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Blaine County Warrant Search

How To Check for Warrants in Blaine County in 2026

Members of the public seeking warrant records in Blaine County may access publicly available information through BlaineRecords.us and official government sources. Records that may be available include arrest warrants, bench warrants, search warrant filings, recent arrest logs, detention rosters, and court case records. The availability and completeness of any individual record depends on the issuing authority, the current status of the case, and applicable exemptions under Idaho law.

Members of the public may search warrant-related records through the following official resources:

Why Check for Warrants:

  • Avoid unexpected arrest during a routine traffic stop or other law enforcement encounter
  • Resolve outstanding legal obligations proactively before they compound
  • Clear up misunderstandings arising from clerical errors or mistaken identity
  • Handle legal matters responsibly and in compliance with court orders
  • Obtain peace of mind regarding one's standing with the courts

Warning Signs You May Have a Warrant:

  • Missed a scheduled court appearance
  • Failed to pay court-ordered fines or fees
  • Violated the terms of probation or supervised release
  • Are aware of pending criminal charges that have not been resolved
  • Were released at a traffic stop with a warning rather than a citation
  • Received a notice to appear and did not respond or attend

Methods to Check for Warrants:

1. Online Warrant Search

The Blaine County Sheriff's Office maintains publicly accessible records online. Members of the public may review the recent arrests log and the detention roster to identify warrant-based bookings. Court case records, including bench warrant status, may be searched through the Idaho Supreme Court & Judicial Branch portal. These resources are available at no cost, are updated on a regular basis, and display active warrant information where permitted by law.

2. Call Law Enforcement

Blaine County Sheriff's Office: (208) 788-5555 (non-emergency line)

Members of the public should contact the non-emergency line only — 911 is reserved for emergencies. When calling, be prepared to provide:

  • Full legal name
  • Date of birth
  • Social Security number (may be requested in some circumstances)

Staff will check the warrant database. Anonymous inquiries may not be possible in all cases. Individuals who confirm an active warrant exists should be aware that in-person follow-up may result in immediate arrest.

3. Visit the Sheriff's Office or Police Department

Blaine County Sheriff's Office
1650 Aviation Drive
Hailey, ID 83333
Phone: (208) 788-5555
Blaine County Sheriff's Office

Members of the public may inquire at the records window or front desk. A valid government-issued photo identification is required. Staff can conduct an on-site database check. Warning: Individuals found to have an active warrant may be subject to immediate arrest upon presenting themselves in person. Some agencies permit inquiry for certain lower-level warrants without immediate detention, but this is not guaranteed.

4. Contact the Court

Blaine County District Court — Clerk of the District Court
201 Second Avenue South, Suite 106
Hailey, ID 83333
Phone: (208) 788-5521
Idaho Supreme Court & Judicial Branch

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The Clerk of the District Court can confirm bench warrant status through case records. Members of the public may also use computer kiosks at the courthouse or submit a formal camera and records request to the clerk's office where the case was filed. The clerk's office does not initiate arrests, but an active warrant remains enforceable regardless of how it is discovered.

5. Hire an Attorney

An attorney may check warrant status on a client's behalf under the protection of attorney-client privilege. This is the safest method available to individuals who have reason to believe a warrant may exist. Counsel can verify the warrant, explain the associated charges, and arrange a voluntary surrender if necessary, potentially negotiating bond terms in advance. The Idaho State Bar provides attorney referral services at isb.idaho.gov.

6. Third-Party Background Check Services (Use Caution)

Commercial background check websites may display warrant information, but accuracy and currency vary significantly. These services charge fees for information that is available at no cost through official government sources. Members of the public are advised to verify any results obtained through commercial services against official county and court records before taking action.

What Information You'll Need:

  • Full legal name
  • Any aliases or former names
  • Date of birth
  • Social Security number (helpful but not always required)
  • Previous addresses in Blaine County

Important Warnings:

Risk of Immediate Arrest: Presenting oneself in person at a law enforcement agency when a warrant may be active carries a significant risk of immediate arrest. Sheriff's deputies are obligated to execute active warrants. Individuals cannot "check and leave" if a warrant is confirmed. Consulting an attorney before any in-person inquiry is strongly advisable.

Don't Delay: Warrants do not expire in most circumstances and do not resolve on their own. An unresolved warrant can compound with additional charges, including failure to appear. Any law enforcement encounter — including a routine traffic stop — may result in arrest on an outstanding warrant.

What NOT to Do:

  • Do not ignore a possible warrant
  • Do not flee or attempt to conceal one's whereabouts
  • Do not provide false information to law enforcement
  • Do not resist if placed under arrest
  • Do not assume a warrant will expire or be dismissed without action

What Is a Search Warrant in Blaine County?

A search warrant is a legal document issued by a judge or magistrate that authorizes law enforcement officers to search a specific location and seize designated items or evidence. Under the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, members of the public are protected against unreasonable searches and seizures, and law enforcement must obtain judicial authorization before conducting most searches. Idaho's Constitution, Article I, § 17, provides parallel protections at the state level, requiring that warrants be supported by probable cause and describe with particularity the place to be searched and the items to be seized.

Purpose of Search Warrants:

  • Protect individual privacy rights from arbitrary government intrusion
  • Prevent unreasonable searches by requiring judicial oversight
  • Balance legitimate law enforcement needs with constitutional guarantees
  • Ensure that evidence gathering occurs within a defined legal framework
  • Provide a record of judicial authorization for subsequent court proceedings

Constitutional Basis:

The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution requires that warrants be issued only upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and must particularly describe the place to be searched and the persons or things to be seized. Idaho's Article I, § 17 mirrors these protections. A neutral and detached magistrate — not a law enforcement officer — must review and approve the warrant before it is issued.

Legal Requirements Under Idaho Law:

Pursuant to Idaho Code § 19-603, a search warrant may be issued only upon a showing of probable cause supported by affidavit. The affidavit must establish:

  • Probable cause that a crime has been committed or that evidence of a crime exists
  • An oath or affirmation by the presenting officer
  • Particularity in describing the location to be searched
  • Particularity in describing the items to be seized
  • Timely execution, with the warrant returned to the issuing court after service

When Search Warrants Are Used:

  • Criminal investigations involving drug offenses, theft, or violent crimes
  • White collar crime investigations requiring access to financial records
  • Cases involving digital evidence such as computers, mobile phones, or electronic storage
  • Investigations requiring access to vehicles, storage units, or business premises
  • Situations where contraband or stolen property is believed to be present

Difference from Other Warrants:

Warrant TypePurpose
Search WarrantAuthorizes law enforcement to search a location and seize property
Arrest WarrantAuthorizes law enforcement to take a named individual into custody
Bench WarrantCourt order issued for failure to comply with a court directive

These warrant types are not interchangeable and are issued under distinct legal standards and procedures.

Are Warrants Public Records in Blaine County?

Warrants in Blaine County are subject to Idaho's public records law, and their accessibility depends on the type of warrant and the stage of the proceeding. As stated on the Blaine County Sheriff's Office records page, "Idaho law provides every citizen with the right to examine and copy public records in the Blaine County Sheriff's Office possession so long as the records are not exempt from disclosure."

When Warrants Become Public:

Search Warrants:

  • Before execution: Search warrants are sealed prior to execution to protect the integrity of the investigation, prevent destruction of evidence, and preserve the element of surprise.
  • After execution: The warrant, supporting affidavit, and inventory of seized items become part of the public court record and are accessible through the clerk's office or via a camera and records request submitted to the Idaho Supreme Court.

Arrest Warrants:

  • Active warrants: Active arrest warrants are accessible to the public. The subject's name, charges, bond amount, and issuing court are visible in law enforcement databases and, in many cases, through online public portals.
  • After arrest: Arrest warrants remain part of the public court case file following execution and booking.

Exceptions and Sealed Warrants:

Certain warrants may remain sealed or partially redacted under Idaho law. Circumstances that may result in sealing include:

  • Grand jury proceedings
  • Ongoing criminal investigations where disclosure would compromise the case
  • Cases involving confidential informants or sensitive investigative techniques
  • Juvenile proceedings
  • National security matters
  • Witness protection considerations

The duration of sealing varies by case and is determined by the presiding judge. Most warrants eventually become accessible to the public, though specific portions — such as informant identities — may be permanently redacted.

What's Publicly Available:

  • Active arrest warrant information searchable through law enforcement databases
  • Executed search warrant documents filed with the court
  • Probable cause affidavits (after execution)
  • Inventory of items seized pursuant to a search warrant
  • Court case files containing warrant records

What's Restricted:

  • Unexecuted search warrants currently under seal
  • Warrants related to active, ongoing investigations
  • Confidential informant information
  • Grand jury materials
  • Certain law enforcement techniques and methods

Public Records Law Application:

Idaho's public records statutes, codified at Idaho Code § 74-101 et seq., govern access to government records, including warrant documents. Exemptions exist for active law enforcement investigations and records whose disclosure would interfere with a pending proceeding. The Bureau of Criminal Identification at the Idaho State Police serves as the state's central repository for criminal records and coordinates access to statewide criminal history information.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Warrant Records in Blaine County?

Members of the public may inspect many warrant-related records at no cost. Fees apply when copies or certified documents are requested. The following fee structure reflects current standard charges applicable to public records requests in Blaine County:

Record TypeStandard Fee
Inspection of public records (in person)No charge
Paper copies (per page)$0.10 per page (standard)
Certified copiesVaries by document type
Electronic copies (where available)No charge or minimal fee
Search feeNot permitted under Idaho law for standard requests

Accepted Payment Methods:

  • Cash
  • Check payable to the Blaine County Sheriff's Office or Clerk of the District Court
  • Money order

Governing Statute:

Pursuant to Idaho Code § 74-102, public agencies may charge fees for copying records but may not charge for the time spent locating records in response to a standard public records request. Fee waivers may be available in cases where disclosure is determined to be in the public interest.

What Is Available at No Cost:

Fees for criminal history background checks conducted through the Bureau of Criminal Identification are set separately and vary based on the type of search requested.

What Types of Warrants Exist in Blaine County

1. Arrest Warrants

An arrest warrant is a court order authorizing any law enforcement officer to take a named individual into custody so that the person may be brought before the court to answer criminal charges. As described by the Idaho Fourth Judicial District Court, "A warrant of arrest authorizes any police officer to take the person named on the warrant into custody in order that the person may be brought before the court." Arrest warrants are issued by a judge or magistrate upon a finding of probable cause and remain active until executed or formally recalled by the court.

When Issued:

  • Felony charges have been filed and the suspect is not in custody
  • Following a grand jury indictment
  • When a suspect presents a flight risk prior to formal charging
  • For serious misdemeanor offenses where the individual has not been taken into custody

Information Contained in an Arrest Warrant:

  • Subject's full legal name and physical description
  • Specific criminal charges and statute violations
  • Bond amount and type
  • Name of the issuing court and judge
  • Date of issuance and law enforcement agency

How Executed:

  • Law enforcement locates the subject and effects the arrest
  • Arrest may occur at any location — home, workplace, or during a traffic stop
  • Subject is transported to the Blaine County Detention Center, booked, and processed
  • A first appearance hearing is scheduled before a judge

2. Bench Warrants

A bench warrant is issued directly by a judge from the bench during the course of court proceedings, most frequently for a defendant's failure to appear at a scheduled hearing or failure to comply with a court order. Bench warrants are among the most common warrant types issued in Idaho courts.

Common Reasons:

  • Failure to appear (FTA) at a scheduled court date
  • Failure to pay court-ordered fines or restitution
  • Violation of probation terms or conditions of release
  • Contempt of court
  • Failure to complete community service or other court-ordered programs

Differences from Arrest Warrants:

  • Issued for court-related violations rather than new criminal conduct
  • Bond amounts are often lower than those set for new criminal charges
  • May be recalled by the court if the underlying issue is resolved promptly
  • In some circumstances, can be addressed without a period of incarceration

Resolving Bench Warrants:

Blaine County District Court — Clerk of the District Court
201 Second Avenue South, Suite 106
Hailey, ID 83333
Phone: (208) 788-5521
Idaho Supreme Court & Judicial Branch

An attorney may file a motion to recall a bench warrant, arrange a voluntary surrender, or negotiate resolution of outstanding fines or obligations.

3. Search Warrants

A search warrant authorizes law enforcement to enter and search a specifically described location and to seize particular items of evidence. Search warrants must describe with particularity both the place to be searched and the items to be seized, and must be executed within the time period specified by the issuing court.

What Can Be Searched:

  • Private residences and apartments
  • Vehicles
  • Business premises
  • Storage units
  • Electronic devices, including computers and mobile phones
  • Financial records and documents

Requirements:

  • Probable cause established by sworn affidavit
  • Particularity in describing the location and items sought
  • Approval by a judge or magistrate
  • Timely execution, as specified in the warrant

Types of Items Seized:

  • Contraband and illegal substances
  • Stolen property
  • Weapons
  • Digital evidence
  • Financial records
  • Documents and instruments of crime

4. No-Knock Warrants

A no-knock warrant is a specialized form of search warrant that authorizes law enforcement to enter a premises without prior announcement. These warrants are subject to a higher standard of judicial review and are issued only when specific exigent circumstances are present, such as a credible risk that evidence will be destroyed, a danger to officers, or the involvement of armed and violent suspects. No-knock warrants are subject to ongoing legislative scrutiny in Idaho and across the United States.

5. Governor's Warrants (Extradition)

A governor's warrant is issued by the Governor of Idaho to authorize the arrest and extradition of a fugitive who is wanted in another state. The process is governed by the Uniform Criminal Extradition Act, adopted in Idaho. The subject may challenge extradition or waive the process and consent to transfer to the requesting state. The individual is held in custody pending completion of the extradition proceeding.

6. Capias Warrants (Civil Contempt)

A capias warrant may be issued in civil proceedings — most frequently in matters involving unpaid child support or civil contempt — to compel a party's appearance before the court. Although arising from a civil matter, a capias warrant can result in arrest and detention until a specified purge amount is paid or the underlying obligation is addressed.

7. Material Witness Warrants

A material witness warrant may be issued to compel the appearance of a witness who has failed to respond to a subpoena or who is believed to be avoiding service. These warrants are relatively uncommon but carry the same enforcement authority as other court-issued warrants.

Traffic Warrants:

Failure to appear on a traffic citation or failure to pay traffic fines may result in the issuance of a warrant. Traffic warrants are entered into law enforcement databases and may be discovered during any subsequent law enforcement encounter. Bond amounts for traffic warrants are typically lower than those for criminal warrants and can often be resolved through the court's traffic division.

Probation and Parole Violation Warrants:

When an individual violates the terms of probation or parole supervision, a warrant may be issued upon the recommendation of a probation or parole officer. These warrants frequently carry no bond or a high bond amount, and the subject is entitled to a hearing before a judge to address the alleged violation. A finding of violation may result in revocation of probation or parole and imposition of a period of incarceration.

Federal Warrants:

Federal warrants are issued by federal judges or magistrate judges of the United States District Court and are separate from county-level warrants. Federal warrants are issued for violations of federal law and are enforced by federal agencies including the FBI, DEA, ATF, and U.S. Marshals Service. Federal warrants are not contained in county databases and require separate inquiry through federal channels.

What Warrants in Blaine County Contain

Standard Information in All Warrants:

Header Information:

  • Court seal and full name of the issuing court
  • Statement "In the Name of the State of Idaho"
  • Case number and court division
  • Name of the issuing judge
  • Warrant number and date of issuance

Subject Identification:

  • Full legal name and any known aliases
  • Date of birth
  • Physical description, including height, weight, race, eye color, hair color, and identifying marks
  • Last known address
  • Driver's license number or Social Security number (where applicable)

Legal Authority:

  • Citation to applicable Idaho statute
  • Command directed "To any law enforcement officer in the State of Idaho"
  • Statement of the court's jurisdiction

Specific to Arrest Warrants:

Charges Section:

  • Specific criminal offense(s) charged
  • Idaho statute number(s) violated
  • Degree of offense (felony class or misdemeanor level)
  • Number of counts
  • Date of the alleged offense

Probable Cause Statement:

  • Summary of facts supporting the arrest
  • Reference to the supporting affidavit or criminal complaint
  • Officer's sworn attestation

Bond Information:

  • Bond amount set by the court
  • Type of bond (cash, surety, personal recognizance, or no bond)
  • Conditions of release, if applicable

Execution Instructions:

  • Directions for bringing the subject before the court
  • Jurisdictional scope (statewide)
  • Special cautions, such as armed and dangerous designations or flight risk notations

Specific to Search Warrants:

Premises Description:

  • Complete street address of the location to be searched
  • Physical description of the structure, including color, type, unit number, and distinguishing features
  • Cross streets and, in some cases, GPS coordinates

Items to Be Seized:

  • Specific description of evidence sought
  • Categories of items, including contraband, stolen property, digital devices, financial records, and documents

Probable Cause Affidavit:

  • Detailed sworn statement of facts by the presenting officer
  • Summary of the investigation, including surveillance results, witness information, and prior law enforcement contacts
  • Nexus between the location and the alleged criminal activity
  • Timeliness of the information presented

Time Limitations:

  • Date of issuance and expiration date (search warrants in Idaho are subject to execution within a specified period, typically not to exceed 14 days)
  • Time-of-day restrictions, including any authorization for nighttime service

Return Requirements:

  • Date and time of execution
  • Inventory of all items seized
  • List of persons present during the search
  • Officer's signature on the return filed with the court

Specific to Bench Warrants:

Court Order Violation:

  • Identification of the court order that was violated
  • Original case number and charges
  • Court date that was missed or obligation that was not fulfilled

Resolution Information:

  • Purge amount, if applicable
  • Conditions for release
  • Court contact information for scheduling

Warrant Endorsements:

  • Original signature of the issuing judge
  • Court seal
  • Date signed and judge's printed name

Confidential Portions:

  • Identities of confidential informants
  • Sensitive investigative techniques
  • Addresses of protected witnesses
  • Ongoing investigation details that may be sealed or redacted

What Is NOT Typically Contained in Warrants:

  • Complete police investigation reports
  • All witness statements
  • Defendant's statements or admissions
  • Law enforcement strategy or tactical information
  • Records from unrelated cases

Who Issues Warrants in Blaine County

Constitutional and Statutory Authority:

The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution requires that warrants be issued by a neutral and detached magistrate — not by law enforcement personnel. This separation of functions is a foundational protection against arbitrary government action. Under Idaho law, the authority to issue warrants is vested in judges and magistrates of the state court system.

Judges and Courts with Authority:

1. District Court Judges

Blaine County is served by the Fifth Judicial District of Idaho. District Court judges hold full authority to issue all categories of warrants, including arrest warrants, search warrants, and bench warrants in felony and serious misdemeanor cases.

Blaine County District Court
201 Second Avenue South, Suite 106
Hailey, ID 83333
Phone: (208) 788-5521
Idaho Supreme Court & Judicial Branch

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

2. Magistrate Judges

Magistrate judges in Idaho are appointed members of the judiciary with authority to issue initial arrest warrants, search warrants, and bench warrants, and to set bond amounts. Magistrates conduct first appearance hearings and are available on an on-call basis for after-hours warrant requests in urgent circumstances.

Blaine County Magistrate Division
201 Second Avenue South
Hailey, ID 83333
Phone: (208) 788-5521
Idaho Supreme Court & Judicial Branch

Who Requests Warrants:

Blaine County Sheriff's Office:
1650 Aviation Drive
Hailey, ID 83333
Phone: (208) 788-5555
Blaine County Sheriff's Office

Sheriff's deputies and investigators conduct criminal investigations, prepare sworn affidavits establishing probable cause, and present warrant applications to the court. The Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for warrant execution in unincorporated Blaine County.

Blaine County Prosecuting Attorney's Office:
219 First Avenue South, Suite 201
Hailey, ID 83333
Phone: (208) 788-5527

Prosecutors review investigations, determine appropriate charges, and request arrest warrants from the court. Assistant prosecuting attorneys handle warrant requests and are available on an on-call basis for after-hours matters.

The Warrant Issuance Process:

  1. Investigation: Law enforcement gathers evidence, interviews witnesses, and establishes probable cause through documented investigative activity.
  2. Affidavit Preparation: The investigating officer prepares a sworn affidavit detailing the facts that support the warrant request and identifying the specific violation or location at issue.
  3. Presentation to Judge: The officer or prosecutor presents the affidavit to a judge or magistrate, either in person or through an approved electronic submission process.
  4. Judicial Review: The judge independently reviews the affidavit to determine whether probable cause exists and whether all constitutional and statutory requirements are satisfied.
  5. Warrant Signed or Denied: If the judge finds probable cause, the warrant is signed and becomes effective immediately. If denied, the officer may supplement the affidavit with additional information or decline to proceed.
  6. Execution: The signed warrant is provided to law enforcement, entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database, and executed by officers.

After-Hours Warrants:

An on-call magistrate is available outside of regular court hours for urgent warrant matters that cannot wait until the next business day. Officers contact the on-call judge by telephone, and in some circumstances, Idaho law permits telephonic or electronic warrant applications where the officer is sworn remotely and the affidavit is transmitted electronically.

Who CANNOT Issue Warrants:

  • Law enforcement officers (cannot self-authorize searches or arrests)
  • Prosecutors acting alone without judicial review
  • Administrative agencies (with narrow statutory exceptions)
  • Private citizens

How To Find Outstanding Warrants in Blaine County

Outstanding warrants are warrants that have been issued by a court but have not yet been executed — meaning the subject has not been arrested or the search has not been conducted. Outstanding warrants remain active in law enforcement databases indefinitely in most circumstances and may be executed at any time.

Methods to Find Outstanding Warrants:

1. Online Warrant and Arrest Databases

Members of the public may review the recent arrests log and the detention roster maintained by the Blaine County Sheriff's Office. These resources display current booking information, including warrant-based arrests, and are updated on a regular basis. Court case records, including bench warrant status, may be searched through the Idaho Supreme Court & Judicial Branch portal by party name.

2. Direct Contact with the Sheriff's Office

Blaine County Sheriff's Office
1650 Aviation Drive
Hailey, ID 83333
Phone: (208) 788-5555
Sheriff Records | Blaine County, ID

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Staff can conduct a database check by name and date of birth. Warning: Individuals who present themselves in person and are found to have an active warrant may be subject to immediate arrest.

3. Clerk of Court

Blaine County District Court — Clerk of the District Court
201 Second Avenue South, Suite 106
Hailey, ID 83333
Phone: (208) 788-5521
Idaho Supreme Court & Judicial Branch

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The Clerk's Office can confirm bench warrant status through case records. Public access terminals are available at the courthouse. The Clerk's Office does not initiate arrests, but an active warrant remains enforceable regardless of how it is identified.

4. Statewide Resources

The Bureau of Criminal Identification at the Idaho State Police serves as the state's central repository for criminal records and coordinates statewide criminal history information. The Idaho Supreme Court & Judicial Branch portal provides access to court records across all Idaho counties. The STARS Warrant Reports published through Transparent Idaho provide additional statewide data on warrant activity.

5. Through an Attorney

Retaining an attorney to conduct a warrant inquiry is the safest available method. Attorney-client privilege protects the communication, and counsel can verify warrant status, explain the legal consequences, and arrange a voluntary surrender if a warrant is confirmed — potentially negotiating bond terms before the client appears in court.

Search Multiple Jurisdictions:

Warrants may be issued by different courts and entered into separate databases. Members of the public who have had legal matters in multiple counties or municipalities should check:

  • Blaine County Sheriff's Office
  • Each city police department in jurisdictions where they have resided or worked
  • All counties where prior legal proceedings have occurred
  • Traffic courts and criminal courts separately
  • Probation offices, if currently under supervision

Interpreting Search Results:

  • If a warrant is found: Note the warrant number, charges, bond amount, issuing court, and date of issuance. Consult an attorney before taking any further action.
  • If no warrant is found: Verify results through multiple sources, as recently issued warrants may not yet appear in all databases.
  • If results are unclear: Common names may produce multiple records. Verify by date of birth and other identifying details, or seek attorney verification.

Limitations of Online Searches:

  • Warrants issued within the past several hours or days may not yet appear in public databases
  • Sealed warrants are not visible in public search results
  • Federal warrants are maintained in separate federal databases and do not appear in county records
  • Errors or outdated entries are possible in any database

**What to Do If