United States District Court for the District of Idaho
The U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho is part of the Ninth Circuit and oversees a significant portion of the western U.S. It is one of the 94 federal district courts in the country. It serves as the primary trial court for civil and criminal matters under federal jurisdiction.
This court handles cases involving federal law, from violations of federal statutes to constitutional rights disputes. If you are accused of a federal crime in this jurisdiction, you will likely appear at one of the court's three Idaho locations.

Understanding the court's structure and operations is not just beneficial; it's crucial. It can help you make informed decisions about your defense, giving you a sense of control in what can be a daunting situation.
The James A. McClure Federal Building and United States Courthouse is located at 550 W Fort St, Boise, ID 83724, and the phone number is (208) 334-1361. The standard business hours for the intake counters of the office of the clerk of court are 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The Probation and Pretrial Offices are located in room 458, and the phone number is (208) 334-1630. Most cases from the District of Idaho are appealed to the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.
The Coeur d'Alene Office is located at 6450 North Mineral Drive, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83815, and its phone number is (208) 665-6850. The Probation and Pretrial Offices are located in suite #170, and their phone number is (208) 665-6880.
The Pocatello Office is located at 801 E. Sherman Street, Room 119, Pocatello ID 83201, and the phone number is (208) 478-4123. The Probation and Pretrial Offices are located in room 143, and their phone number is (208) 478-4150.
The Probation Office is the investigative arm of the U.S. Courts. It is charged with assisting the U.S. Court in the impartial administration of justice through the investigation and supervision of individuals charged with and convicted of federal crimes.

This includes conducting pretrial investigations, preparing presentence reports, and supervising individuals on probation or supervised release.
The U.S. Probation Office covers the entire state of Idaho, providing comprehensive support. It is the only federal law enforcement agency not under the Executive Branch of the Government, ensuring you have the necessary support and resources.
The probation offices in Boise, Coeur d'Alene, Lewiston, Pocatello, and Twin Falls provide core services of pretrial investigation and supervision, presentence investigation, and post-conviction supervision of persons charged or convicted of federal crimes.
The Lewiston Office is located at 842 Main Street, Lewiston, ID 83501, and the phone number is (208) 717-6114. The Twin Falls Office is located at 1122 Eastland Drive N., Twin Falls, ID 83301, and the phone number is (208) 734-0601.
What are the Jurisdiction and Court Locations?
The District of Idaho has jurisdiction over the entire state of Idaho, including all 44 counties. This court district hears criminal cases deriving from violations of federal laws or crimes committed within federal jurisdictions, for example, crimes involving interstate commerce or crimes committed on federal lands. Violations of state law are handled within Idaho's state court system.
As noted above, the court has multiple locations to accommodate the state's large geographic area. These are the primary courthouses:
- Boise: This is the court's headquarters and its largest facility, handling the majority of the cases. The federal courthouse in Boise is the James A. McClure Federal Building and United States Courthouse, located at 550 W. Fort Street.
- Pocatello: The Pocatello District Courthouse on Sherman Street handles cases for southeastern Idaho.
- Coeur d'Alene: Serving the northern part of the state, the Coeur d'Alene District Courthouse on Mineral Drive provides another venue for federal trials.
What is the Composition of the Court?
The District of Idaho currently has two active district judges (including the Chief Judge) and two senior district judges. In addition, the court employs three magistrate judges who play a crucial role in managing the caseload, particularly with pretrial matters, misdemeanors, and preliminary rulings.
Their work ensures that each case is given the attention it deserves, making you feel understood and considered. These magistrate judges are appointed for renewable eight-year terms.
The relatively small number of judges for such a geographically large district means that the court's docket can sometimes be congested, and cases may take longer to proceed to trial compared to courts with larger judicial rosters.
What are Common Federal Criminal Cases in Idaho?
The District of Idaho handles a variety of federal criminal cases. These cases often involve crimes that violate federal law, as well as criminal matters that cross state lines or involve federal agencies.
Here are some of the most common types of criminal cases brought before this court:
- Drug trafficking: Cases involving the manufacture, distribution, and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, especially those involving interstate operations or large quantities.
- Firearms offenses: Violations of federal gun laws, including illegal possession of firearms, trafficking, and crimes committed using firearms.
- White-collar crimes: Federal charges for fraud, embezzlement, money laundering, and other financial crimes.
- Immigration-related offenses: Crimes related to unlawful entry, reentry after deportation, or smuggling of undocumented individuals.
- Child pornography and exploitation: Federal statutes criminalizing the possession, distribution, or creation of child pornography or child exploitation materials.
- Cybercrimes: Cases involving computer hacking, online fraud, and identity theft as federal law enforcement increases its focus on technology-driven crimes.
- Financial institution fraud: Cases involving crimes against banks and other federally insured financial institutions.
- Public corruption: Crimes involving bribery, corruption, or abuse of public office.
- Probation Violations: Many who are convicted of a federal crime will serve a term of supervised release after spending time in a federal prison facility. A probation violation occurs when someone on probation or under federally supervised release violates a condition.
How Can a Federal Criminal Defense Attorney Help You?
If you're charged with a federal crime and are slated to appear in the U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho, having an experienced federal criminal defense attorney in your corner is your best hope of a favorable outcome.
Federal criminal cases are often complex, involving detailed statutes and regulations and specialized procedures that differ significantly from state court practices.
Additionally, every court has its protocols and processes for filing paperwork, negotiating, etc. Federal cases often involve high-stakes penalties, including long prison terms, substantial fines, and the possibility of asset forfeiture.
Therefore, securing representation from an attorney who has a proven track record in federal court provides the best opportunity to mitigate these potential consequences. Some of the advantages of using a federal defense attorney include:
- Understanding of Federal Law and Procedures: Federal cases operate under different rules than state cases, including the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. An experienced attorney knows how to navigate these rules to the client's advantage.
- Familiarity with the District of Idaho Judges and Prosecutors: Attorneys who regularly practice in the District of Idaho develop relationships with the judges, prosecutors, and court staff. This familiarity can be beneficial in negotiating plea deals, pretrial motions, and during the trial itself.
- Skilled Negotiation: Many federal cases are resolved through plea agreements rather than going to trial. An experienced attorney knows how to negotiate with federal prosecutors to secure the best possible outcome for their client, potentially reducing charges or the severity of the sentence.
- Effective Pretrial Motions: Federal defense attorneys can file pretrial motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or challenge the legality of searches and seizures, which can significantly affect the case's outcome.
- Knowledge of Sentencing Guidelines: Federal sentencing is governed by detailed guidelines that can be complex and rigid. A federal defense attorney who understands these guidelines can argue for downward departures or other sentencing reductions based on mitigating factors.
For additional information, contact Eisner Gorin LLP, a federal criminal defense law firm located in Los Angeles, California.
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