Sedgwick County Criminal Records are official documents that show a person’s arrests, charges, court cases, convictions, and jail time in Sedgwick County, Kansas. These records are public under Kansas law unless sealed by a judge. Anyone can request them, but you must follow specific steps. The Sheriff’s Office, District Court, and Police Department all keep parts of these records. Knowing where to look and what to expect saves time and avoids mistakes.
How to Get Sedgwick County Criminal Records
To get your own or someone else’s criminal record from Sedgwick County, start with the Sheriff’s Records Division. You need to fill out two forms: “Request for Background Investigation” and “Sheriff Records Statement.” Both must be signed on every page. Include a copy of your government-issued photo ID and a notarized statement explaining why you need the records. Send everything by fax to (316) 660-3783 or mail it to 141 W. Elm, Wichita, KS 67203. Processing takes three to five business days.
You can also call the Sheriff Records line at 316-660-3888 or email [email protected]. The office replies within ten business days. Copies cost $5 for a basic name check or up to $25 for a full report. You can pick up records in person at the records vault or have them mailed. Faxed requests are handled during normal business hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Where Are Criminal Records Stored in Sedgwick County?
Three main offices keep Sedgwick County criminal records. The Sheriff’s Records Division handles arrest logs, booking reports, and warrants. The District Court Clerk manages court filings, sentencing details, and case outcomes. The Police Department’s Criminal History Unit stores incident reports and investigation files. Each office keeps records for at least ten years. After that, some records may be sealed or destroyed based on Kansas law.
Daily arrest reports list names, birth dates, booking numbers, charges, bond amounts, and release status. These are updated every morning and posted on public terminals at the courthouse. You can download them as CSV files from the county website. Researchers, journalists, and advocacy groups use this data to track crime trends.
What Information Is in a Sedgwick County Criminal Record?
A criminal record from Sedgwick County includes arrest dates, charges filed, court case numbers, conviction status, and sentencing details like fines, probation, or jail time. It may also show active warrants, prior offenses, and whether the case was dismissed. Not all records are complete—some only show arrests without final outcomes. Always verify information with the court if you’re using it for employment or housing.
Records do not include juvenile cases unless the person was tried as an adult. Sealed or expunged records are not available to the public. If you believe a record is wrong, you can file a correction request with the Sheriff’s Office or petition the court.
Fees, Timeframes, and Delivery Options
Fees for criminal records in Sedgwick County start at $5 for a simple name search. Full background checks cost up to $25. The Sheriff’s Office accepts cash, check, or money order. Credit cards are not accepted for mailed requests. Processing takes three to five business days for mailed or faxed requests. Email requests may take up to ten days.
You can get records by mail, in person at 141 W. Elm, or through secure pickup. Some agencies offer electronic copies via email or online portals. The District Court charges $0.15 per page for digital copies. Always ask about delivery options when you submit your request.
Daily Arrest and Booking Reports
Every morning, the Sheriff’s Office releases a daily arrest and booking report. It lists everyone processed at the Sedgwick County Jail the day before. Each entry includes name, date of birth, booking number, charge descriptions, bond amount, arresting agency, and release status. This report helps the public stay informed about local crime activity.
You can view these reports on public computers at the courthouse lobby or download them from the official website. The data is also used by researchers to analyze crime patterns. Reports go back several years and are archived for public access.
District Court Criminal Records
The District Court Records Department keeps all criminal case files for Sedgwick County. This includes microfiche, microfilm, and digital copies dating back to 1995. You can request copies in person, by mail, or online. The office is on the seventh floor of the courthouse and open Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM.
Court records show charges, plea deals, trial results, fines, and probation terms. They also include restitution orders and court costs. Staff ensure all payments are logged and transferred within five business days. Certified copies come with a state seal and are valid for official use.
Crime Statistics and Trends in Sedgwick County
In 2017, Sedgwick County reported 28,232 Part I crimes, including 5,412 violent crimes like assault and robbery, and 22,820 property crimes like theft and burglary. This was a 10.8% increase from 2012. The crime rate reached 9,150 incidents per 100,000 residents. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation updates these numbers quarterly on their Crime Statistics portal.
More recent data shows that adults aged 21 to 30 commit the most crimes in the county. Property crimes make up nearly 60% of all arrests. Violent crimes account for about 22%. These trends help law enforcement and community groups focus prevention efforts.
Active Warrants and How to Check Them
Active warrants in Sedgwick County are maintained by the Sheriff’s Office and District Court. You can search for warrants by name or case number. Some warrant information is posted online, but not all details are public. If you think you have a warrant, contact the court or Sheriff’s Office immediately.
Warrants stay active until served or recalled by a judge. They appear in criminal background checks and can affect employment, travel, or housing. Resolving a warrant quickly reduces legal risks.
Sealing or Expunging Your Record
Kansas law allows some criminal records to be sealed or expunged after ten years. Not all offenses qualify. Misdemeanors and non-violent felonies may be eligible. Violent crimes, sex offenses, and DUIs often cannot be removed. You must file a petition with the District Court and attend a hearing.
If granted, your record becomes private. Employers and landlords won’t see it in most background checks. The process takes several months and may require a lawyer. Start by contacting the Court Clerk for forms and instructions.
Common Mistakes When Requesting Records
Many people forget to notarize their purpose statement or sign every page of the forms. Others send incomplete IDs or wrong addresses. Always double-check your paperwork before mailing. Use certified mail to track delivery.
Don’t assume records are free. Fees apply even for your own records. Also, don’t expect instant results. Processing takes days, not hours. Plan ahead if you need records for a job or court date.
Using Criminal Records Responsibly
Criminal records are public, but they should be used fairly. An arrest doesn’t mean guilt. Many cases are dropped or end in acquittal. Always check the final outcome before making decisions about someone.
Employers, landlords, and lenders must follow federal and state laws when using background checks. Discrimination based on old or minor offenses may be illegal. When in doubt, consult a legal expert.
Contact Information and Office Hours
Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Records Division
141 W. Elm, Wichita, KS 67203
Phone: 316-660-3888
Email: [email protected]
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM
District Court Records Department
525 North Main Street, Wichita, KS 67203
Phone: 316-660-5700
Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM–3:30 PM
Related Public Record Resources
Other counties and states offer similar services. If you need records outside Kansas, check local sheriff or court websites. Always verify the correct jurisdiction before submitting requests.
- Glendale Arrest Records
- Sumter County Sheriff Inmate Search
- Marriage Certificate Requests
- Tehama County Court Records
Frequently Asked Questions
People often ask how to get criminal records, fix errors, or remove old charges. Below are clear answers based on current Kansas law and county procedures.
How long does it take to get criminal records from Sedgwick County?
Most requests take three to five business days if submitted by mail or fax. Email requests may take up to ten days. Rush service is not available. Plan ahead if you need records for a job, court, or license. Include all required documents to avoid delays. Missing signatures or IDs slow down processing. You’ll get a confirmation once your request is received.
Can I see someone else’s criminal record in Sedgwick County?
Yes, but only if you have a valid reason and proper ID. Kansas law allows public access to most criminal records. You don’t need to be related to the person. However, you must submit a notarized statement explaining why you need the records. Some sensitive details may be redacted. Juvenile records are not public unless the person was tried as an adult.
Are Sedgwick County criminal records free?
No. Basic name checks cost $5. Full reports with charges and sentencing cost up to $25. The District Court charges $0.15 per page for copies. Fees help cover printing, staff time, and system costs. Payment is by cash, check, or money order. Credit cards are not accepted for mailed requests. Ask about fees when you submit your form.
How do I correct a mistake on my criminal record?
Contact the Sheriff’s Records Division or District Court Clerk. Provide proof the information is wrong, like a court dismissal letter or corrected case file. The agency will review your request and update the record if needed. This process can take weeks. Keep copies of all communications. If the error affects your job or housing, tell the employer or landlord while it’s being fixed.
Can I remove a criminal record from Sedgwick County?
Maybe. Kansas allows sealing or expungement for some offenses after ten years. Violent crimes, sex offenses, and DUIs usually don’t qualify. You must file a petition with the District Court and attend a hearing. If approved, the record becomes private. It won’t show up on most background checks. The process takes months and may require a lawyer. Start by asking the Court Clerk for forms.
Do I need a lawyer to get criminal records?
No. Anyone can request records without a lawyer. The forms are simple and available online or at the Sheriff’s Office. Just follow the instructions carefully. However, if you’re sealing a record or fighting a charge, a lawyer can help. They know the law and can speed up the process. For basic requests, you don’t need legal help.
Are online criminal record sites reliable?
Some are, but many sell old or incomplete data. Always verify information with the official Sedgwick County Sheriff or Court websites. Free public terminals at the courthouse give accurate, up-to-date records. Paid sites may charge high fees for basic info you can get cheaper from the county. When in doubt, go straight to the source.