Criminal records of Sedgwick County, Kansas, are available through several channels. SedgwickCourt.us allows you to search publicly available information about criminal cases in the county. Additionally, records can be obtained through official court systems — including the 18th Judicial District Court, county law enforcement agencies, and the court clerk's office by personal visit or mail request.
How to Search Criminal Records in Sedgwick
There are several proven methods for searching criminal records in Sedgwick County. Start by determining what specific information you are looking for — court cases, arrest records, or inmate data.
Online Search
- SedgwickCourt.us — enter the person's first and last name to find publicly available information about criminal cases in the county.
- Inmate Search — the Sedgwick County Sheriff database contains information about individuals currently in custody. A name and surname are required for the search.
- KASPER — the Kansas Department of Corrections system allows you to check if a person is under supervision or in a state correctional facility. For a complete criminal history check, KASPER recommends contacting the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.
- KBI — the Kansas Bureau of Investigation conducts an official Criminal History Record Search at the state level.
- Arrest Warrants — check for active warrants through the Warrant Information page of the city of Wichita.
Personal Visit
The office of the 18th Judicial District is located in the Sedgwick County Courthouse. Visitors can use public access terminals to search court cases. Municipal cases are handled by the Municipal Court of the city of Wichita — the office is located on the 7th floor, room 714.
Written Request
Sheriff's records are available through a request under the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA). A request can be made by calling the sheriff's records division at 316.660.3888 or by sending an email. There is a separate procedure for requesting your own criminal history.
What you need for the search:
- Full name of the person
- Date of birth (preferably)
- Case number (if known)
Search Sedgwick Criminal Cases by Case Number
In Kansas, a court case number has a standard format that includes several components. A typical number looks like this: 2024-CR-001234.
- Year (e.g., 2024) — the year the case was filed.
- Case type code — a letter designation of the category. CR stands for criminal case, TR for traffic violation, MR for misdemeanor.
- Sequential number — a unique number assigned to the case within the year.
If you know the case number, the search is significantly faster — the result is usually one and accurate. The number is typically indicated on court summonses, bail receipts, or attorney documents. Note: Wichita municipal cases have their own numbering, different from district court cases.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Sedgwick
Each criminal case contains several key elements. Below are explanations of the main data categories.
Charges
| Element | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to a specific article of the Kansas Statutes Annotated (K.S.A.), for example, K.S.A. 21-5706 — drug possession |
| Severity Level | Felony, misdemeanor, or infraction; Kansas classifies felonies by levels from 1 to 10 |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may change or reduce the charges during proceedings — amended charge reflects the new qualification |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, and a decision has not yet been made
- Active — proceedings are ongoing, hearings are scheduled
- Disposed — the court has made a decision on all charges
- Closed — the case is completely finished, all obligations fulfilled
Types of Hearings
- Arraignment — first presentation of charges, the defendant pleads guilty or not guilty
- Preliminary hearing — the judge determines if there is enough evidence to proceed with the case (applies to felonies)
- Pre-trial conference — parties discuss procedural issues before the trial
- Sentencing — imposition of punishment after a guilty plea
- Review hearing — checking compliance with probation conditions
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Found guilty — by court verdict or defendant's admission |
| Not guilty | Acquitted as a result of the trial |
| Dismissed | The case was closed without a verdict — at the prosecutor's initiative or by the judge's decision |
| Nolo contendere | The defendant does not admit guilt but does not contest the charges; the court treats it as an admission for sentencing purposes |
| Diversion | Diversion program — the defendant fulfills conditions, after which the charges are dropped |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Sedgwick
Certified copies of criminal records are officially certified documents accepted by employers, courts, and government agencies. Depending on the type of record, contact one of the following institutions.
District Court Clerk
To obtain certified copies of court decisions, indictments, and other case materials, contact the 18th Judicial District clerk's office.
You can submit a request in person or by mail. You need to provide the case number or the full name of the defendant and date of birth. A valid photo ID is required for a personal visit.
Sheriff Records
Arrest and incident records are maintained by the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office. To obtain these records, submit a request according to KORA.
State-Level Criminal History Check
A complete criminal history check is conducted by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI). The applicant submits a request through the KBI website, providing fingerprints or personal data. This procedure is usually required for licensing, employment, or adoption.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Sedgwick
The amount of fees depends on the institution and type of request. Below are approximate rates according to current tariffs.
| Service | Approximate Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.25–$1.00 | District Court Clerk |
| Document certification | Additional fee for each certified document | District Court Clerk |
| Criminal history check (KBI) | $20.00 (name-based); additional for fingerprints | Kansas Bureau of Investigation |
| KORA request (sheriff's records) | Cost depends on volume — payment for actual copying costs and staff time | Sedgwick County Sheriff |
Processing times for requests vary. Online inmate searches provide instant results. KORA requests to the sheriff are usually processed within three business days, although complex requests may take longer. Checks through KBI take from a few days to several weeks — depending on the submission method and agency workload.
It is better to verify current fees directly with the institution before submitting a request, as rates may change. Payment at the court clerk's office is usually accepted in cash, check, or money order; some offices also accept cards.