Idaho Judgment: Types, Records, Duration, and What to Expect

In Idaho, a judgment is a court ruling meant to resolve a legal dispute and establish the rights and obligations of all parties involved in a case. In Idaho, judgments may arise from crimes involving civil lawsuits, debt collection cases, property disputes, family law matters, or criminal restitution proceedings.

What Is a Judgment in Idaho?

Per Idaho Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 54, a judgment is a decree or final decision of a court that concludes a case. It may order one party to pay money or transfer property to the other party or refrain from certain actions. Once recorded, a judgment has legal backing and may be enforced through several methods, such as garnishments or liens.

Types of Judgments in Idaho

It is important to know the types of judgments available to defendants in Idaho courts. Common examples include:

Money Judgments

In Idaho, a money judgment is a common type of judgment in civil cases. These judgments often arise from contract disputes, debts, or damages awarded by a judge in personal injury lawsuits. Here, state law ensures that the party (creditor) that won the lawsuit is entitled to a certain amount of money from the debtor.

Default Judgments

Rule 55(b) of Idaho Civil Procedure provides the guidelines for a default judgment in the state. The type of judgment results from a defendant failing to appear in court for trial or to respond to a lawsuit. In such cases, the court automatically grants the petition of the plaintiff.

Property or Lien Judgments

Creditors may attach a judgment lien only to their debtor’s property to secure repayment. In Idaho, once a judgment lien is recorded with the county recorder, the property may not be sold until the judgment is paid.

Family Court Judgments

Family law-related cases may result in judgments from District Court or Magistrate Court for child support, custody, and alimony. These are strictly enforced in line with the family court rules and lead to contempt if payments are not made on time.

Criminal Restitution Judgments

According to Idaho Statutes, a court may order an offender convicted of a crime to pay restitution to the victims for their financial losses.

How to Search for Judgments in Idaho

In judgment records, one may find the case number, judgment date, court location, and names of the parties involved in the case. According to the Idaho Public Records Act and the Idaho Court Administrative Rule (ICAR 32), every person has a right to examine judgment records in the state.

There are several ways that allow an individual to search for judgment records in the state, such as:

• iCourt Portal (Idaho Supreme Court Data Repository): The Idaho Supreme Court provides online statewide access to court case records through the iCourt Portal. This portal enables record seekers to use the case number, names of offenders, or filing date to search for court records.
• Clerk of Court Offices – The clerk of the district court manages court records, including judgment records, in their county. Individuals may view these documents in person or request certified copies at the appropriate clerk’s office.
• Third-Party Services – Some third-party services provide information about judgments for all the courts in multiple counties across the country. It is important to note that while third-party services may offer easy access to judgment information, the iCourt Portal is the most accurate and up-to-date.

Judgment Records in Major Idaho Counties

Although Idaho’s unified court system simplifies searches, access can vary slightly by county:

• Boise (Ada County): Ada County judgments are accessible to the public online through the iCourt Portal and in person at the court clerk’s office.
• Idaho Falls (Bonneville County): Bonneville County judgments can be searched online, with certified records available at the courthouse clerk’s office.
• Coeur d’Alene (Kootenai County): Individuals may obtain copies of judgment records from the clerk’s office, located in the Kootenai Courthouse Complex.

How Long Does a Judgment Last in Idaho?

In Idaho, obtaining a civil judgment does not necessarily lead to payment. A judgment is valid and enforceable for 10 years from the date the judgment was passed. According to Idaho Code 10-1111, creditors may renew a judgment before its expiration, thereby extending its enforceability for an additional 10 years. This ensures that a meaningful judgment may remain active for decades when it is correctly renewed.

What Happens After a Judgment Is Entered in Idaho?

Once a court releases a judgment, creditors gain the right to collect their dues, while debtors face all financial and legal obligations. During the enforceability period, creditors may collect their debts or funds through liens, garnishments, or bank levies. For debtors, leaving a judgment unresolved can have long-term financial consequences.

For Creditors:

• Wage Garnishment: Creditors may obtain a court order that mandates an employer to withhold a portion of their employee's (debtor) wages until the judgment is paid.
• Judgment Liens: A lien may be recorded against the debtor’s real estate, thereby preventing its sale or transfer until the lien is satisfied or the debt is fully repaid.
• Bank Levies: The court permits the deduction of funds directly from a debtor’s bank account.

For Debtors:

• Credit Reporting: When judgments appear on credit reports, it lowers credit scores and limits access to further credit.
• Satisfaction of Judgment: A creditor must file a Satisfaction of Judgment with the court when they receive their full payment. This complies with Idaho Rules to confirm that the debtor has repaid their debts completely.
• Appeals or Motions to Vacate: If a debtor believes the judgment was unfair to them, they may appeal or request that thecourt vacate it within a reasonable time.