Twin Falls County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Twin Falls County
Arrest records in Twin Falls County are considered public information under the Idaho Public Records Act. Pursuant to Idaho Code § 74-102, every person has the right to examine and take copies of public records, including most arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies. The statute establishes that government records are presumed open to the public unless specifically exempted by law.
It is important to distinguish 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 Idaho State Police maintains the central repository for criminal history information in the state, including arrest data from Twin Falls County. However, certain information within arrest records may be redacted or restricted if it falls under one of the exemptions outlined in Idaho Code § 74-104 through § 74-111, such as information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy or compromise an ongoing investigation.
What's in Twin Falls County Arrest Records
Twin Falls County arrest records contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement during and following an arrest. These records typically include the following categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name (including aliases or known nicknames)
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye and hair color)
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Residential address
- Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
- Fingerprints
- Photograph (mugshot)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
- Circumstances leading to arrest
- Whether force was used during arrest
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statute or ordinance citations
- Charge classification (felony, misdemeanor)
- Charge severity level
- Description of alleged criminal activity
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date issued
- Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)
- Warrant status
Booking Information:
- Booking number
- Date and time of booking
- Booking facility
- Processing officer information
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bail amount set
- Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
- Whether bond was posted
- Date of release on bond (if applicable)
Court Information:
- Court case number
- Assigned court
- Scheduled court appearances
- Judge assigned to case
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility where detained (if applicable)
- Expected release date (if sentenced)
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior criminal history
- Probation/parole status at time of arrest
- Vehicle information (if relevant to arrest)
- Property seized during arrest
- Victim information (often redacted in public records)
- Witness information (often redacted in public records)
The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the arrest and the policies of the arresting agency within Twin Falls County.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Twin Falls County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Twin Falls County may utilize several methods to access this information. The Twin Falls County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the county and provides access pursuant to the Idaho Public Records Act.
To request arrest records in person:
- Visit the Twin Falls County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours.
Twin Falls County Sheriff's Office
425 Shoshone Street North
Twin Falls, ID 83301
(208) 736-4040
Twin Falls County Sheriff's Office
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Complete a public records request form, which requires:
- The full name of the subject
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest (if known)
- Requestor's contact information
- Purpose of request (optional, but may expedite processing)
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Present valid government-issued photo identification.
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Pay applicable fees for record search and copies. Pursuant to Idaho Code § 74-102(10), agencies may charge a fee not exceeding the actual cost of copying records.
To request arrest records by mail:
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Download the public records request form from the Twin Falls County Sheriff's Office website or prepare a written request including all information listed above.
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Include a copy of your government-issued photo identification.
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Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment for applicable fees.
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Mail the complete package to the Twin Falls County Sheriff's Office address listed above.
To request arrest records electronically:
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Visit the Twin Falls County Sheriff's Office website.
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Locate the public records request section.
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Complete the online form with all required information.
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Submit payment for applicable fees through the secure online payment system.
The Twin Falls County Sheriff's Office typically processes record requests within three business days as required by Idaho Code § 74-103(1), though complex requests may require additional time. Requestors will be notified if their request will take longer than anticipated to fulfill.
How To Find Twin Falls County Arrest Records Online
Twin Falls County provides several online resources for accessing arrest records digitally. These electronic systems offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests.
The primary online resource is the Idaho Supreme Court Data Repository, which contains court case information including criminal cases resulting from arrests in Twin Falls County. To use this system:
- Navigate to the Idaho Supreme Court Data Repository website.
- Select "Twin Falls County" from the jurisdiction dropdown menu.
- Enter search criteria such as the individual's name and/or case number.
- Review the search results, which include case types, filing dates, and case status.
- Select specific cases to view detailed information, including charges and court proceedings.
The Twin Falls County Sheriff's Office also maintains an Inmate Roster showing currently detained individuals. This resource includes:
- Arrestee name
- Booking date
- Charges
- Bond information
- Next court appearance
For more comprehensive criminal history information, the Idaho State Police Criminal History Unit provides online access to statewide criminal records, including arrests in Twin Falls County. This service requires:
- Creation of an online account
- Payment of statutory fees
- Submission of the subject's identifying information
- Specification of the purpose for the record check
Users should note that pursuant to Idaho Code § 67-3008, certain criminal history information may have restricted access depending on the requestor's status and purpose.
How To Search Twin Falls County Arrest Records for Free?
Several no-cost options exist for members of the public seeking arrest records in Twin Falls County without incurring fees.
The Twin Falls County Courthouse provides public access terminals where individuals may search court records, including criminal cases resulting from arrests, at no charge. These terminals are available during regular business hours.
Twin Falls County Courthouse
427 Shoshone Street North
Twin Falls, ID 83301
(208) 736-4025
Twin Falls County Court
The previously mentioned Idaho Supreme Court Data Repository is available free of charge for basic searches. While this system does not provide complete arrest records, it offers valuable information about criminal cases including:
- Defendant name
- Case number
- Filing date
- Charges
- Case status
- Scheduled hearings
- Case disposition
The Twin Falls County Sheriff's Office Inmate Roster is another free resource that provides information about currently detained individuals. This can be particularly useful for recent arrests.
Local public libraries in Twin Falls County offer free internet access where individuals can utilize these online resources. Library staff may also provide assistance with navigating public records systems.
Twin Falls Public Library
201 Fourth Avenue East
Twin Falls, ID 83301
(208) 733-2964
Twin Falls Public Library
While these free options provide access to basic arrest information, more comprehensive records may require payment of statutory fees as authorized under Idaho Code § 74-102(10).
How To Delete Arrest Records in Twin Falls County
Idaho law provides limited mechanisms for the removal or restriction of arrest records through expungement or sealing processes. These two legal remedies differ significantly in their effect and application.
Expungement refers to the complete removal of arrest records from public access and, in some cases, from government databases. Sealing, by contrast, restricts public access to records while maintaining them for limited official purposes. In Idaho, true expungement is rare, with record sealing being the more common remedy.
Pursuant to Idaho Code § 67-3004(10), individuals may petition for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances:
- The arrest was made without probable cause
- The case was dismissed
- The individual was acquitted at trial
- The statute of limitations expired without charges being filed
For juvenile records, Idaho Code § 20-525A provides a more accessible path to expungement when:
- Five years have elapsed since the end of the juvenile case
- The individual has not been convicted of any felony or misdemeanor involving moral turpitude
- No proceedings are pending against the individual
To initiate the expungement or sealing process:
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Obtain and complete the appropriate petition form from the Twin Falls County Court Clerk's office.
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Gather supporting documentation, including:
- Case disposition documents
- Evidence of rehabilitation
- Character references
- Employment history
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File the petition with the court that handled the original case.
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Pay the required filing fee (fee waivers may be available for indigent petitioners).
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Attend the scheduled hearing where a judge will determine whether to grant the petition.
If the petition is granted, the court will issue an order directing relevant agencies to seal or expunge the records. The petitioner should obtain certified copies of this order to provide to any agencies that may maintain copies of the records.
It is important to note that even sealed records may remain accessible to law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and certain employers as specified in Idaho Code § 67-3004(10)(d).
What Happens After Arrest in Twin Falls County?
Following an arrest in Twin Falls County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Idaho state law and local procedures.
The post-arrest process typically proceeds as follows:
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Booking Process: Upon arrival at the Twin Falls County Jail, arrestees undergo booking, which includes:
- Photographing (mugshot)
- Fingerprinting
- Personal property inventory
- Medical screening
- Background check
- Collection of personal information
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Initial Appearance: Within 24 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays), arrestees appear before a magistrate judge who:
- Informs the arrestee of charges
- Advises of constitutional rights
- Determines eligibility for public defender
- Sets bail or conditions of release
- Schedules subsequent court dates
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Bail Determination: The court sets bail based on:
- Severity of alleged offense
- Criminal history
- Flight risk
- Community ties
- Public safety considerations
- Pursuant to Idaho Criminal Rule 46
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Formal Charging: The Twin Falls County Prosecutor's Office determines whether to file formal charges through:
- Complaint (for misdemeanors)
- Information (for felonies after preliminary hearing)
- Grand jury indictment (for serious felonies)
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Preliminary Hearing: For felony cases, a preliminary hearing is held within 14 days if the defendant is in custody or 21 days if released. The prosecutor must demonstrate probable cause that:
- A crime was committed
- The defendant likely committed the crime
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Arraignment: If probable cause is established, the case proceeds to District Court for arraignment where the defendant:
- Receives formal reading of charges
- Enters a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest)
- Has trial rights explained
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Pre-trial Proceedings: May include:
- Discovery exchange
- Motion hearings
- Plea negotiations
- Status conferences
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Trial: If no plea agreement is reached, the case proceeds to trial where:
- Misdemeanors receive a bench or jury trial in Magistrate Court
- Felonies receive a jury trial in District Court
- The prosecution must prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt
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Sentencing: Following conviction through plea or trial, the court imposes sentence which may include:
- Incarceration
- Probation
- Fines and costs
- Restitution
- Treatment programs
- Community service
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Post-conviction: After sentencing, defendants may pursue:
- Appeal
- Post-conviction relief
- Sentence modification
Throughout this process, defendants maintain constitutional rights including the right to counsel, the right against self-incrimination, and the right to due process as guaranteed by the Idaho and U.S. Constitutions.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Twin Falls County?
Arrest records in Twin Falls County are subject to retention requirements established by Idaho state law and administrative rules. The Idaho State Historical Society, which oversees the State Archives and Records Center, establishes retention schedules for government records, including arrest records.
Pursuant to Idaho Code § 67-4126, the State Historical Society is authorized to establish records retention schedules for state and local government agencies. Under these schedules, law enforcement agencies in Twin Falls County must retain arrest records for specific periods based on record type and case disposition:
- Arrest reports for felony cases resulting in conviction: Permanent retention
- Arrest reports for felony cases not resulting in conviction: Minimum 5-year retention
- Arrest reports for misdemeanor cases resulting in conviction: 10-year retention
- Arrest reports for misdemeanor cases not resulting in conviction: 3-year retention
- Juvenile arrest records: Retained until subject reaches age 18, then reviewed for possible sealing under Idaho Code § 20-525A
Fingerprint records and photographs (mugshots) associated with arrests are typically retained by the Idaho State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification indefinitely unless expunged by court order. These records form part of the state's criminal history repository as authorized by Idaho Code § 67-3004.
Digital arrest records maintained in law enforcement databases may be retained longer than physical records due to technological capabilities and investigative needs. The Twin Falls County Sheriff's Office maintains electronic records in accordance with both state retention requirements and departmental policies.
It is important to note that even after the mandatory retention period expires, records may not be automatically destroyed. Agencies often maintain records beyond minimum requirements for administrative and historical purposes. Additionally, court records related to arrests typically have different retention schedules than law enforcement records and may be maintained permanently, particularly for felony cases.
How to Find Mugshots in Twin Falls County
Mugshots, officially known as booking photographs, are created during the arrest booking process and serve as visual identification records of arrested individuals. In Twin Falls County, these photographs are considered part of the public arrest record, though access may be subject to certain limitations.
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots typically consist of front-facing and profile (side) photographs taken of an individual following arrest. These images are captured under controlled conditions with standardized lighting and background to ensure consistency. Mugshots become part of an individual's arrest record and are used by law enforcement for identification purposes.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
The Twin Falls County Sheriff's Office maintains mugshots as part of their booking records. These photographs are stored in:
- Physical files at the Sheriff's Office Records Division
- The county's digital records management system
- The Idaho state criminal history repository maintained by the Idaho State Police
Finding Mugshots
To obtain mugshots from Twin Falls County, individuals may:
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Submit a public records request to the Twin Falls County Sheriff's Office specifically requesting booking photographs. Requests must include:
- Full name of the subject
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest
- Case number (if available)
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Visit the Twin Falls County Sheriff's Office Records Division in person:
Twin Falls County Sheriff's Office Records Division
425 Shoshone Street North
Twin Falls, ID 83301
(208) 736-4040
Twin Falls County Sheriff's Office
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)
Can They Be Found Online
The Twin Falls County Sheriff's Office Inmate Roster displays limited booking information for currently incarcerated individuals but typically does not include mugshots. Unlike some jurisdictions, Twin Falls County does not maintain a public-facing database of historical mugshots.
Some third-party websites aggregate and publish mugshots obtained from public records. However, the accuracy and currency of information on these sites vary significantly, and they may continue to display mugshots even after cases have been dismissed or records sealed.
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
The most reliable method for obtaining accurate mugshot records is through official channels. When requesting mugshots, requestors should:
- Use the official public records request form
- Provide specific identifying information
- Pay applicable fees (typically $5-15 per photograph)
- Allow 3-10 business days for processing
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
Access to mugshots may be restricted under certain circumstances as provided in Idaho Code § 74-105, including:
- Active investigations where release would compromise law enforcement efforts
- Juvenile arrests (subject to confidentiality under Idaho Code § 20-525)
- Cases where records have been sealed or expunged by court order
- Situations where release would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
Additionally, Idaho Code § 74-106(28) restricts the release of certain personal information about law enforcement officers, which may affect mugshots in cases involving undercover officers.