Shawnee County Criminal Records

What Is Shawnee County Criminal Records

Criminal records in Shawnee County encompass official documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to Kansas Statute § 22-4701, which defines criminal history record information as "data initiated or collected by a criminal justice agency on a person pertaining to a reportable event."

Criminal records in Shawnee County are categorized by several distinct classifications:

• Arrest Records vs. Conviction Records: Arrest records document when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement, while conviction records indicate that a court has found the individual guilty of a criminal offense. It is important to note that an arrest does not necessarily lead to a conviction.

• Felony vs. Misdemeanor Records: Felonies represent more serious crimes punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year, while misdemeanors are less severe offenses typically punishable by less than one year of incarceration.

• Adult vs. Juvenile Records: Records for individuals 18 years and older are generally accessible to the public, whereas juvenile records (under 18) are typically sealed and confidential under Kansas Statute § 38-2312.

• Active Warrants vs. Historical Records: Active warrants indicate current orders for arrest, while historical records document past criminal justice interactions.

Multiple agencies maintain criminal records in Shawnee County:

Shawnee County Sheriff's Office
320 S. Kansas Avenue
Topeka, KS 66603
(785) 251-2200
Shawnee County Sheriff's Office

The Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records, booking information, and jail records for the county.

Shawnee County District Court
200 SE 7th Street
Topeka, KS 66603
(785) 251-4270
Shawnee County District Court

The District Court maintains case files, dispositions, sentencing records, and court proceedings.

Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI)
1620 SW Tyler Street
Topeka, KS 66612
(785) 296-8200
Kansas Bureau of Investigation

The KBI maintains statewide criminal history information and provides criminal background checks.

Comprehensive criminal records typically include documentation of charges filed, arraignments, pleas entered, trial proceedings, sentencing information, and probation or parole status. The Shawnee County Department of Corrections also maintains records related to incarceration and supervision of offenders within the county correctional system.

Are Criminal Records Public In Shawnee County

Criminal records in Shawnee County are generally considered public information under the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA). According to K.S.A. § 45-216, "It is declared to be the public policy of the state that public records shall be open for inspection by any person unless otherwise provided by this act." This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including criminal records, are accessible to the public.

The Kansas Open Records Act specifically addresses criminal justice records in K.S.A. § 45-221(a)(10), which states that "Criminal investigation records, except as provided herein" may be exempt from disclosure. However, this exemption is limited and does not apply to all criminal records.

Public criminal records in Shawnee County typically include:

• Adult conviction records
• Court proceedings and case dispositions
• Sentencing information
• Incarceration records
• Sex offender registry information
• Active warrants

Restricted or confidential criminal records generally include:

• Records pertaining to ongoing investigations
• Sealed or expunged records pursuant to court order
• Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
• Records that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
• Records that would reveal confidential sources or investigative techniques
• Records that might endanger the life or physical safety of any person

The Kansas Criminal History Record Information Act, K.S.A. § 22-4701 et seq., further regulates the dissemination of criminal history information. Under this law, criminal history record information maintained by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation may be disseminated to criminal justice agencies for criminal justice purposes, to non-criminal justice agencies as authorized by law, and to individuals and agencies pursuant to approved requests.

Members of the public seeking access to criminal records in Shawnee County must submit requests to the appropriate custodial agency. The Shawnee County Sheriff's Office Records Division processes requests for arrest records, while the Shawnee County District Court maintains court case information. Agencies may charge reasonable fees for searching, retrieving, and copying records as permitted under K.S.A. § 45-219.

How To Look Up Criminal Records In Shawnee County in 2026

Members of the public seeking criminal records in Shawnee County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains multiple systems for record retrieval, each serving different purposes and containing specific types of information.

For in-person requests at the Shawnee County Sheriff's Office:

1. Complete the official Records Request Form with the subject's full name, date of birth, and specific information requested.
2. Submit the form to the Records Division at the Sheriff's Office headquarters.
3. Present valid government-issued photo identification.
4. Pay applicable fees as established by the county fee schedule.
5. Allow processing time as required by Kansas Open Records Act (typically within three business days).

Shawnee County Sheriff's Office Records Division
320 S. Kansas Avenue
Topeka, KS 66603
(785) 251-2200
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

For court records at the Shawnee County District Court:

1. Visit the Clerk of District Court office during regular business hours.
2. Complete a records request form specifying case number or party name.
3. Pay applicable search and copy fees.
4. For certified copies, additional certification fees apply.

Shawnee County District Court
200 SE 7th Street
Topeka, KS 66603
(785) 251-4270
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

For mail requests:

1. Send a written request including subject's full name, date of birth, and specific information requested.
2. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
3. Enclose payment for applicable fees (check or money order).
4. Mail to the appropriate agency address.

For statewide criminal history information:

1. Submit a request to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.
2. Complete the required Record Check Request Form.
3. Include fingerprints if requesting a comprehensive background check.
4. Pay the statutory fee as established by K.S.A. § 22-4707.

Kansas Bureau of Investigation
1620 SW Tyler Street
Topeka, KS 66612
(785) 296-8200
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Pursuant to K.S.A. § 45-218, public agencies must act upon record requests within three business days. If additional time is needed, the agency must provide a detailed explanation and a time estimate for when the records will be available.

How To Find Criminal Records in Shawnee County Online?

Shawnee County offers several online resources for accessing criminal records information. These digital platforms provide convenient alternatives to in-person requests, though the scope and depth of information may vary by system.

The primary online resources include:

1. Shawnee County District Court Records Search
   The Kansas District Court Public Access Portal allows users to search court cases by name, case number, or filing date. This system includes:

   • Case information and status
   • Party names and attorney information
   • Charges filed
   • Hearing dates
   • Case dispositions
   • Judgment information

   Users must register for an account and may be subject to usage fees for certain document retrievals. The system does not provide access to sealed or confidential cases.

2. Shawnee County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search
   The Shawnee County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate lookup tool that provides:

   • Current custody status
   • Booking information
   • Charges
   • Bond amounts
   • Court dates

   This database is updated regularly but includes only current inmates, not historical incarceration records.

3. Kansas Adult Supervised Population Electronic Repository (KASPER)
   The KASPER system maintained by the Kansas Department of Corrections provides information on:

   • Offenders under supervision
   • Incarceration status
   • Conviction information
   • Supervision conditions
   • Release dates

   Users must accept the terms and conditions before conducting searches.

4. Kansas Bureau of Investigation Public Central Repository
   The KBI offers online criminal history record checks for a fee. This system provides:

   • Statewide criminal history information
   • Conviction data
   • Sex offender registry information

   Requestors must provide the subject's name and date of birth. For comprehensive background checks, fingerprint submission is required.

5. Shawnee County Clerk Records Portal
   The Shawnee County Clerk's Office maintains public records that may include:

   • Property records
   • Tax information
   • Marriage licenses
   • Other public filings

   While not specifically criminal records, these documents may contain relevant information for comprehensive background research.

When using online systems, users should note that:

• Information may be limited compared to official records obtained directly from agencies
• Some records may require in-person requests due to confidentiality restrictions
• Fees may apply for certain searches or document retrievals
• Registration or account creation may be required for some systems
• Record accuracy should be verified through official sources

Can You Search Shawnee County Criminal Records for Free?

The Kansas Open Records Act (KORA), K.S.A. § 45-215 et seq., establishes the public's right to inspect government records, including certain criminal records. While the law permits agencies to charge reasonable fees for record production, several free options exist for accessing criminal records in Shawnee County.

Free in-person inspection options include:

• Shawnee County District Court Public Terminals
  200 SE 7th Street
  Topeka, KS 66603
  (785) 251-4270
  Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

  The public access terminals at the courthouse allow visitors to search case information at no charge. While viewing is free, printing documents incurs a fee of $0.25 per page.

• Shawnee County Law Library
  200 SE 7th Street, Room 116
  Topeka, KS 66603
  (785) 251-4331
  Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  The law library provides public access to legal research materials and case information. Staff cannot provide legal advice but can assist with locating public records.

Free online resources include:

• Shawnee County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search
  The Sheriff's Office website offers a free inmate lookup tool that provides current custody information, charges, and bond amounts for individuals currently held in county facilities.

• Kansas Department of Corrections Offender Search
  The Kansas Department of Corrections maintains a free online database of individuals under state supervision, including those on probation, parole, or post-release supervision.

• Kansas Bureau of Investigation Public Offender Registry
  The KBI offers free access to the Kansas Offender Registration database, which contains information on registered sex, drug, and violent offenders.

• Shawnee County Court Docket
  Basic court docket information is available online without charge, though detailed case documents may require fees.

Pursuant to K.S.A. § 45-219, agencies may charge fees for:

• Staff time required for record search and retrieval
• Copying or printing documents
• Computer time and programming
• Postage for mailed records
• Certification of documents

The law specifies that fees "shall not exceed the actual cost of furnishing copies, including the cost of staff time required to make the information available." Agencies must provide an estimate of fees upon request before proceeding with record production.

For individuals seeking comprehensive criminal history information, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation charges statutory fees pursuant to K.S.A. § 22-4707, currently $20 for name-based searches and $35 for fingerprint-based searches.

What's Included in a Shawnee County Criminal Record?

Shawnee County criminal records contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records are maintained by various agencies and typically include several categories of information.

Identifying Information:

• Full legal name and known aliases
• Date of birth
• Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
• Mugshot or booking photograph
• Current and previous addresses
• State Identification Number (SID)
• FBI number (if applicable)
• Fingerprint classification

Arrest Information:

• Date and time of arrest
• Arresting agency and officer
• Booking number and facility
• Charges filed at arrest (including statute numbers)
• Bail or bond amount
• Detention facility information
• Arresting circumstances

Court Case Information:

• Case number and filing date
• Court of jurisdiction
• Judge assigned
• Formal charges filed by prosecutor
• Statute citations and offense classifications (felony/misdemeanor)
• Plea entered
• Attorney information (defense counsel and prosecutor)
• Pre-trial motions and rulings
• Trial information (if applicable)

Disposition Information:

• Verdict or case outcome
• Conviction date (if applicable)
• Sentencing details:
  • Incarceration terms
  • Probation conditions
  • Fines and court costs
  • Restitution orders
  • Special conditions (treatment, community service)
• Appeal information
• Probation/parole status and violations

Additional Information:

• Active warrants
• Protective or restraining orders
• Sex offender registration requirements
• DUI/DWI history
• Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
• Pending charges in other jurisdictions
• Prior criminal history summary

The Shawnee County Department of Corrections maintains incarceration records that include:

• Intake and release dates
• Custody classification
• Disciplinary actions during incarceration
• Program participation
• Visitation records

The comprehensiveness of criminal records may vary based on the specific agency maintaining the information and the nature of the offense. Records maintained by the Shawnee County Sheriff's Office may differ in scope from those held by the District Court or the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

Pursuant to K.S.A. § 22-4705, criminal justice agencies are required to report criminal history information to the central repository maintained by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, ensuring a comprehensive statewide record system.

How Long Does Shawnee County Keep Criminal Records?

Shawnee County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by Kansas state law and administrative regulations. The Kansas State Records Management Manual provides guidance on record retention periods for various document types within the criminal justice system.

Criminal record retention periods vary by document type:

Arrest Records and Booking Information:

• Felony arrests: Permanent retention
• Misdemeanor arrests: 5 years after case closure
• Non-prosecution cases: 5 years from date of arrest
• Juvenile arrests: Until subject reaches age 21, unless ordered sealed earlier

Court Case Files:

• Felony cases: Permanent retention
• Misdemeanor cases: 10 years after case closure
• Traffic cases: 5 years after case closure
• Probation records: 5 years after completion of probation
• Diversion agreements: 5 years after completion

Incarceration Records:

• Inmate files: 10 years after release
• Jail logs and booking sheets: 5 years
• Inmate medical records: 10 years after release

Investigative Records:

• Homicide cases: Permanent retention
• Sexual assault cases: 75 years
• Other felony investigations: 25 years
• Misdemeanor investigations: 5 years after case closure

Pursuant to K.S.A. § 45-403, government agencies must follow established retention schedules and obtain approval from the State Records Board before destroying any government records. The Shawnee County Sheriff's Office Records Division serves as the custodian for law enforcement records within the county.

Expungement and sealing of records may alter these retention periods. Under K.S.A. § 21-6614, individuals may petition for expungement of certain criminal records after specified waiting periods:

• Most misdemeanors: 3 years after completion of sentence
• Lower-level felonies: 5 years after completion of sentence
• Mid-level felonies: 7-10 years after completion of sentence

When records are expunged, they are not destroyed but are sealed from public view and can only be accessed by court order or for specific statutory purposes.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation maintains criminal history information in the central repository indefinitely unless expungement is ordered by a court. This ensures that comprehensive criminal history information remains available for authorized criminal justice purposes.

Lookup Criminal Records in Shawnee County

Shawnee County Sheriff's Office Records

Request Criminal Records Form

Shawnee County Sheriff's Office Directory

Shawnee County Clerk's Office

Kansas Bureau of Investigation Media Releases

Shawnee County Department of Corrections

Kansas Department of Corrections

KASPER Offender Search

Kansas Criminal History Record Search