Ada County spans an area of 1,052 square miles, making it the 31st largest county in Idaho by total area. It has a population of about 494,967 residents according to the 2020 US Census Bureau. The county is home to 12 cities, including the City of Boise, which serves as its county seat and the state capital.

Courts in Ada County

The highest court in Ada County is the 4th Judicial District Court. This is a trial court of general jurisdiction where most serious criminal cases (felony) are heard. In addition, it handles contractual disputes, personal injury cases, medical malpractice, and civil cases in which the sum of money in dispute exceeds $10,000. Moreover appeals from decisions made by the magistrate court are also heard in this court.

The Magistrate Court has the jurisdiction to hear civil cases under $10,000. It also handles misdemeanors, infractions, felony preliminary hearings, probates, divorce, adoptions, termination of parental rights, guardianships, and habeas corpus cases. On the other hand, cases involving juvenile delinquency, felonies, misdemeanors, and status offenses are handled by the Juvenile Court. It also hears child mental commitment, developmentally disabled commitment, and child protection cases.

Where to Find Public Court Records in Ada County

Interested parties can request copies of court records at the Ada County Clerk’s Office. Also, requests for copies of these records can be made by filling out the request form or they can be submitted in writing. The request form must be completed and sent via email to the court. In addition to online access, anyone can visit this location in person:

Ada County Courthouse and Administration Building

200 W. Front Street

Boise, ID 83702

Types of Public Court Records in Ada County

Ada County makes the following categories of court records available to the public upon request, except those deemed confidential and sealed by state laws:

• Criminal Court Records
• Family Court Records
• Civil Court Records
• Probate Court Records
• Traffic Court Records
• Juvenile Court Records

Confidential Court Records

All court records are publicly available except those exempt from public disclosure due to state laws or court orders. These court records are considered confidential and can only be accessed by the parties involved in the case or their attorneys. Examples of confidential records include:

• Juvenile court records, including records of proceedings under Youth Rehabilitation, Juvenile Corrections, or Child Protective Act

• Name/ identity of juror of grand juries
• Medical and mental health records
• Adoption records
• parent/child termination proceeding records
• Court-ordered diagnostic reports
• Violation of personal protection orders
• Minor abortion proceeding records
• Records of judicial work such as all notes, drafts, e-mails, and memoranda prepared by a judge, court clerk, attorney, or legal assistant

Juvenile Delinquency in Ada, ID

Unfortunately, in many areas of the Ada County, juvenile delinquency issues are on the rise. There are many reasons for the rise in youth offenders. The juvenile sentence in Idaho often depends on the severity of the crime, the number of crimes, and other family matters.

In 2015, a total of 3 juvenile cases were reported for every 100,000 people age 10 to adulthood in the jurisdiction of Ada County. Of that total, 100% of those proceedings were delinquencies which equaled 3 court cases. Another 0% were dependency cases that accounted for 0 of the juvenile cases.

A lot of counties, including, Ada County, are focusing on family therapy and relationships rather than punishment for juvenile crimes. Future Ada County juvenile delinquency numbers will show whether or not this approach is working.

Government of Ada County, ID

https://www.idaho.gov/

County Seat:	Boise
Government Type:	County
Authority:	Dillon's Rule
Year Organized:	1864
Total Square Miles:	1,060
2019 Population:	456,849
Persons/Square Mile:	0.00
County Contact:	200 W Front St County Courthouse Boise , ID 83702-7300 https://adacounty.id.gov/

Ada County, ID Courts