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Douglas County, Kansas


Sunday, May 20, 2012 

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Criminal Defendants

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You are here: Home Page > District Court > Criminal Defendants

This page contains information on criminal defendants in Douglas County, Kansas.

Adults Charged with Crimes


The following information may be helpful if you or a loved one has been charged with a crime. The exact course of events varies by individual case and by whether the case is a misdemeanor or felony. You may read general information on the 'Court Procedures' page.

If someone has just been arrested: You may be able to get information about that person from the Douglas County Jail, (785) 830-1000 or by checking with the Sheriff's Department.

► Court Dates: To find out when you (or someone else) are scheduled to be in court, you may call the Clerk of the District Court at (785) 832-5256 (press 1), or visit the Office of the Clerk of the District Court and use the public access computers. Court records are not available via the Internet at this time except to officers of the court. If you know the division in which a case is being heard, you may call the division.

► Right to an Attorney: Individuals charged with crimes that could send them to jail or prison have the right to legal counsel. They may hire (or "retain") an attorney for themselves or, if they meet certain financial criteria, the Court may appoint an attorney for him or her. The Court Resources links may help in retaining an attorney.

► Hearing(s) Before a Judge: The defendant will appear before a judge, probably on multiple occasions.

► Bond Setting: In most cases, the judge will set a bond at the arraignment. Bond or bail allows the defendant to be out of jail while his or her case is being prosecuted. The bond or bail is intended to ensure that the defendant appears in court.

If Someone Is in Jail: Check the Sheriff FAQ's

Juveniles Charged with Crimes


You may read general information on the 'Court Procedures page. In addition, the following information may be helpful.

► Court Dates: To find out when you or your child is scheduled to be in court, contact your attorney in the case if you have one, as the attorney will have the latest information. If you do not have an attorney, you may call the juvenile clerk, (785) 838-2420, or visit the Office of the Clerk of the District Court and use the public access computers. Court records are not available via the Internet at this time except to officers of the court.

► Hearing Location: Most juvenile offender cases are heard in the Pro Tem Division, and you may also contact personnel there.

► Right to an Attorney: Juveniles charged with crimes must have legal counsel. They may hire (or "retain") an attorney for themselves, or the Court may appoint an attorney for him or her. The Court Resources links may help in retaining an attorney, or the 'Application for Appointed Defense Services (Juvenile Offenders and Child In Need of Care)' form (PDF format) is available if you need an appointed attorney.

► Hearing(s) Before a Judge: The juvenile will appear before a judge, probably on multiple occasions.

► Bond, or Conditions of Release: Juveniles who have been taken into custody may be detained or may be released while their case is being adjudicated. If the juvenile is to be released, he or she will be asked to sign Conditions of Release that state the rules that he or she must follow to stay out of detention.