Twin Falls County Court Records
What Is Twin Falls County Court Records
Court records in Twin Falls County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. Pursuant to Idaho Code § 74-101, these records constitute public documents maintained by judicial authorities for administrative and historical purposes.
Twin Falls County court records typically include:
- Case files containing pleadings, motions, and other filed documents
- Court dockets listing scheduled hearings and case activities
- Judicial orders and final judgments
- Hearing and trial transcripts
- Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
- Sentencing information in criminal matters
- Marriage and divorce decrees
- Probate and estate documentation
These records differ from other public records such as property deeds, birth certificates, and tax documents, which are maintained by separate county departments. The Idaho Supreme Court oversees the statewide court system, including records management protocols for all courts within Twin Falls County.
The following courts maintain records in Twin Falls County:
- Fifth Judicial District Court (handles felonies, civil cases over $10,000, and appeals)
- Twin Falls County Magistrate Court (handles misdemeanors, small claims, family law)
- Twin Falls County Probate Court (handles wills, estates, guardianships)
- Twin Falls Municipal Court (handles city ordinance violations)
Court records in Twin Falls County document proceedings across civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic matters. The Idaho Court Administrative Rules (ICAR) establish uniform standards for record-keeping across all courts in the state, ensuring consistency in how these vital documents are maintained and accessed.
Are Court Records Public In Twin Falls County
Court records in Twin Falls County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with the Idaho Public Records Act § 74-102, which establishes the presumption that all government records, including court records, shall be open for public inspection unless specifically exempted by statute.
The following court records are typically available for public access:
- Civil case files (with certain exceptions for sensitive information)
- Criminal case files (post-charging)
- Court judgments and orders
- Docket sheets and case indices
- Hearing schedules and calendars
- Property records related to judgments
However, certain records may be restricted from public view under Idaho Court Administrative Rule 32, which governs public access to court records. These restrictions typically apply to:
- Juvenile proceedings (except in limited circumstances)
- Adoption records
- Mental health commitment proceedings
- Certain family court matters involving minors
- Records sealed by judicial order
- Pre-sentence investigation reports
- Grand jury proceedings
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 access rules, which differ from state regulations. The Idaho Supreme Court has established comprehensive rules regarding public access to court records through Idaho Court Administrative Rule 32, which balances transparency with privacy concerns.
Members of the public seeking access to Twin Falls County court records should be aware that while most records are public, specific information within those records may be redacted to protect privacy interests as mandated by state law.
How To Find Court Records in Twin Falls County in 2026
Members of the public may access Twin Falls County court records through several methods currently available. The following procedures apply for obtaining these public documents:
Online Access:
- Visit the Idaho Supreme Court's iCourt Portal
- Create a user account or log in as a guest
- Select "Smart Search" for comprehensive results or choose specific search categories
- Enter relevant case information (name, case number, filing date)
- Review search results and select desired case
- Pay applicable fees for document copies if required
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the Twin Falls County Courthouse during regular business hours
- Complete a records request form at the clerk's office
- Provide case identification information
- Pay applicable search and copy fees
- Wait for records to be retrieved (same-day service for simple requests)
Written Requests:
- Submit a formal written request to the Twin Falls County Court Clerk
- Include specific case information and documents requested
- Provide contact information and preferred delivery method
- Enclose payment for applicable fees
- Allow 3-5 business days for processing
Twin Falls County Courthouse
427 Shoshone Street North
Twin Falls, ID 83301
(208) 736-4025
Twin Falls County Courts
Pursuant to Idaho Court Administrative Rule 32(g), requestors may be required to present identification when seeking certain court records. Fees for copies are currently set at $1.00 per page for standard documents, with certified copies available for an additional fee. Court records searches requiring extensive staff time may incur additional research fees as permitted under Idaho Code.
How To Look Up Court Records in Twin Falls County Online?
Twin Falls County court records are accessible through several online platforms maintained by state and county authorities. The primary resource for electronic court record access is the Idaho Judiciary's iCourt Portal, which provides comprehensive access to case information statewide.
Idaho iCourt Portal:
- Navigate to the Idaho Supreme Court's iCourt Portal
- Select "Smart Search" for comprehensive results
- Enter search criteria (name, case number, citation number)
- Filter results by county, selecting "Twin Falls"
- Review case summaries in search results
- Select specific cases to view detailed information
- Access available documents (fees may apply for certain documents)
The iCourt Portal contains records for the following case types:
- Civil cases (district and magistrate courts)
- Criminal cases (felonies and misdemeanors)
- Family law matters (divorce, custody, support)
- Probate proceedings
- Small claims actions
- Traffic infractions
Twin Falls County Court Records Search:
- Visit the Twin Falls County website
- Navigate to the Courts section
- Select "Court Records Search"
- Follow prompts to access the county's interface with the state system
- Enter search criteria specific to Twin Falls County cases
- Review available case information
For specialized court records, additional resources include:
- Idaho Repository Case Search - For historical case information
- Idaho Court Assistance Office - For self-help resources and forms
- Idaho Department of Correction Offender Search - For information on current inmates
Online access to certain documents may be restricted based on case type and confidentiality requirements established under Idaho Court Administrative Rule 32. Users should note that while case information is generally available online, complete case files with all documents may require in-person requests at the courthouse.
How To Search Twin Falls County Court Records for Free?
Twin Falls County provides several options for members of the public to access court records without charge, in accordance with Idaho Code § 74-102(10), which guarantees the right to examine public records without cost.
Free In-Person Inspection:
- Visit the Twin Falls County Courthouse during regular business hours (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday)
- Proceed to the Court Clerk's office on the first floor
- Complete a records request form, specifying the case of interest
- Present identification if required
- Review records in the designated public viewing area
- No fee is charged for inspection of records, though copying fees apply
Twin Falls County Courthouse
427 Shoshone Street North
Twin Falls, ID 83301
(208) 736-4025
Twin Falls County Courts
Free Online Resources:
-
Idaho iCourt Portal - Basic case information is available at no cost, including:
- Case numbers and filing dates
- Party names
- Hearing schedules
- Case type and status
- Judge assignments
- Register of actions (docket entries)
-
Idaho Court Assistance Office - Provides free access to:
- Court forms and instructions
- Self-help resources
- Information about court procedures
-
Twin Falls County Law Library - Located in the courthouse, offers:
- Free public access to legal research materials
- Computer terminals for accessing online legal resources
- Assistance with locating court records and legal information
While basic case information is available without charge, fees may apply for:
- Document copies ($1.00 per page)
- Certified copies ($1.00 per page plus $1.00 certification fee)
- Extensive research requiring staff assistance ($20.00 per hour after first 30 minutes)
- Electronic document downloads from the iCourt Portal (fees vary by document type)
Public computer terminals are available at the Twin Falls Public Library and the courthouse for individuals without internet access to utilize the free online resources.
What's Included in a Twin Falls County Court Record?
Twin Falls County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings, with contents varying by case type. Pursuant to Idaho Court Administrative Rule 31, which governs court records, these files typically include the following components:
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
- Judgment and decree
- Post-judgment motions and orders
- Appeal documentation (if applicable)
Criminal Case Records:
- Charging documents (indictment or information)
- Arrest warrant or summons
- Probable cause affidavits
- Defendant's appearance and plea
- Bond or bail information
- Pre-trial motions and orders
- Discovery disclosures (limited)
- Trial exhibits (if admitted)
- Verdict or plea agreement
- Sentencing documents
- Probation terms and conditions
- Appeal documentation (if applicable)
Family Law Records:
- Petition for divorce or custody
- Parenting plans
- Financial affidavits
- Child support worksheets
- Property and debt schedules
- Temporary orders
- Mediation agreements
- Final decree or judgment
- Post-judgment modifications
Probate Records:
- Will (if testate)
- Petition for probate
- Letters testamentary or administration
- Inventory of estate assets
- Creditor claims
- Accountings
- Distribution plans
- Final decree
Each court record also contains a register of actions (docket sheet) that chronologically lists all events in the case, including filings, hearings, and judicial actions. Court records may also include transcripts of hearings and trials, though these are typically prepared only upon request and payment of transcription fees.
Certain sensitive information is redacted from public court records in accordance with Idaho Court Administrative Rule 32, including social security numbers, financial account numbers, and information about minors.
How Long Does Twin Falls County Keep Court Records?
Twin Falls County maintains court records according to the retention schedules established by the Idaho Supreme Court under Idaho Court Administrative Rule 37. These schedules vary by case type and document classification, balancing historical preservation needs with practical storage limitations.
Felony Criminal Cases:
- Capital punishment cases: Permanent retention
- Other felonies: 100 years from date of judgment
- Probation records: 10 years after discharge from probation
- Exhibits: Retained until appeals exhausted, then returned or destroyed
Misdemeanor Criminal Cases:
- DUI and domestic violence: 10 years after case closure
- Other misdemeanors: 5 years after case closure
- Infractions: 2 years after case closure
Civil Cases:
- Cases with monetary judgments: 20 years from entry of judgment
- Divorce and custody matters: 50 years from final decree
- Adoption records: Permanent retention
- Civil protection orders: 20 years from issuance
- Small claims: 10 years after judgment
Probate Matters:
- Wills admitted to probate: Permanent retention
- Estate administration: 30 years after closing
- Guardianships/conservatorships: 10 years after termination
Court Administrative Records:
- Court minutes and recordings: 10 years
- Jury records: 2 years
- Financial records: 7 years
The Idaho State Archives, in cooperation with the Idaho Supreme Court, maintains permanent historical records once their active retention period with the county expires. Digital records are increasingly replacing paper documents, with electronic storage governed by the same retention schedules.
Pursuant to Idaho Code § 31-871, county records may not be destroyed without proper authorization from the county commissioners and compliance with the approved retention schedule. The Twin Falls County Clerk serves as the official custodian of court records and oversees their preservation and eventual disposition according to these mandated schedules.
Researchers seeking historical court records that have exceeded their retention period may need to contact the Idaho State Archives for assistance with locating these materials.
Types of Courts In Twin Falls County
Twin Falls County's judicial system consists of several courts operating within Idaho's unified court structure. Each court has specific jurisdiction and handles distinct case types as prescribed by Idaho law.
Fifth Judicial District Court
427 Shoshone Street North
Twin Falls, ID 83301
(208) 736-4036
Idaho Courts - Fifth Judicial District
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The District Court is Twin Falls County's court of general jurisdiction, handling felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $10,000, and appeals from magistrate courts. Currently, four district judges serve Twin Falls County.
Twin Falls County Magistrate Court
427 Shoshone Street North
Twin Falls, ID 83301
(208) 736-4025
Idaho Courts - Magistrate Division
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The Magistrate Court handles misdemeanors, preliminary hearings in felony cases, civil cases under $10,000, small claims (under $5,000), family law matters, probate, and juvenile cases. Six magistrate judges currently serve in Twin Falls County.
Twin Falls County Small Claims Court
427 Shoshone Street North
Twin Falls, ID 83301
(208) 736-4025
Idaho Court Assistance Office - Small Claims
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Operating as a division of the Magistrate Court, Small Claims Court handles civil disputes under $5,000 without formal representation by attorneys.
Twin Falls County Juvenile Court
427 Shoshone Street North
Twin Falls, ID 83301
(208) 736-4151
Idaho Courts - Juvenile Justice
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Juvenile Court handles cases involving minors, including delinquency, status offenses, and child protection matters. These proceedings are generally confidential.
Twin Falls County Drug Court
427 Shoshone Street North
Twin Falls, ID 83301
(208) 736-4036
Idaho Problem-Solving Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
This specialized court provides alternative sentencing and treatment options for non-violent offenders with substance abuse issues.
The Idaho court system follows a hierarchical structure, with appeals from Twin Falls County courts proceeding to the Idaho Court of Appeals and ultimately to the Idaho Supreme Court, both located in Boise. The U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho, a federal court with jurisdiction over federal matters, maintains a courthouse in Twin Falls for certain proceedings.
What Types of Cases Do Twin Falls County Courts Hear?
Twin Falls County courts adjudicate a diverse range of legal matters according to jurisdictional authority established by Idaho statute. Case assignments are determined by case type, monetary value, and severity of charges.
Fifth Judicial District Court handles:
- Felony criminal prosecutions
- Civil lawsuits exceeding $10,000 in claimed damages
- Real property disputes and quiet title actions
- Administrative agency appeals
- Habeas corpus petitions
- Appeals from magistrate court decisions
- Complex commercial litigation
- Civil forfeitures
- Extraordinary writs (mandamus, prohibition)
Twin Falls County Magistrate Court handles:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Preliminary hearings in felony matters
- Civil cases with damages up to $10,000
- Divorce and legal separation proceedings
- Child custody and support determinations
- Domestic violence protection orders
- Probate and estate administration
- Guardianships and conservatorships
- Landlord-tenant disputes and evictions
- DUI and other traffic violations
- Mental health commitments
Twin Falls County Small Claims Court handles:
- Civil disputes up to $5,000
- Consumer complaints
- Contract disagreements
- Property damage claims
- Collection matters
- Landlord-tenant security deposit disputes
Twin Falls County Juvenile Court handles:
- Juvenile delinquency proceedings
- Status offenses (truancy, runaway, curfew violations)
- Child protection cases
- Adoptions
- Termination of parental rights
- Juvenile probation violations
- Youth rehabilitation matters
Twin Falls County Problem-Solving Courts handle:
- Drug Court: Substance abuse-related offenses
- Mental Health Court: Cases involving mental illness
- Veterans Court: Cases involving military veterans
- DUI Court: Multiple DUI offenders
Case assignment follows jurisdictional guidelines established in Idaho Code § 1-2208 for magistrate courts and Idaho Code § 1-705 for district courts. The Administrative District Judge for the Fifth Judicial District may issue administrative orders further defining case assignments within Twin Falls County courts.
Certain specialized matters, such as water rights adjudications, are handled by designated district judges with specialized expertise in those areas.
How To Find a Court Docket In Twin Falls County
Court dockets in Twin Falls County provide chronological listings of all proceedings, filings, and judicial actions in a case. Members of the public may access these records through several methods established by the Idaho Judiciary.
Online Docket Access:
- Visit the Idaho Supreme Court's iCourt Portal
- Select "Smart Search" or "Case Search" option
- Enter relevant search criteria (case number, party name, citation number)
- Filter results by selecting "Twin Falls" as the county
- Select the specific case from search results
- View the Register of Actions (ROA), which serves as the official docket
- Note that while basic docket information is free, document access may require fees
In-Person Docket Access:
- Visit the Twin Falls County Courthouse during business hours
- Proceed to the Court Clerk's office (first floor)
- Complete a records request form specifying the case
- Provide case number if available (searches by name may incur fees)
- Request to view the docket/register of actions
- Review the docket at public access terminals or in printed form
Twin Falls County Courthouse
427 Shoshone Street North
Twin Falls, ID 83301
(208) 736-4025
Twin Falls County Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Court Calendar Information:
- For upcoming hearings, visit the Idaho Court Calendars page
- Select "Fifth Judicial District"
- Choose "Twin Falls County"
- Select court type (District or Magistrate)
- View daily or weekly hearing schedules
Pursuant to Idaho Court Administrative Rule 32, court dockets are public records with limited exceptions for sealed or confidential cases. Docket information typically includes:
- Case number and filing date
- Party names and attorney information
- Chronological list of all filings
- Hearing dates and outcomes
- Judicial rulings and orders
- Judgment information
- Case status and disposition
For assistance with locating specific docket information, the Idaho Court Assistance Office provides guidance to self-represented litigants and members of the public seeking court records.
Which Courts in Twin Falls County Are Not Courts of Record?
In Twin Falls County, certain judicial forums operate as "courts not of record," meaning proceedings are not documented by official court reporters or electronic recording systems. This distinction is established by Idaho Code § 1-2208 and affects how cases are processed and appealed.
Small Claims Court is the primary court not of record in Twin Falls County. Operating as a division of the Magistrate Court, Small Claims Court handles civil disputes with claims up to $5,000. Key characteristics include:
- No verbatim transcript or recording of proceedings
- Simplified procedures without formal rules of evidence
- Self-representation without attorneys (in most cases)
- Informal hearing format
- Decisions documented only through written judgments
- Appeals require a complete new trial (trial de novo) in Magistrate Court
Small Claims Court
427 Shoshone Street North
Twin Falls, ID 83301
(208) 736-4025
Idaho Court Assistance Office - Small Claims
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Traffic Infractions Proceedings when conducted informally are also not recorded verbatim. These proceedings handle minor traffic violations where:
- Defendants may admit, deny, or explain the violation
- No formal recording of the proceedings occurs
- Documentation consists of citation, disposition, and judgment
- Appeals require a trial de novo in Magistrate Court
All other courts in Twin Falls County, including District Court, Magistrate Court (for matters other than small claims), Juvenile Court, and Problem-Solving Courts, function as courts of record. In these forums:
- Proceedings are recorded by court reporters or electronic means
- Verbatim transcripts can be produced upon request
- Appeals are based on the record established in the original proceeding
- Formal rules of evidence and procedure apply
The distinction between courts of record and courts not of record significantly impacts appellate rights. When appealing from a court not of record, the appellant receives an entirely new hearing rather than a review of the original proceeding. This provides a second opportunity to present evidence and arguments before a judge in a court of record.