FAQs • Idaho Falls, ID • CivicEngage

What is the difference between Civil and Criminal?: Criminal law addresses the need to investigate crimes, prosecute defendants, and hold offenders accountable, usually through penitentiary, jail or probationary sentences. Common criminal law issues would be driving under the influence of intoxicants, a gun-point robbery of a convenience store, homicide, and rape. The District Attorney (Prosecutor) prosecutes criminal cases in court, and must prove the guilt of accused defendants beyond a reasonable doubt (much higher than civil law).

Civil law addresses situations in which people have been harmed, and an economic award might help remedy the situation rather than jail. Examples of civil law cases include divorce, disputes involving property ownership, and contractual disputes. Private attorneys generally handle both sides of a dispute involving civil law, and the issues in civil court most often need to be proven only by a preponderance of the evidence (much less than criminal law).

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Police Department - Laws & Penalties

1. How do I get a Civil Protection Order?: Civil Protection Orders can be obtained by filing a petition that is available from the Clerk at the Bonneville County Courthouse
605 North Capital Avenue
Idaho Falls, ID

The order protects spouses, former spouses, persons related by blood or marriage, persons that live or who have lived together and persons with a child in common.

2. How do I find specific laws for the City of Idaho Falls and the State of Idaho?: The Statutes for the State of Idaho are located online.

3. What is the difference between Civil and Criminal?: Criminal law addresses the need to investigate crimes, prosecute defendants, and hold offenders accountable, usually through penitentiary, jail or probationary sentences. Common criminal law issues would be driving under the influence of intoxicants, a gun-point robbery of a convenience store, homicide, and rape. The District Attorney (Prosecutor) prosecutes criminal cases in court, and must prove the guilt of accused defendants beyond a reasonable doubt (much higher than civil law).

Civil law addresses situations in which people have been harmed, and an economic award might help remedy the situation rather than jail. Examples of civil law cases include divorce, disputes involving property ownership, and contractual disputes. Private attorneys generally handle both sides of a dispute involving civil law, and the issues in civil court most often need to be proven only by a preponderance of the evidence (much less than criminal law).

4. Why can't officers resolve or intervene in a civil matter?: Officers generally do not actively get involved in civil disputes as they are not empowered by state statute to do so. These incidents are best dealt with by contacting an attorney or the courthouse. However, do not hesitate to call for an officer in any situation, as he/she will recommend some options available to you.

5. Is it legal for me to carry a concealed weapon in Idaho?: Only with a Concealed Weapons permit that you must apply for through the Bonneville County Sheriff’s office located at
605 North Capital Avenue
Idaho Falls Idaho