Idaho Felony: Laws, Penalties, Sentencing, and Records

A felony is a serious crime that can lead to a prison sentence of one year or more in a penitentiary. In addition to imprisonment, felonies can result in substantial fines and lasting criminal records. Unlike several other states that categorize felonies into different classes, Idaho does not have a formal class system for felonies. Instead, the penalties for each felony are specified individually by law.

What Is Considered a Felony in Idaho?

Felonies in Idaho are defined under the Idaho Statutes (Title 18, Crimes and Punishments). Common Idaho felonies include:

• Violent Crimes: Murder, manslaughter, aggravated assault, battery with a deadly weapon, robbery, rape, kidnapping.
• Drug Crimes: Manufacturing, distribution, and trafficking of controlled substances.
• Property Crimes: Arson, burglary, grand theft (property worth $1,000 or more), auto theft.
• White-Collar Crimes: Fraud, embezzlement, forgery, and identity theft.
• Weapons Offenses: Felon in possession of a firearm, unlawful use of a deadly weapon.

Misdemeanors can turn into felonies if there are aggravating factors involved. For instance:

• Theft of more than $1,000 is considered grand theft, which is a felony, whereas thefts below that amount are classified as misdemeanors.
• Battery can escalate to felony aggravated battery if it results in serious injury or if a weapon is used.

What Is a Felony in Idaho?

According to Idaho law, a felony is defined as a serious crime that can lead to a prison sentence of one year or more in a penitentiary.

The consequences of being convicted of a felony in Idaho are:

• Prison sentences can range from 1 year to life.
• Fines that may reach $50,000 or more, depending on the offense.
• Loss of certain rights, like the right to vote while in prison.
• A permanent criminal record, which can restrict job and housing options.

Felony Penalties in Idaho

In Idaho, felonies are not categorized into classes such as A, B, or C. Rather, each law has its own specific penalties.

Examples of Idaho Felony Penalties

• First-Degree Murder: Anyone convicted of first-degree murder may face mandatory life imprisonment or the death penalty (though executions are rare).
• Second-Degree Murder: Second-degree murder attracts a prison sentence ranging from 10 years to life in prison.
• Manslaughter: This offense carries a potential sentence of up to 15 years in prison.
• Rape: Anyone convicted of rape in Idaho may face life imprisonment.
• Robbery: A robbery conviction attracts a prison sentence ranging from 5 years to life.
• Grand Theft: Grand theft carries a potential prison sentence of 1 to 14 years, depending on circumstances.
• Burglary: A burglary conviction attracts a prison sentence ranging from 1 to 10 years.
• Drug Trafficking: Penalties for drug trafficking vary by drug and weight. Mandatory minimums may apply.

Felony Sentencing Guidelines in Idaho

Sentencing in Idaho is shaped by statutory penalties, judicial discretion, and aggravating or mitigating factors.

Key Sentencing Factors

1. Statutory Ranges: Statutory ranges refer to the mandatory minimum and maximum sentence for each felony offense.
2. Mandatory Minimums: This refers to the minimum prison sentence for each category of felony convictions.
3. Aggravating Factors: These are factors that can increase the severity of a felony sentence. Aggravating factors can include crimes against minors or the elderly, prior violent felonies, and the use of weapons.
4. Mitigating Factors: Mitigating factors are conditions that can reduce the severity of a felony sentence. For instance, a court may reduce a felony sentence if the individual is a first-time offender.
5. Habitual Offender Law: Idaho’s persistent violator statute allows enhanced penalties for defendants with three felony convictions.
6. Probation and Parole: Nonviolent offenders may qualify for probation, while parole eligibility is set by the Idaho Commission of Pardons and Parole after part of the sentence is served.

Felony Laws and Procedures in Major Idaho Cities

Boise (Ada County)

The Fourth Judicial District Court handles felony prosecutions in Boise. The court hears cases involving violent crimes, property offenses, and drug felonies. Records can be accessed through the Ada County Clerk of Court or the Idaho Courts online system.

Idaho Falls (Bonneville County)

Felonies in Idaho Falls are tried in the Seventh Judicial District Court. The court focuses on drug-related and property crimes. Records are available through the Bonneville County Clerk’s Office.

Coeur d’Alene (Kootenai County)

Felony cases in Coeur d’Alene are heard in the First Judicial District Court. The court handles significant caseloads involving property crimes, burglary, and drug trafficking. Records can be requested from the Kootenai County Clerk.

How to Search for Felony Records in Idaho

Idaho provides access to felony records through statewide and county-level systems.

1. iCourt Portal (Idaho Supreme Court Data System)

The iCourt portal provides online access to case records across Idaho. Users can search by name, case number, or attorney. Available details include:

• Case number and docket history.
• Charges filed.
• Court location.
• Case status and sentencing.

2. District Court Clerk’s Offices

Certified felony case files can be obtained from the Clerk of the District Court in the county where the case was prosecuted.

3. Idaho State Police – Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI)

The Idaho Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) maintains statewide criminal history records. Official background checks require fingerprinting. The background check will show any felony convictions that the record owner has committed.

4. Local Police Departments

Police departments maintain arrest and incident reports. These records may be requested under Idaho’s Public Records Law. Note that access to pending case information may be restricted.

5. Third-Party Background Checks

Private services provide felony record searches, but the most accurate data comes from Idaho’s official judicial and law enforcement systems.

Open vs. Sealed Records

• Open Records: The majority of felony convictions are public information.
• Expungement and Sealing: In Idaho, felony convictions generally cannot be expunged. However, they may be sealed under rare circumstances, such as juvenile cases.

Why Understanding Felonies in Idaho Matters

Felonies in Idaho have lasting effects that go beyond just serving time and paying fines. They can impact civil rights, job prospects, housing options, and the ability to obtain professional licenses. For individuals, employers, and organizations, it is essential to grasp the felony laws, sentencing guidelines, and how to access records.

Felonies in Idaho are defined by statute rather than a class-based system. Penalties for felony crimes range from 1 year to life imprisonment or a death sentence. The sentencing process is influenced by legal guidelines, factors that can either worsen or lessen the situation, and Idaho's law for repeat offenders, known as the persistent violator law.

You can look up felony records using theiCourt portal, District Court Clerks, or the Idaho State Police BCI, which makes these records available to the public while also allowing for the limited removal of certain records.