When, however, it satisfactorily appears by examination on oath of the witness, or any other person, that the witness is unable to procure sureties, he may be forthwith conditionally examined on behalf of the people. Such examination must be by question and answer in the presence of the defendant, or after notice to him, if on bail, and conducted in the same manner as the examination before a committing magistrate is required by this chapter to be conducted, and the witness thereupon be discharged; but this section does not apply to an accomplice in the commission of the offense charged.
Idaho Code § 19-824