Nez Perce County
The court system in Nez Perce County includes District and Magistrate Courts. District Courts have comprehensive authority to handle both civil and criminal cases that exceed the jurisdiction of their Magistrate Divisions. Criminal cases include felonies and related lesser offenses, while civil cases include disputes involving amounts over $10,000. District Courts also manage some domestic relations matters, such as divorce or child custody, select probate issues, and certain juvenile cases. Additionally, many District Courts run specialized programs like Drug Courts, DUI Courts, and Family Dependency Treatment Courts, which focus on rehabilitation and specific community needs.
Magistrate Divisions operate within District Courts addressing cases with more limited scope. They handle misdemeanors, traffic violations, and preliminary hearings for all criminal charges. Civil matters include claims under $10,000, most domestic and probate cases, guardianships for minors and adults, civil commitments, driver license suspensions, and name changes.
Small Claims departments within Magistrate Divisions are designed for streamlined resolutions of disputes involving $5,000 or less. These cases exclude punitive damages or compensation for pain and suffering, and jury trials are not available. The simplified process allows for efficient handling of minor civil claims, focusing on fairness and accessibility.
The Nez Perce County Clerk of the District Court is the official custodian of public court records for the county's District and Magistrate Courts. These records encompass a wide range of legal documents, including warrants, court filings, orders, writs, transcripts, docket listings, proceedings, and rulings.
The public in Nez Perce County has access to the following types of court records unless they are made confidential by court orders
- Criminal Records
- Civil Records
- Probate Records
- Traffic Records
- Family Law Records
Record seekers in Nez Perce County can visit the courthouse to view and request public court records. To obtain records, they may need to complete and submit a Court Records Request Form to the Clerk of the District Court. Alternatively, individuals can search for Nez Perce County public court records online through the Idaho iCourt Portal, which provides access to case information from courts across the state.
