Brown County, KS Courts and Public Records
- Arrest Records
- Judgments
- Bankruptcies
- DUIs & DWIs
- Felonies
- Warrants
- Jail Records
- Lien Records
- Sex Offenses
- Misdemeanors
- Criminal Records
- Federal Dockets
The Brown County District Court, part of the 22nd Judicial District of Kansas, hears felonies, misdemeanors, traffic, civil, domestic relations, probate, and juvenile cases for the county.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Court Name | Brown County District Court (22nd Judicial District) |
| Main Address | 601 Oregon St., PO Box 417, Hiawatha, KS 66434-0417 |
| Main Phone | 785-742-7481 |
| Website | districtcourts22jdks.com |
| Clerk of the District Court | Joy Moore |
| Courthouse Locations | 1 (Hiawatha) |
| Handles | Felonies, misdemeanors, traffic, civil and limited civil, domestic relations, probate, and juvenile cases |
| Does NOT Handle | Federal cases (U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas), city ordinance cases (municipal courts), and appeals (Kansas Court of Appeals and Kansas Supreme Court) |
How to Search Brown County Court Records
Have the person's full name, the case number if you know it, and approximate dates ready before you search. Brown County cases are kept by the Clerk of the District Court in Hiawatha.
Online
Go to kscourts.gov to review the Judicial Branch's public court information.
Check the district court page for the current search options.
Confirm the case type and court before you rely on the results.
Best for: Looking up a case you already know about
In Person
Go to 601 Oregon St., PO Box 417, Hiawatha, KS 66434-0417.
Bring the case number and party names if you have them.
Ask the clerk which division handles your case type.
Best for: Records and copies not available online
By Phone
Call 785-742-7481 to confirm what the clerk needs.
Ask the clerk how to request records or copies.
Give the case number and party names when you call.
Best for: Questions when you cannot visit in person
Search by Name on KansasCourtAccess.org
Go to KansasCourtAccess.org and enter a full name.
Search across record types without a case number.
Confirm results with the court, since they are not official court records.
Best for: Finding leads without a case number
Brown County Court Statistics (FY 2024)
Brown County courts handled an estimated 1,216 new cases in FY 2024 and disposed of an estimated 1,185. The estimate scales Kansas statewide totals by the county's share of state population.
~1,216
Total filings in FY 2024
~1,185
Total dispositions in FY 2024
~1,216
Filings per judicial position (1 estimated positions)
~+4.0%
Change in total filings vs FY 2023
| Metric | FY 2024 | FY 2023 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Filings | ~1,216 | ~1,169 | ~+4.0% |
| Total Dispositions | ~1,185 | ~1,145 | ~+3.5% |
| Criminal Filings | ~569 | ~554 | ~+2.7% |
| Civil Filings | ~369 | ~354 | ~+4.2% |
| Family Law Filings | ~92 | ~92 | ~+0.0% |
| Probate Filings | ~46 | ~46 | ~+0.0% |
| Mental Health Filings | ~15 | ~15 | ~+0.0% |
| Juvenile Filings | ~23 | ~22 | ~+4.5% |
| Authorized Judicial Positions | ~1 | ~1 | ~0.0% |
The largest category movement was in criminal filings. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: Kansas statewide figures scaled by Brown County's 0.31% share of the state population.
How Have Court Filings Changed in Brown County?
Estimated total filings in Brown County moved up over the last five years; dispositions are estimated at a similar level.
| Fiscal Year | Total Filings | Total Dispositions | YoY Filing Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| FY 2024 | ~1,216 | ~1,185 | ~+4.0% |
| FY 2023 | ~1,169 | ~1,145 | ~+5.5% |
| FY 2022 | ~1,108 | ~1,083 | ~+4.3% |
| FY 2021 | ~1,062 | ~1,016 | ~+1.5% |
| FY 2020 | ~1,046 | ~985 | ~+1.5% |
Estimated filings changed +16.3% between FY 2020 and FY 2024, from 1,046 to 1,216. The largest annual change was +5.5% in FY 2023. The latest change of +4.0% reflects statewide Kansas trends. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: Kansas statewide figures scaled by Brown County's 0.31% share of the state population.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Brown County?
The Brown County District Court hears the case types listed below, and county filing counts by case type are not stated on this page.
| Case Type | Heard By |
|---|---|
| Felonies | District Court |
| Misdemeanors | District Court |
| Traffic | District Court |
| Civil and limited civil | District Court |
| Domestic relations | District Court |
| Probate | District Court |
| Juvenile | District Court |
| City ordinance cases | Municipal court |
How Does Brown County Compare With Kansas Overall?
Brown County is estimated to account for about 0.31% of the 395,000 cases filed in Kansas courts in FY 2024.
| Metric | Brown County | Kansas | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | ~1,216 | 395,000 | ~0.31% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | ~+4.0% | +3.9% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Filings per judicial position | ~1,216 | 1,463 | Estimated at the state level |
| Dispositions per judicial position equivalent | ~1,185 | 1,426 | Estimated at the state level |
| Criminal share of filings | ~46.8% | 46.8% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Civil share of filings | ~30.4% | 30.4% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Family law share of filings | ~7.6% | 7.6% | Same as state (estimate) |
These county values are estimates built from statewide Kansas figures, so they track the state mix by design. Actual county dockets may differ. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: Kansas statewide figures scaled by Brown County's 0.31% share of the state population.
Brown County Crime Statistics (2025)
These figures are Kansas statewide totals as reported to the FBI, not counts for Brown County. Agency reporting may be incomplete, and county crime counts are not available here. Statewide violent and property crimes combined fell 10.5% from 2024 to 2025. In 2025, reporting agencies covered about 95.3% of Kansas's population, so year-over-year changes can partly reflect which agencies reported.
13,436
Violent crimes, Kansas statewide, 2025
54,277
Property crimes, Kansas statewide, 2025 (includes arson)
451.3
Violent crime rate per 100K, Kansas statewide, 2025 (population 2,977,220)
-10.5%
Change in total violent plus property crimes, Kansas statewide, 2025 vs 2024 (67,713 vs 75,638)
| Offense | 2025 | Rate per 100K | 2024 | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murder | 133 | 4.5 | 116 | +14.7% |
| Rape | 1,335 | 44.8 | 1,370 | -2.6% |
| Robbery | 928 | 31.2 | 985 | -5.8% |
| Aggravated assault | 11,040 | 370.8 | 11,082 | -0.4% |
| Violent crimes total | 13,436 | 451.3 | 13,553 | -0.9% |
| Burglary | 8,174 | 274.6 | 8,454 | -3.3% |
| Larceny-theft | 39,346 | 1,321.6 | 45,676 | -13.9% |
| Motor vehicle theft | 6,339 | 212.9 | 7,526 | -15.8% |
| Property crimes total | 54,277 | 1,823.1 | 62,085 | -12.6% |
Rates use the Kansas 2025 population of 2,977,220. County-level rates are not published, so this section does not compare Brown County with the state. The property crimes total includes arson, so it is larger than the sum of the property offenses listed above.
Brown County Courthouse Locations
Brown County has 1 district court location, in Hiawatha. Check your citation or notice for the division and courtroom before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brown County Courthouse (Hiawatha) | 601 Oregon St., PO Box 417, Hiawatha, KS 66434-0417 | 785-742-7481 | See location page |
Which Court Handles Your Case in Brown County?
The Brown County District Court handles most case types, and the Clerk of the District Court keeps the records. Matters outside the court are noted below.
| Your Situation | Go To | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic ticket | District Court | Check your citation for the court date and the clerk's contact details. |
| Parking ticket | The city or agency that issued the ticket | Parking tickets are not handled by the district court. |
| Misdemeanor | District Court | Misdemeanor cases are heard in the district court. |
| Felony | District Court | Felony cases are heard in the district court. |
| DUI | District Court | DUI cases are heard in the district court. |
| Domestic violence | District Court | Protection order and criminal matters are handled through the district court. |
| Civil lawsuit | District Court | Civil and limited civil cases are heard in the district court. |
| Small claims | District Court | Limited civil claims are heard in the district court. |
| Eviction | District Court | Eviction cases are heard in the district court. |
| Divorce | District Court | Divorce cases are heard in the district court's domestic relations division. |
| Child custody or support | District Court | Custody and support cases are heard in the district court. |
| Probate or estate | District Court | Probate matters are handled by the district court. |
| Juvenile case | District Court | Juvenile cases are heard in the district court and are restricted. |
| Appeal | Kansas Court of Appeals or Kansas Supreme Court | Appeals go to the appellate courts, not the district court. |
Are Brown County Court Records Public?
Yes, most Brown County district court records are public, with exceptions set by Kansas law and court rules.
Public records
Public agency records are governed by the Kansas Open Records Act (K.S.A. 45-215 et seq.). Access to district court records is governed by Kansas Supreme Court Rule 196 and the court's own rules.
Restricted or confidential records
Juvenile, sealed, expunged, adoption, and protective-order-restricted records are not publicly available.
Online access
The Kansas district court public access portal is run by the Judicial Branch. Visit kscourts.gov for current information. Not every document is available online.
In-person access
Visit the Clerk of the District Court at 601 Oregon St., PO Box 417, Hiawatha, KS 66434-0417, or call 785-742-7481 to confirm which records are available.
Fees
This section does not list fees. Ask the Clerk of the District Court about the cost of copies.
How to Search Brown County Court Records Online
Use the Judicial Branch's public access options to search Brown County cases by case type, and ask the clerk for documents that are not online.
- Identify the case type, such as criminal, traffic, civil, family law, probate, or juvenile.
- Open the Judicial Branch public access portal through kscourts.gov or the district court page at the district court site.
- Search by party name or case number, and note the case number from the results.
- Review the case details for status, parties, and scheduled dates.
- Contact the Clerk of the District Court at 785-742-7481 to request documents that are not online.
| Case Type | Where to Search | What You'll Find | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | Kansas district court public access portal (kscourts.gov) | Case status and docket information where published | Juvenile and sealed records are restricted |
| Traffic | Kansas district court public access portal (kscourts.gov) | Case information through the portal or the clerk | Payment is not part of the record search |
| Civil | Kansas district court public access portal (kscourts.gov) | Case information through the portal or the clerk | Sealed or restricted filings are not shown |
| Small claims | Kansas district court public access portal (kscourts.gov) | Case information through the portal or the clerk | Documents may require the clerk |
| Family law | Kansas district court public access portal (kscourts.gov) | Case information through the portal or the clerk | Confidential details are restricted |
| Probate | Kansas district court public access portal (kscourts.gov) | Case information through the portal or the clerk | Estate files may require the clerk |
| Juvenile | Kansas district court public access portal (kscourts.gov) | Clerk of the District Court at 785-742-7481 | Juvenile proceedings are restricted and not in the public portal |
How to Pay Fines & Citations in Brown County
Traffic citations and criminal fines in Brown County are handled through the Clerk of the District Court, and the options below are the ones verified for this office.
- In person: Visit the Clerk of the District Court at 601 Oregon St., PO Box 417, Hiawatha, KS 66434-0417, and ask about the payment methods accepted for your case.
- By phone: Call 785-742-7481 to ask the clerk about payment options for your citation or case.
Parking tickets are handled by the city or agency that issued them, not by the district court.
Brown County Court Records FAQ
How do I search Brown County court records?
Contact the Clerk of the District Court at 601 Oregon St., PO Box 417, Hiawatha, KS 66434-0417, or call 785-742-7481, and check kscourts.gov for the Judicial Branch's public access options.
Are Brown County court records public?
Most are, under Kansas Supreme Court Rule 196, but juvenile, sealed, and expunged records are restricted.
How do I find a criminal case?
Start with the Judicial Branch's public access options and confirm details with the Clerk of the District Court at 785-742-7481.
How do I find a court date?
Check your citation or notice first, then call the Clerk of the District Court at 785-742-7481.
How do I pay a traffic ticket?
Ask the Clerk of the District Court at 785-742-7481 about payment options, or visit the office at 601 Oregon St., PO Box 417, Hiawatha, KS 66434-0417.
What is the population of Brown County?
The 2025 population estimate is 9,142, down from 9,133 in 2024.
Is the population of Brown County changing?
It fell by 29 residents (-0.3%) from 2024 to 2025, while the Kansas population grew 0.4%.
What was the crime trend in Kansas in 2024?
County crime counts are not available here. Statewide, reported violent crimes fell 0.9% to 13,436 in 2025 from 13,553 in 2024, and property crimes fell 12.6% to 54,277 from 62,085, as reported to the FBI. These are Kansas statewide figures, and reporting coverage changed between years.
Courts in the County
Brown County District Court (22nd J.D.)More Info
| Address: | 601 Oregon St., Hiawatha, KS, 66434 |
| Phone Number: | 785-742-7481 |
| Fax: | 785-742-3506 |
| Website: | https://districtcourts22jdks.com/ |
Hiawatha Municipal CourtMore Info
| Address: | 701 Oregon St., Hiawatha, KS, 66434 |
| Phone Number: | (785) 742-2156 |
| Website: | https://www.cityofhiawatha.org/departments/court |
Useful Links
- Kansas Judicial Branch - Home - Official website providing information on Kansas courts, including appellate and district courts, as well as self-help resources.
- Kansas District Courts - Kansas Judicial Branch - Find information and resources for various district courts within Kansas, including procedures for accessing court records.
- Brown County, Kansas Court Information - Provides an overview of the court services available in Brown County, along with contact details and operating hours.
- Kansas Criminal History Record Search | Kansas Highway Patrol - Access and search for criminal history records maintained by the Kansas Highway Patrol through this official resource.
- Kansas eCourt Public Access Portal - eCourt provides public access to court case information including case status, filings, and court outcomes across Kansas counties.
- Kansas Legal Services | A non-profit law firm and community education organization - Offers legal aid, services, and community education across Kansas. Provides resources for various legal issues affecting residents.
- Kansas Bar Association | Lawyer Resources and Legal Publications - Comprehensive resource for Kansas attorneys, offering news, publications, and tools for better legal practice and understanding.
- Kansas Judicial Council | Studies, Documents, and Judicial Resources - Aims to improve the administration of justice with studies, legal forms, and educational materials for attorneys and the public.
- Office of the Kansas Attorney General - Features consumer protection information, legal opinions, and insights into the responsibilities of the Kansas Attorney General.
- Alternative Dispute Resolution | Kansas Attorney General - Provides details on mediation services available through the Attorney General's office, promoting resolution outside of courtrooms.
- Kansas Judicial Watch | Monitoring Judicial Conduct and Ethics - Organization that oversees judicial ethics and conducts evaluations within Kansas judiciary system, ensuring legal integrity and fairness.
- Kansas Appellate Practice Blog | Insight & Analysis - Blog offering insights into appellate practices including rule changes, case law, and practical guidance for Kansas lawyers.
- Kansas Association of Counties | Supporting Local Government Authorities - Supports county officials in Kansas with resources, advocacy, and collaboration opportunities to enhance public service delivery.
- Kansas Sentencing Commission | Guidelines and Reports - Offers guidelines, statistical reports, and resources on sentencing practices affecting Kansas' judicial processes and policies.
- Public Protection Division | Kansas Attorney General - Division protecting Kansas residents from scams, with resources on internet safety, identity theft, and other consumer protection topics.
- Kansas OpenGov | Accountability and Transparency - Provides access to public records and information about government spending, accountability, and transparency within Kansas state.
- U.S. Bankruptcy Court - District of Kansas - Offers resources related to bankruptcy proceedings, forms, guides, and court information for the District of Kansas.
- Kansas Courts Fund | Supporting Judiciary's Educational Efforts - Non-profit supporting educational and professional development programs for judicial employees and Kansas court users.
- Legal Information Resources | Kansas Discovery Center - Provides public legal information and links to resources for understanding law and navigating Kansas' legal system effectively.
- Kansas Association for Court Administration | Professional Development - Membership organization fostering professional development and collaboration among court administrators across Kansas state.
Table of Contents
- Brown County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Brown County Court Records
- Brown County Court Statistics (FY 2024)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Brown County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Brown County?
- How Does Brown County Compare With Kansas Overall?
- Brown County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Brown County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Brown County?
- Are Brown County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Brown County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Brown County
- Brown County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links