listing all events in chronological order, including filings, hearings, and judicial actions. Court records may also include audio or video recordings of proceedings in courts where electronic recording replaces court reporters.
How Long Does Ada County Keep Court Records?
Ada County maintains court records according to retention schedules established by the Idaho Supreme Court under authority granted by Idaho Code § 31-1003. These schedules vary by record type and case significance, balancing historical preservation with practical storage limitations.
Permanent Retention Records:
- Felony case files (complete record)
- Civil case files involving real property rights
- Probate cases with wills
- Adoption proceedings
- Divorce decrees (though supporting documents may be purged)
- Judgments affecting title to real property
- Mental commitment proceedings
- Court minutes and docket books
- Naturalization records
- Historic cases of significant public interest
Extended Retention Records:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases: 10 years after case closure
- Civil cases (general): 10 years after final judgment
- Small claims cases: 10 years after judgment
- Traffic infractions: 5 years after disposition
- Juvenile records: Until age 18, then sealed or expunged per statute
- Probation records: 10 years after discharge from probation
- Temporary protection orders: 5 years after expiration
Shorter Retention Records:
- Non-filed documents: 1 year
- Exhibits (unless returned): 2 years after final disposition
- Jury records: 2 years after service
- Court recordings: 5 years (if transcribed)
- Administrative records: Varies by type (1-5 years)
The Idaho Judicial Records Retention Schedule provides comprehensive guidance on specific document types. Records scheduled for destruction may be preserved if they have continuing legal, historical, or research value.
Digital conversion has extended preservation capabilities, with many newer records maintained indefinitely in electronic format through the iCourt system. However, older paper records may have been destroyed according to previous retention schedules.
Researchers seeking historic court records should note that pre-1950 records may have been transferred to the Idaho State Archives for permanent preservation.
Types of Courts In Ada County
Ada County's judicial system operates within Idaho's Fourth Judicial District and consists of several court types, each with distinct jurisdiction and authority.
Fourth District Court
Ada County Courthouse
200 W. Front Street
Boise, ID 83702
208-287-7500
Fourth Judicial District Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The District Court serves as Ada County's court of general jurisdiction, handling felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $10,000, and appeals from magistrate courts. Eleven district judges preside over these proceedings.
Ada County Magistrate Court
Ada County Courthouse
200 W. Front Street
Boise, ID 83702
208-287-7580
Ada County Magistrate Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Magistrate judges handle misdemeanors, preliminary felony proceedings, civil cases under $10,000, family law matters, probate, and initial appearances. Fourteen magistrate judges serve in Ada County.
Ada County Drug Court
Ada County Courthouse
200 W. Front Street
Boise, ID 83702
208-287-7570
Ada County Drug Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
This specialized court provides alternative sentencing and treatment programs for non-violent offenders with substance abuse issues.
Ada County Mental Health Court
Ada County Courthouse
200 W. Front Street
Boise, ID 83702
208-287-7580
Ada County Mental Health Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
This problem-solving court addresses cases involving defendants with serious mental illness.
Ada County Juvenile Court
6300 W. Denton Street
Boise, ID 83704
208-577-4800
Ada County Juvenile Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Juvenile Court handles delinquency cases, status offenses, and child protection matters for minors.
Ada County Small Claims Court
Ada County Courthouse
200 W. Front Street
Boise, ID 83702
208-287-7580
Ada County Small Claims Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
This court handles civil disputes under $5,000 in a simplified procedural setting.
The court hierarchy in Idaho proceeds from Magistrate Courts to District Courts, then to the Idaho Court of Appeals, and finally to the Idaho Supreme Court as the court of last resort. The Idaho Supreme Court and Court of Appeals are located in Boise but serve the entire state.
What Types of Cases Do Ada County Courts Hear?
Ada County courts adjudicate a wide spectrum of legal matters according to jurisdictional authority established by Idaho statute. Each court level handles specific case types based on subject matter, monetary value, and severity of charges.
District Court Cases:
- Felony criminal prosecutions (murder, robbery, drug trafficking, etc.)
- Civil litigation exceeding $10,000 in damages
- Real property disputes (title conflicts, easements, foreclosures)
- Administrative agency appeals
- Appeals from magistrate court decisions
- Complex commercial litigation
- Civil rights actions
- Habeas corpus petitions
- Extraordinary writs (mandamus, prohibition)
Magistrate Court Cases:
- Misdemeanor criminal charges
- Preliminary hearings in felony cases
- Civil disputes under $10,000
- Small claims (under $5,000)
- Traffic violations
- DUI and other driving offenses
- Divorce and legal separation
- Child custody and support proceedings
- Domestic violence protection orders
- Probate and estate administration
- Guardianships and conservatorships
- Landlord-tenant disputes
- Adoptions
- Name changes
- Mental commitment proceedings
- Juvenile delinquency matters
- Child protection cases
Specialized Court Programs:
- Drug Court: Substance abuse-related offenses with treatment alternatives
- Mental Health Court: Cases involving defendants with serious mental illness
- Veterans Court: Cases involving military veterans with service-related issues
- Domestic Violence Court: Specialized handling of domestic abuse cases
- DUI Court: Repeat DUI offenders with treatment components
- Family Drug Court: Child protection cases with parental substance abuse
Juvenile Court Cases:
- Delinquency proceedings (criminal offenses by minors)
- Status offenses (truancy, runaway, curfew violations)
- Child protection (abuse and neglect)
- Termination of parental rights
- Juvenile probation violations
- Juvenile mental health matters
Case assignment follows jurisdictional rules established by Idaho Code § 1-2208 for magistrate jurisdiction and Idaho Code § 1-705 for district court jurisdiction. The Fourth Judicial District administrative judge may also issue special assignment orders for particular case types or to balance judicial workloads.
How To Find a Court Docket In Ada County
Court dockets in Ada County provide chronological listings of all actions taken in a case and are accessible through multiple channels. These records allow tracking of case progress, upcoming hearings, and judicial decisions.
Online Docket Access:
- Visit the Idaho iCourt Portal
- Select "Smart Search" or "Case Search" option
- Enter search criteria (case number, party name, or attorney)
- Review search results and select the desired case
- View the "Register of Actions" tab to see the complete docket
- Note upcoming hearings listed in the "Hearings" section
The online docket displays filing dates, document titles, hearing information, and judicial actions. While basic docket information is viewable without registration, accessing document images requires an account and may incur fees.
In-Person Docket Access: Public access terminals are available at:
Ada County Court Clerk's Office
200 W. Front Street
Boise, ID 83702
208-287-7080
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Staff can assist with locating docket information for specific cases. No appointment is necessary, but identification may be required.
Court Calendar Information: Weekly court calendars showing scheduled hearings are available through:
- Ada County Court Calendar (updated weekly)
- Physical postings outside courtrooms
- Clerk's office public information desk
Specialized Docket Reports:
- Criminal arraignment dockets (daily)
- Civil motion calendars (weekly)
- Probate hearing schedules (weekly)
- Jury trial settings (monthly)
For historical docket information on older cases not in the electronic system, researchers may need to request access to physical docket books maintained by the clerk's office or archived records. Pursuant to Idaho Court Administrative Rule 32, docket information is presumptively public unless the entire case has been sealed by judicial order.
Which Courts in Ada County Are Not Courts of Record?
In Ada County's judicial system, certain courts do not maintain verbatim records of proceedings, classifying them as "courts not of record" under Idaho law. According to Idaho Code § 1-2208, courts not of record typically handle minor matters through simplified procedures.
Small Claims Court
Ada County Courthouse
200 W. Front Street
Boise, ID 83702
208-287-7580
Ada County Small Claims Court
Small Claims Court is the primary court not of record in Ada County. This court:
- Handles civil disputes up to $5,000
- Operates with simplified procedures
- Does not require attorney representation
- Does not maintain verbatim transcripts of proceedings
- Maintains only basic records of claims, answers, and judgments
- Appeals from Small Claims proceed as trials de novo (completely new trials) in Magistrate Court
Infraction Proceedings
While technically part of Magistrate Court, certain minor infraction proceedings may be conducted without creating a verbatim record, particularly when:
- The defendant submits a written guilty plea
- The matter involves a minor traffic violation
- The case is resolved through a diversion program
A "court of record" is defined by Idaho law as one where proceedings are documented by an official court reporter or electronic recording system sufficient to create a verbatim transcript. By contrast, courts not of record maintain only minimal documentation of proceedings and outcomes.
All other Ada County courts, including District Court, Magistrate Court (for matters beyond small claims), and specialized courts (Drug Court, Mental Health Court, etc.) function as courts of record, maintaining either:
- Stenographic records created by court reporters
- Digital audio recordings of all proceedings
- Detailed minutes of court actions
The distinction is significant for appeal purposes. Appeals from courts of record are based on the existing record, while appeals from courts not of record result in entirely new trials in the higher court.