Cherokee County, KS Courts and Public Records
- Arrest Records
- Judgments
- Bankruptcies
- DUIs & DWIs
- Felonies
- Warrants
- Jail Records
- Lien Records
- Sex Offenses
- Misdemeanors
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- Federal Dockets
The Clerk of the District Court in Columbus keeps the court records for Cherokee County, which is part of the 11th Judicial District. The district court hears felonies, misdemeanors, traffic, civil, domestic relations, probate, juvenile, and limited civil cases.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Court Name | 11th Judicial District Court of Kansas |
| Clerk of the District Court | Sandie Green |
| Main Address | Cherokee County Courthouse, 110 W Maple PO Box 189, Columbus, KS 66725 |
| Main Phone | 620-429-9500 |
| Courthouse Locations | 1 (Columbus) |
| Handles | Felonies, misdemeanors, traffic, civil and limited civil cases, 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 parking tickets (citing agency) |
How to Search Cherokee County Court Records
Have the person's full name, the case number if you know it, and approximate dates ready before you search. Cases for Cherokee County are kept by the Clerk of the District Court in Columbus.
Online
Go to kscourts.gov for Kansas Judicial Branch court information.
Check the Judicial Branch site for the district court contact details.
Ask the clerk what online lookups are available for your case type.
Best for: Finding the district court's contact details
In Person
Go to 110 W Maple PO Box 189, Columbus, KS 66725.
Bring the case number and party names if you have them.
Ask the clerk for the division that handles your case type.
Best for: Case files that need staff assistance
By Phone
Call 620-429-9500 to confirm what the Clerk of the District Court needs.
Ask which records the clerk can provide by phone or in person.
Confirm what to bring before you visit or request copies.
Best for: Confirming records and next steps
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
Cherokee County Court Statistics (FY 2024)
Cherokee County courts handled an estimated 2,544 new cases in FY 2024 and disposed of an estimated 2,480. The estimate scales Kansas statewide totals by the county's share of state population.
~2,544
Total filings in FY 2024
~2,480
Total dispositions in FY 2024
~1,272
Filings per judicial position (2 estimated positions)
~+4.0%
Change in total filings vs FY 2023
| Metric | FY 2024 | FY 2023 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Filings | ~2,544 | ~2,447 | ~+4.0% |
| Total Dispositions | ~2,480 | ~2,396 | ~+3.5% |
| Criminal Filings | ~1,192 | ~1,159 | ~+2.8% |
| Civil Filings | ~773 | ~741 | ~+4.3% |
| Family Law Filings | ~193 | ~193 | ~+0.0% |
| Probate Filings | ~97 | ~95 | ~+2.1% |
| Mental Health Filings | ~32 | ~32 | ~+0.0% |
| Juvenile Filings | ~48 | ~47 | ~+2.1% |
| Authorized Judicial Positions | ~2 | ~2 | ~0.0% |
The largest category movement was in criminal filings. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: Kansas statewide figures scaled by Cherokee County's 0.64% share of the state population.
How Have Court Filings Changed in Cherokee County?
Estimated total filings in Cherokee 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 | ~2,544 | ~2,480 | ~+4.0% |
| FY 2023 | ~2,447 | ~2,396 | ~+5.5% |
| FY 2022 | ~2,319 | ~2,267 | ~+4.4% |
| FY 2021 | ~2,222 | ~2,125 | ~+1.5% |
| FY 2020 | ~2,190 | ~2,061 | ~+1.5% |
Estimated filings changed +16.2% between FY 2020 and FY 2024, from 2,190 to 2,544. 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 Cherokee County's 0.64% share of the state population.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Cherokee County?
The 11th Judicial District Court hears the main case types for Cherokee County. This section lists the case types rather than filing counts or shares.
| Case Type | Heard By |
|---|---|
| Felonies | 11th Judicial District Court |
| Misdemeanors | 11th Judicial District Court |
| Traffic cases | 11th Judicial District Court |
| Civil and limited civil cases | 11th Judicial District Court |
| Domestic relations | 11th Judicial District Court |
| Probate | 11th Judicial District Court |
| Juvenile cases | 11th Judicial District Court |
| City ordinance and some traffic cases | Municipal court |
Fastest-growing and fastest-falling categories cannot be stated because case type counts are not shown on this page.
How Does Cherokee County Compare With Kansas Overall?
Cherokee County is estimated to account for about 0.64% of the 395,000 cases filed in Kansas courts in FY 2024.
| Metric | Cherokee County | Kansas | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | ~2,544 | 395,000 | ~0.64% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | ~+4.0% | +3.9% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Filings per judicial position | ~1,272 | 1,463 | Estimated at the state level |
| Dispositions per judicial position equivalent | ~1,240 | 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 Cherokee County's 0.64% share of the state population.
Cherokee County Crime Statistics (2025)
These figures are Kansas statewide totals as reported to the FBI, not counts for Cherokee 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 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 | 1321.6 | 45,676 | -13.9% |
| Motor vehicle theft | 6,339 | 212.9 | 7,526 | -15.8% |
| Property crimes total | 54,277 | 1823.1 | 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 Cherokee County with the state. The property crimes total includes arson, so it is larger than the sum of the property offenses listed above.
Cherokee County Courthouse Locations
Cherokee County has 1 courthouse location for the Clerk of the District Court, in Columbus. Check your notice or citation for the office or courtroom before you visit.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cherokee County Courthouse (Columbus) | 110 W Maple PO Box 189, Columbus, KS 66725 | 620-429-9500 | Clerk of the District Court |
Which Court Handles Your Case in Cherokee County?
Most cases in Cherokee County go to the 11th Judicial District Court. Some matters go to municipal courts, the citing agency, or the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas.
| Your Situation | Go To | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic ticket | 11th Judicial District Court or municipal court, by citation | The citation shows which court handles the ticket. |
| Parking ticket | The citing city or agency | Parking tickets are not handled by the district court. |
| Misdemeanor | 11th Judicial District Court, criminal | Misdemeanors are heard by the district court. |
| Felony | 11th Judicial District Court, criminal | Felonies are heard by the district court. |
| DUI | 11th Judicial District Court or municipal court, by citation | The charging paperwork shows which court has the case. |
| Domestic violence | 11th Judicial District Court, criminal or domestic relations | Criminal charges and protection orders are heard by the district court. |
| Civil lawsuit | 11th Judicial District Court, civil | Civil and limited civil cases are heard by the district court. |
| Small claims | 11th Judicial District Court, civil | Small claims are civil cases heard by the district court. |
| Eviction | 11th Judicial District Court, civil | Eviction cases are civil cases heard by the district court. |
| Divorce | 11th Judicial District Court, domestic relations | Divorce cases are heard by the district court. |
| Child custody or support | 11th Judicial District Court, domestic relations | Custody and support cases are heard by the district court. |
| Probate or estate | 11th Judicial District Court, probate | Probate matters are heard by the district court. |
| Juvenile case | 11th Judicial District Court, juvenile | Juvenile proceedings are not publicly available. |
| Appeal | Kansas Court of Appeals or Kansas Supreme Court | Appeals go to the appellate courts, not the district court. |
Are Cherokee County Court Records Public?
Yes, most Cherokee County district court records are public, with exceptions set by Kansas law and court rules.
Public records
Access to district court records is governed by Kansas Supreme Court Rule 196 and the court's own rules. The Kansas Open Records Act (K.S.A. 45-215 et seq.) governs records held by public agencies.
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 Judicial Branch information, since not every document is available online.
In-person access
Visit the Clerk of the District Court at 110 W Maple PO Box 189, Columbus, KS 66725, or call 620-429-9500 to confirm which records are available.
How to Search Cherokee County Court Records Online
Use the Kansas Judicial Branch resources to look up Cherokee County cases, then ask the clerk for documents that are not online.
- Identify the case type, such as criminal, traffic, civil, small claims, domestic relations, probate, or juvenile.
- Visit kscourts.gov to find the Judicial Branch public access options.
- Search by party name or case number and note the case number from the results.
- Review the case details, including the parties and status shown.
- Call the Clerk of the District Court at 620-429-9500 to request documents that are not online.
| Case Type | Where to Search | What You'll Find | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | Judicial Branch public access portal, or the clerk | Case information such as docket entries and status | Confirm with the clerk which criminal records are shown |
| Traffic | Judicial Branch public access portal, or the clerk | Case information for traffic citations | Confirm with the clerk which traffic records are shown |
| Civil | Judicial Branch public access portal, or the clerk | Case information and parties | Documents may need a request to the clerk |
| Small claims | Judicial Branch public access portal, or the clerk | Case information and parties | Documents may need a request to the clerk |
| Family law | Judicial Branch public access portal, or the clerk | Case information for domestic relations cases | Confidential details are restricted |
| Probate | Clerk of the District Court, 620-429-9500 | Probate case information through the clerk | Confirm with the clerk which probate records are available |
| Juvenile | Clerk of the District Court, 620-429-9500 | Limited information through the clerk only | Juvenile records are not publicly available |
How to Pay Fines & Citations in Cherokee County
Fines and citations from Cherokee County are handled through the Clerk of the District Court, so ask the clerk about the payment options available for your case.
- In person: Visit the Clerk of the District Court at 110 W Maple PO Box 189, Columbus, KS 66725 to ask about paying a fine or citation.
- Phone: Call 620-429-9500 to ask the clerk about payment options for your case.
Parking tickets are handled by the citing city or agency, not by the district court.
Cherokee County Court Records FAQ
How do I search Cherokee County court records?
Use KansasCourtAccess.org to search by name, or contact the Clerk of the District Court in Columbus at 620-429-9500.
Are Cherokee County court records public?
Most are, under Kansas court rules, but juvenile, sealed, expunged, adoption, and protective-order-restricted records are not public.
How do I find a criminal case in Cherokee County?
Search by name on KansasCourtAccess.org or call the Clerk of the District Court at 620-429-9500.
How do I find a court date in Cherokee County?
Check your notice or citation, or call the Clerk of the District Court at 620-429-9500.
How do I pay a traffic ticket in Cherokee County?
Ask the Clerk of the District Court at 620-429-9500 about payment options. Parking tickets are paid to the citing agency.
How many cases are filed in Cherokee County each year?
County filing counts are not stated on this page. The county population was 19,105 in 2025.
What is the most common case type in Cherokee County?
Case type counts are not stated on this page. The district court hears criminal, civil, domestic relations, probate, and juvenile cases.
What is the crime trend in the latest year?
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
Cherokee County District Court (11th J.D.)More Info
| Address: | 110 W Maple St., Columbus, KS, 66725 |
| Phone Number: | 620-429-3880 |
| Fax: | 620-429-1130 |
| Website: | https://11jd.kscourts.org/11th-Judicial-District/Cherokee-County-Courthouse |
Baxter Springs Municipal CourtMore Info
| Address: | 121 West 11th Street, Baxter Springs, KS, 66713 |
| Phone Number: | (620) 856-2112 |
| Fax: | (620) 856-5483 |
| Website: | countyoffice.org/baxter-springs-municipal-court-baxter-springs-ks-a7c/ |
Columbus Municipal CourtMore Info
| Address: | 300 E Maple St, Columbus, KS, 66725 |
| Phone Number: | (620) 429-1332 |
| Fax: | (620) 429-1159 |
| Website: | https://columbusks.gov/departments-and-services/municipal-court/ |
Galena Municipal CourtMore Info
| Address: | 211 W 7th Street, Galena, KS, 66739 |
| Phone Number: | (620) 783-5265 |
| Fax: | (620) 783-5111 |
| Website: | https://galenaks.gov/municipal-court/ |
Useful Links
- Kansas Judicial Branch - Home - Visit the Kansas Judicial Branch website for comprehensive information on court services, records, and legal procedures statewide.
- Cherokee County Kansas Government - Access local resources, court information, and public records in Cherokee County through the official government website.
- Kansas County Courts - Access to Judicial Services - Find comprehensive resources for county court services including court records across all Kansas counties for public access.
- Public Court Records - Kansas Judicial Branch - Offers insights into accessing public court records within Kansas, providing forms and procedural guidelines.
- Kansas Attorney General's Office - Concealed Carry Licensing - Pertinent legal forms and information regarding concealed carry within Kansas, ensuring compliance with state regulations.
- Kansas Legal Services - Home - Non-profit organization providing legal aid, ensuring accessible legal support for low-income residents throughout Kansas.
- Kansas Sheriffs' Association - Welcome - A source for law enforcement information, updates, and related links concerning county sheriffs' offices in Kansas.
- Legal Forms - Family Law Forms - Kansas Judicial Council - Explore essential family law forms, guidance for completions, and other family legal resources available in Kansas.
- Kansas Criminal History Record Checks - Official platform through which individuals can request criminal history background checks in the state of Kansas.
- Kansas State Legislature - Revisor of Statutes - Access and review the Kansas Statutes, providing legal alerts, bill tracking, and reference materials for legal research.
- Kansas Bar Association - Welcome - Professional resource for attorneys and the public, offering a host of legal resources, events, and updates from the KBA.
- Kansas Appleseed - Home - Advocacy and policy-focused resource aimed at ensuring justice and legal reform efforts in Kansas through public interest.
- Cherokee County Public Access Court Records - Online portal for accessing Cherokee County public court records, featuring case searches and calendar information.
- Kansas Courts Directory - Searchable directory offering contact details and information for local courts throughout the state of Kansas.
- Kansas Payment Center - Child Support Services - Vital information and services addressing child support payments and case management within the Kansas Payment System.
- Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) - Home - Providing educational resources, insights into legal educational mandates, and state-wise regulatory compliance in education.
- National Association for Dispute Resolution - Organization offering resources, mediator referrals, and information on alternative dispute resolution for Kansas residents.
- Johnson County Bar Association - Home - Resource enhancing understanding and accessibility of court-related functions offering attorney referrals and legal resources.
- Pine Tree Legal Assistance - Courts & Court Procedures - Repository providing general court procedural information applicable across states, beneficial for understanding court protocols.
- FindLaw - State Law Resources - Diverse legal resource offering access to state-specific insights, legal guidelines, attorney directories, and related information.
Table of Contents
- Cherokee County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Cherokee County Court Records
- Cherokee County Court Statistics (FY 2024)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Cherokee County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Cherokee County?
- How Does Cherokee County Compare With Kansas Overall?
- Cherokee County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Cherokee County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Cherokee County?
- Are Cherokee County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Cherokee County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Cherokee County
- Cherokee County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links