Bonneville County Public Records /Bonneville County Court Records

Bonneville County Court Records

What Is Bonneville County Court Records

Court records in Bonneville County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's judicial system. These records constitute a comprehensive archive of court activities and include case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing records. Pursuant to Idaho Code § 74-101, court records are classified as public records maintained by government entities for official purposes.

Bonneville County court records differ from other public records such as:

Property records (deeds, mortgages, liens)
Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates)
Tax records
Voter registration information

The following courts maintain records within Bonneville County:

District Court (7th Judicial District)
Magistrate Division
Juvenile Court
Small Claims Court
Probate Court
Family Court

These courts handle various matters including civil litigation, criminal proceedings, family law cases, probate matters, traffic violations, and small claims disputes. The Idaho Court Administrative Rules govern the management and accessibility of these records throughout the state judicial system.

Are Court Records Public In Bonneville County

Court records in Bonneville County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with the Idaho Public Records Act § 74-102, which establishes the right of citizens to examine and copy public records. Additionally, the Idaho Constitution and Idaho Court Administrative Rule 32 specifically address court record accessibility.

Publicly available court records typically include:

Most civil case files
Criminal case files (post-charging)
Judgments and orders
Docket sheets
Hearing schedules
Court calendars

However, certain records may be restricted or sealed by court order or statute. According to Idaho Court Administrative Rule 32, the following records are exempt from public disclosure:

Juvenile court records (except as provided by statute)
Adoption records
Mental commitment proceedings
Certain family court records
Records containing personal identifying information
Records sealed by court order

It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho are governed by federal rules and accessed through the federal PACER system, not through Bonneville County systems.

How To Find Court Records in Bonneville County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Bonneville County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The county currently maintains multiple access points for court record retrieval.

For in-person requests:

Visit the Bonneville County Courthouse during regular business hours
Complete a public records request form at the clerk's office
Provide specific case information (names, case numbers, dates)
Pay applicable copy fees if requesting physical copies

Bonneville County Courthouse
605 N Capital Ave
Idaho Falls, ID 83402
(208) 529-1350
Bonneville County Courts

For written requests:

Submit a formal public records request to the appropriate department
Include specific information about the desired records
Allow up to three working days for a response (as required by Idaho Code)
Expect notification of any applicable fees

For electronic access:

Utilize Idaho's statewide court records portal (iCourt)
Create an account if conducting multiple searches
Enter search criteria (names, case numbers, date ranges)
Review available documents and request copies as needed

The county clerk's office processes requests during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding holidays. Pursuant to Idaho Code § 74-103, the county must respond to requests within three working days.

How To Look Up Court Records in Bonneville County Online?

Bonneville County provides digital access to court records through several online portals. The primary system for accessing court records electronically is Idaho's statewide iCourt Portal, which contains records from all state courts in Idaho, including those in Bonneville County.

To search using the iCourt Portal:

Navigate to the Idaho iCourt Portal website
Select "Smart Search" for general searches or "Party Search" for specific individuals
Enter relevant search criteria (names, case numbers, filing dates)
Review the list of matching cases
Select specific cases to view available documents
Pay any applicable fees for document access or copies

The portal provides access to:

Case summaries and register of actions
Court calendars and hearing schedules
Judgment information
Party information
Some document images (depending on case type and age)

For specialized court records:

Probate and guardianship cases can be searched through the same iCourt system
Traffic citations are accessible through the Idaho Supreme Court Data Repository
Juvenile cases have restricted access pursuant to Idaho Code

The Idaho Supreme Court website also provides links to additional resources for court record searches, including specialized databases and information about records that may not be available online.

How To Search Bonneville County Court Records for Free?

Idaho law guarantees the public's right to inspect court records without charge, as established in Idaho Code § 74-102(10). While fees may apply for copies or certified documents, viewing records is generally free of charge.

Free options for accessing Bonneville County court records include:

In-person inspection:

Visit the Bonneville County Courthouse during business hours
Request to view specific case files at the clerk's office
Examine records on-site at no cost

Bonneville County Clerk's Office
605 N Capital Ave
Idaho Falls, ID 83402
(208) 529-1350
Bonneville County Court Records

Online resources with free search capabilities:

The Idaho iCourt Portal offers free basic case searches
The Idaho Supreme Court Data Repository provides free access to case information
The Bonneville County website offers information about record availability

Public access terminals:

Free computer terminals are available at the courthouse for public use
These terminals provide more comprehensive access than the public website
No fees are charged for searching or viewing records on these terminals

While basic searches are free, fees may apply for:

Printed copies ($0.25-$1.00 per page, depending on document type)
Certified copies (additional certification fee)
Extensive research assistance from court staff
Document downloads from certain online systems

What's Included in a Bonneville County Court Record?

Court records in Bonneville County contain various documents depending on the case type and stage of proceedings. A comprehensive court record typically includes:

For civil cases:

Complaint or petition initiating the case
Summons and proof of service
Answers and counterclaims
Motions and supporting memoranda
Court orders and decisions
Exhibits admitted into evidence
Transcripts of hearings (if prepared)
Final judgment
Post-judgment filings

For criminal cases:

Charging documents (indictment or information)
Arrest warrant or summons
Bail and bond information
Plea agreements
Pre-trial motions
Evidence lists
Court orders
Sentencing documents
Probation reports (may be restricted)
Appeal documents

For family law cases:

Petitions for divorce, custody, or support
Financial affidavits
Parenting plans
Child support worksheets
Temporary and final orders
Qualified domestic relations orders (QDROs)

For probate matters:

Wills and codicils
Petitions for probate
Inventories of estate assets
Claims against estates
Distribution plans
Final accountings

Each court record also contains a register of actions (docket sheet) that chronologically lists all events and filings in the case. This serves as an index to the complete case file and provides a summary of the proceedings.

How Long Does Bonneville County Keep Court Records?

Bonneville County adheres to the Idaho Records Retention Schedule established by the Idaho State Historical Society and the Idaho Supreme Court for maintaining court records. Retention periods vary based on case type, significance, and outcome.

Standard retention periods include:

For civil cases:

General civil litigation: 10 years after case closure
Small claims: 5 years after judgment
Domestic relations: 30 years after judgment
Probate matters: 30 years after estate closing
Guardianships: 10 years after termination of guardianship

For criminal cases:

Felonies: Permanent retention for serious felonies; 20 years for others
Misdemeanors: 10 years after case closure
Infractions: 5 years after disposition
Traffic violations: 5 years after disposition

For juvenile cases:

Delinquency: Until age 25 for most cases
Child protection: 30 years after case closure

Court dockets and indexes are typically retained permanently as they provide essential historical and reference information. Case files of historical significance, landmark decisions, and cases establishing precedent are also preserved permanently.

Pursuant to Idaho Code § 31-871, county records may not be destroyed without following specific procedures, including approval from the Board of County Commissioners and the Idaho State Historical Society.

Types of Courts In Bonneville County

Bonneville County's court system operates as part of Idaho's 7th Judicial District and includes several court types with distinct jurisdictions and functions.

Bonneville County District Court
605 N Capital Ave
Idaho Falls, ID 83402
(208) 529-1350
Bonneville County Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM

The District Court handles felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $10,000, and appeals from magistrate courts. It is presided over by district judges appointed by the governor.

Bonneville County Magistrate Division
605 N Capital Ave
Idaho Falls, ID 83402
(208) 529-1350
Bonneville County Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM

The Magistrate Division handles misdemeanors, infractions, civil cases under $10,000, small claims, probate matters, family law cases, and preliminary hearings for felonies.

Bonneville County Juvenile Court
605 N Capital Ave
Idaho Falls, ID 83402
(208) 529-1350
Bonneville County Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM

The Juvenile Court handles cases involving minors, including delinquency, status offenses, and child protection matters.

Idaho Falls Small Claims Court
605 N Capital Ave
Idaho Falls, ID 83402
(208) 529-1350
Bonneville County Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM

Small Claims Court handles civil disputes with claims up to $5,000, providing a simplified procedure without formal representation.

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, which is the state's highest judicial authority.

What Types of Cases Do Bonneville County Courts Hear?

Bonneville County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters according to their respective jurisdictions as established by Idaho law.

The District Court handles:

Felony criminal prosecutions
Civil lawsuits with claims exceeding $10,000
Real property disputes
Administrative agency appeals
Appeals from magistrate court decisions
Complex commercial litigation
Civil rights cases

The Magistrate Division processes:

Misdemeanor criminal cases
Traffic violations and infractions
Civil disputes with claims up to $10,000
Small claims (up to $5,000)
Divorce and custody proceedings
Child support enforcement
Domestic violence protection orders
Probate and estate administration
Guardianships and conservatorships
Mental health commitments
Preliminary hearings in felony cases
Landlord-tenant disputes
Wage garnishments

The Juvenile Court specifically addresses:

Juvenile delinquency proceedings
Status offenses (runaway, truancy)
Child protection cases
Adoptions
Termination of parental rights
Youth rehabilitation matters

Each court follows specific procedural rules established by the Idaho Supreme Court and operates under the administrative oversight of the 7th Judicial District. Court assignments may occasionally shift based on caseload demands and judicial resources.

How To Find a Court Docket In Bonneville County

Court dockets in Bonneville County provide chronological listings of all proceedings and filings in court cases. These essential records help track case progress and scheduled hearings.

To access court dockets:

Online methods:

Visit the Idaho iCourt Portal
Select "Case Search" or "Calendar Search" options
Enter relevant search criteria (case number, party name, date range)
Review the register of actions (docket) for the selected case
Note that some older cases may not be fully available online

In-person methods:

Visit the Bonneville County Courthouse clerk's office
Request to view the docket for a specific case
Provide identifying information such as case number or party names
Review the docket on public access terminals or in physical form

Bonneville County Court Clerk
605 N Capital Ave
Idaho Falls, ID 83402
(208) 529-1350
Bonneville County Court Records
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM

For upcoming court hearings:

Access the court calendar on the Bonneville County website
Search by date, judge, or case type
Note that calendars are typically published one week in advance
Verify hearing information before attending, as schedules may change

Attorneys and registered parties may receive electronic notifications of docket updates through the Idaho iCourt system when enrolled in electronic case services.

Which Courts in Bonneville County Are Not Courts of Record?

A "court not of record" refers to a judicial body that does not maintain comprehensive verbatim transcripts of its proceedings and whose decisions may be appealed for a completely new trial (trial de novo) rather than on the record established in the lower court. In Idaho, this distinction is established by Idaho Code § 1-2208.

In Bonneville County, the following courts are not courts of record:

Small Claims Court:

Handles civil disputes up to $5,000
Proceedings are informal and not recorded verbatim
Decisions may be appealed to the Magistrate Division for a new trial
Governed by Idaho Rules of Small Claims Actions

Traffic Infractions Proceedings:

When handled administratively rather than criminally
Typically processed without formal court reporters
Appeals proceed as new trials in the Magistrate Division

Certain Administrative Proceedings:

Some administrative hearings held at the courthouse
Not part of the formal court system
May include certain code enforcement matters

All other courts in Bonneville County, including the District Court, Magistrate Division for criminal and most civil matters, and Juvenile Court, function as courts of record. These courts maintain official transcripts or recordings of proceedings, and appeals from these courts are based on the established record rather than conducted as entirely new trials.

The distinction between courts of record and those not of record affects the appellate process and the formality of proceedings, with courts of record generally handling more serious matters with stricter procedural requirements.