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Nez Perce County, ID Courts and Public Records

Table of Contents

The Nez Perce County District Court and its Magistrate Division are the county's trial courts in Lewiston. The Clerk of the District Court keeps the county's court records.

FieldDetails
Court NameNez Perce County District Court (Magistrate Division)
Main AddressPO Box 896, Lewiston, ID 83501
Main Phone(208) 799-3020
Websiteisc.idaho.gov (Idaho Judiciary)
Courthouse Locations1 (Lewiston)
HandlesMisdemeanors, infractions, small claims, most family and probate matters, and initial felony proceedings (Magistrate Division); felonies and larger civil cases (District Court judges)
Does NOT HandleFederal cases (U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho) and parking tickets (the citing agency)
Online Case Searchmycourts.idaho.gov (Idaho Repository)
Criminal Records RequestsClerk of the District Court, (208) 799-3020

How to Search Nez Perce County Court Records

Have the person's full name, the case number if you know it, and approximate dates ready before you search. The Clerk of the District Court keeps Nez Perce County court records.

Online

Go to mycourts.idaho.gov, the Idaho Repository portal.

Search by name or case number to see case information.

Review results, since online access may not show every document.

Best for: Quick lookups of case status and parties

In Person

Go to the courthouse in Lewiston, ID 83501.

Bring the case number and party names if you have them.

Call (208) 799-3020 to confirm which division holds your case.

Best for: Records and copies not available online

By Phone

Call (208) 799-3020 to reach the Clerk of the District Court.

Ask which division holds your case and what the clerk needs.

Ask about copy costs before you request copies.

Best for: Questions about a specific case

Search by Name on IdahoCourts.org

Go to IdahoCourts.org and enter a full name.

Search across record types without a case number.

Confirm results with the court, since they are not official court records.

Best for: Finding leads without a case number

Nez Perce County Court Statistics (FY 2024)

Nez Perce County courts handled an estimated 3,254 new cases in FY 2024 and disposed of an estimated 3,168. The estimate scales Idaho statewide totals by the county's share of state population.

~3,254

Total filings in FY 2024

~3,168

Total dispositions in FY 2024

~1,085

Filings per judicial position (3 estimated positions)

~+2.7%

Change in total filings vs FY 2023

MetricFY 2024FY 2023Change
Total Filings~3,254~3,168~+2.7%
Total Dispositions~3,168~3,104~+2.1%
Criminal Filings~2,098~2,034~+3.1%
Civil Filings~642~621~+3.4%
Family Law Filings~203~199~+2.0%
Probate Filings~118~116~+1.7%
Mental Health Filings~54~51~+5.9%
Juvenile Filings~83~81~+2.5%
Authorized Judicial Positions~3~3~0.0%

The largest category movement was in criminal filings. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: Idaho statewide figures scaled by Nez Perce County's 2.14% share of the state population.

How Have Court Filings Changed in Nez Perce County?

Estimated total filings in Nez Perce County moved up over the last five years; dispositions are estimated at a similar level.

Fiscal YearTotal FilingsTotal DispositionsYoY Filing Change
FY 2024~3,254~3,168~+2.7%
FY 2023~3,168~3,104~+3.5%
FY 2022~3,061~3,018~+2.9%
FY 2021~2,975~2,890~+3.7%
FY 2020~2,868~2,740~+3.7%

Estimated filings changed +13.5% between FY 2020 and FY 2024, from 2,868 to 3,254. The largest annual change was +3.7% in FY 2021. The latest change of +2.7% reflects statewide Idaho trends. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: Idaho statewide figures scaled by Nez Perce County's 2.14% share of the state population.

What Types of Cases Are Filed in Nez Perce County?

Idaho has one unified trial court, the District Court, with a Magistrate Division in every county. Magistrates handle most misdemeanor, infraction, and small claims cases, while district judges handle felonies and larger civil cases.

Court or DivisionWhat It Handles
Magistrate Division (Nez Perce County)Misdemeanors, infractions, small claims, most family and probate matters, and initial felony proceedings
District Court judgesFelony cases and larger civil cases
Administrative District Judge (one per judicial district)Administers the courts in each of Idaho's 7 judicial districts
City ordinance casesGenerally handled in the county magistrate court
Idaho Court of Appeals and Idaho Supreme CourtAppeals from the trial courts
U.S. District Court for the District of IdahoFederal cases, which are outside the state court system

How Does Nez Perce County Compare With Idaho Overall?

Nez Perce County is estimated to account for about 2.14% of the 152,000 cases filed in Idaho courts in FY 2024.

MetricNez Perce CountyIdahoComparison
Total filings~3,254152,000~2.14% of statewide filings
YoY change in filings~+2.7%+2.7%Same as state (estimate)
Filings per judicial position~1,085987Estimated at the state level
Dispositions per judicial position equivalent~1,056961Estimated at the state level
Criminal share of filings~64.5%64.5%Same as state (estimate)
Civil share of filings~19.7%19.7%Same as state (estimate)
Family law share of filings~6.2%6.2%Same as state (estimate)

These county values are estimates built from statewide Idaho figures, so they track the state mix by design. Actual county dockets may differ. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: Idaho statewide figures scaled by Nez Perce County's 2.14% share of the state population.

Nez Perce County Crime Statistics (2024)

County crime counts are not published as a downloadable dataset, so these figures are Idaho statewide totals reported to the FBI by Idaho law enforcement agencies, not figures for Nez Perce County. Statewide violent crimes fell 1.0 percent and property crimes fell 8.1 percent from 2023 to 2024.

4,722

Violent crimes, Idaho statewide, 2024

15,134

Property crimes, Idaho statewide, 2024

235.9

Idaho statewide violent crime rate per 100K, 2024

-6.5%

Change in total reported crimes, Idaho statewide, 2024 vs 2023

Offense (Idaho statewide)2024Rate per 100K2023YoY Change
Violent crime4,722235.94,772-1.0%
Property crime15,134756.116,475-8.1%
Total violent and property crime19,856992.021,247-6.5%

Nez Perce County Courthouse Locations

Nez Perce County has one courthouse location listed in the Idaho Supreme Court County Courthouse Directory, in Lewiston. Check your notice or ticket for the assigned court division before you go.

CourthouseAddressPhone
Main courthouse, LewistonPO Box 896, Lewiston, ID 83501(208) 799-3020

Official directory: Idaho Supreme Court County Courthouse Directory

Which Court Handles Your Case in Nez Perce County?

The Nez Perce County District Court and its Magistrate Division handle most case types in Lewiston, and some matters are handled outside the court. Ask the Clerk of the District Court at (208) 799-3020 if you are unsure which division holds your case.

Your SituationGo ToKey Details
Traffic ticketMagistrate DivisionInfractions are handled by the magistrate division.
Parking ticketThe citing city or agencyParking tickets are not handled by the court.
MisdemeanorMagistrate DivisionMisdemeanor cases are heard by magistrates.
FelonyDistrict CourtMagistrates hold initial felony proceedings, and district judges handle felonies.
DUIMagistrate Division or District CourtThe charge level decides the court, so check your paperwork.
Domestic violenceMagistrate Division or District CourtThe charge or case type decides the court, so ask the clerk.
Civil lawsuitMagistrate Division or District CourtDistrict judges handle larger civil cases.
Small claimsMagistrate DivisionMagistrates handle small claims cases.
EvictionMagistrate DivisionConfirm the case type and division with the clerk.
DivorceMagistrate Division or District CourtMost family matters go to magistrates, so confirm with the clerk.
Child custody or supportMagistrate DivisionMost family matters go to magistrates.
Probate or estateMagistrate DivisionMost probate matters go to magistrates.
Juvenile caseClerk of the District CourtContact the clerk at (208) 799-3020 to confirm the division.
AppealIdaho Court of Appeals or Idaho Supreme CourtAppeals go to the state appellate courts.

Are Nez Perce County Court Records Public?

Yes, most Nez Perce County court records are open to the public, with exceptions under Idaho Court Administrative Rule 32 and state law.

Public records

Most case records in the District Court and its Magistrate Division are open. The public may inspect and copy them under Idaho Court Administrative Rule 32 and the Idaho Public Records Act.

Restricted or confidential records

Juvenile, sealed, adoption, child protection, and certain family records are restricted and may not be available to the public.

Online access

The Idaho Repository at mycourts.idaho.gov offers case information search. Online results show case information, not every document, and restricted cases may not appear.

In-person access

Visit the Clerk of the District Court at the courthouse in Lewiston, ID 83501, or call (208) 799-3020 to confirm which division holds your case.

Fees

This guide does not list copy fees. Ask the Clerk of the District Court for the current fee for the record you need.

How to Search Nez Perce County Court Records Online

Use the Idaho Repository at mycourts.idaho.gov to search Nez Perce County cases by name or case number, and ask the clerk for documents that are not online.

  1. Identify the case type, such as criminal, traffic, civil, small claims, family law, probate, or juvenile.
  2. Open the Idaho Repository at mycourts.idaho.gov.
  3. Search by party name or case number and note the case number from the results.
  4. Review the case details for status, parties, and scheduled dates.
  5. Call the Clerk of the District Court at (208) 799-3020 to request documents that are not online.
Case TypeWhere to SearchWhat You'll FindLimits
Criminalmycourts.idaho.govCase information and case statusFull documents may require the clerk
Trafficmycourts.idaho.govCase information and case statusConfirm with the clerk which traffic records are online
Civilmycourts.idaho.govCase information and partiesDocuments may require the clerk
Small claimsmycourts.idaho.govCase information and partiesDocuments may require the clerk
Family lawmycourts.idaho.govCase information for family casesRestricted family records are not shown
Probatemycourts.idaho.govCase information and partiesConfirm with the clerk
JuvenileClerk of the District Court, (208) 799-3020Limited information through the clerkJuvenile records are restricted and are not in the general portal

How to Pay Fines & Citations in Nez Perce County

Traffic citations, criminal fines, and parking tickets are handled differently, so check which one you have before you pay, then contact the Clerk of the District Court at (208) 799-3020.

  1. Phone: Call the Clerk of the District Court at (208) 799-3020 to ask which payment methods the court accepts for your case. Confirm the amount due before you pay.
  2. In person: Visit the courthouse in Lewiston, ID 83501, and ask the clerk about payment. Bring your citation or case number.
  3. Idaho Judiciary: Find general court information at isc.idaho.gov, then contact the clerk for your case.

Parking tickets are paid to the agency that issued the ticket, not to the District Court.

Nez Perce County Court Records FAQ

How do I search Nez Perce County court records?

Use mycourts.idaho.gov to search case information by name or case number, or call the Clerk of the District Court at (208) 799-3020.

Are Nez Perce County court records public?

Yes, most are, under Idaho Court Administrative Rule 32, but juvenile, sealed, adoption, child protection, and certain family records are restricted.

How do I find a criminal case in Nez Perce County?

Search by party name at mycourts.idaho.gov, or call the Clerk of the District Court at (208) 799-3020 with the defendant's name.

How do I find a court date?

Check your ticket or notice first, then call the Clerk of the District Court at (208) 799-3020 to confirm the division and date.

How do I pay a traffic ticket?

Contact the Clerk of the District Court at (208) 799-3020 to confirm the payment methods the court accepts for your case.

How many cases are filed in Nez Perce County each year?

County filing counts are not published as downloads. Statewide, about 58,500 criminal cases were filed in FY2025, and roughly 93,000 civil filings were reported.

What is the most common type of case?

Statewide, roughly 93,000 civil filings and about 58,500 criminal cases were reported, and no county breakdown is available.

Is crime in Nez Perce County rising or falling?

County crime counts are not published as downloads. Idaho statewide, violent crimes fell 1.0 percent and property crimes fell 8.1 percent from 2023 to 2024.

Courts in the County

Nez Perce County Idaho 2nd Judicial District CourtMore Info

Address:1230 Main Street, Lewiston, ID, 83501
Phone Number:208-799-3077
Fax:208-746-7987
Website:http://sjdc.isc.idaho.gov/CourtContactInfo.aspx

Useful Links

  • Idaho State Judiciary - Idaho Supreme Court - The official site of the Idaho Supreme Court. Access court information, judicial opinions, and statewide services.
  • Nez Perce County - Clerk/Auditor/Recorder - Access Nez Perce County court services including court schedule, records, and legal documentation.
  • Idaho Secretary of State - Offers corporate records, business filings, and public documents essential for legal and court-related inquiries in Idaho.
  • Idaho Judicial Branch - Idaho Judicial Branch official website providing comprehensive court-related information and resources across the state.
  • Idaho Legal Aid Services, Inc. - Offers free legal support and resources for low-income individuals across Idaho addressing various legal issues.
  • Idaho Business Entity Search - Search for business entities in Idaho, useful for legal proceedings, court records, and corporate information.
  • Idaho State Police - Criminal History Unit - Request Idaho criminal history records, an essential step for court and legal processes in Nez Perce County.
  • United States Courts - Federal Judiciary - The official site of the federal judiciary offering resources for federal court cases relevant to Idaho and beyond.
  • Idaho State Legislature - Provides access to Idaho laws, statutes, legislative sessions, and legal information affecting court procedures and legality.
  • National Center for State Courts - Offers helpful resources, research, and education concerning state court systems, including those in Idaho.
  • Idaho Association of Counties - Facilitates county government operations, offering a vital link for understanding court systems and public services in Idaho.
  • National Legal Aid & Defender Association - A great source for public defense and legal aid information helpful for court cases and legal research in Idaho.
  • U.S. Department of Justice - Provides federal legal resources and links to other reputable sources useful for court-related inquiries and legal advice.
  • Idaho Department of Correction - Offers inmate search and correctional records which are integral for legal proceedings and court cases in Idaho.
  • CourtListener - A free legal research tool providing access to millions of legal opinions from courts across the United States, useful for Idaho cases.
  • State Bar of California - Idaho Guide - Self-help guide with legal resources and advice specifically tailored for individuals dealing with Idaho court cases.
  • LII / Legal Information Institute - Provides access to federal and state legal materials, including statutes and court cases applicable in Idaho and necessary for legal referencing.
  • ABA Journal - Idaho - Current Idaho legal news and court case updates vital for staying informed on state and local judiciary affairs.
  • Online Idaho Public Records - Offers access to public records across Idaho including court documents essential for legal processes and research.
  • Idaho Legal News - A valuable source on local Idaho legal news, opinions, and case summaries relevant to ongoing court cases and legal topics.