Douglas 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 District Court of Douglas County, in the 7th Judicial District, is the county's trial court. It hears felonies, misdemeanors, traffic, civil, domestic relations, probate, and juvenile cases, and the Clerk of the District Court keeps its records.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Court Name | District Court of Douglas County (7th Judicial District); Clerk of the District Court: Douglas Hamilton |
| Main Address | Judicial and Law Enforcement Center, 111 E 11th St., Lawrence, KS 66044-2966 |
| Main Phone | 785-832-5256 |
| Website | www.douglascountyks.org/depts/district-court |
| Courthouse Locations | 1 (Lawrence) |
| Handles | Felonies, misdemeanors, traffic, civil and limited civil cases, domestic relations, probate, and juvenile matters, heard by the District Court |
| Does NOT Handle | Federal cases (U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas); city ordinance cases (municipal courts); parking tickets (citing city or agency); appeals (Kansas Court of Appeals and Kansas Supreme Court) |
How to Search Douglas County Court Records
Have the person's full name, the case number if you know it, and approximate dates ready before you search. The Clerk of the District Court keeps Douglas County court records.
Online
Go to kscourts.gov for Kansas Judicial Branch district court information.
Ask the Clerk of the District Court whether records can be searched online.
No county case search link is verified for this section.
Best for: Finding official court contact information
In Person
Go to the Judicial and Law Enforcement Center, 111 E 11th St., Lawrence, KS 66044-2966.
Bring the case number and party names if you have them.
Ask the Clerk of the District Court for records and copies.
Best for: Records and copies not available online
By Phone
Call 785-832-5256 to ask the Clerk what records you need.
Have the full name, case number, and approximate dates ready.
Confirm the Clerk's request steps before you visit the courthouse.
Best for: Confirming what the Clerk needs first
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
Douglas County Court Statistics (FY 2024)
Douglas County courts handled an estimated 16,221 new cases in FY 2024 and disposed of an estimated 15,810. The estimate scales Kansas statewide totals by the county's share of state population.
~16,221
Total filings in FY 2024
~15,810
Total dispositions in FY 2024
~1,475
Filings per judicial position (11 estimated positions)
~+3.9%
Change in total filings vs FY 2023
| Metric | FY 2024 | FY 2023 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Filings | ~16,221 | ~15,605 | ~+3.9% |
| Total Dispositions | ~15,810 | ~15,276 | ~+3.5% |
| Criminal Filings | ~7,597 | ~7,392 | ~+2.8% |
| Civil Filings | ~4,928 | ~4,723 | ~+4.3% |
| Family Law Filings | ~1,232 | ~1,232 | ~+0.0% |
| Probate Filings | ~616 | ~608 | ~+1.3% |
| Mental Health Filings | ~205 | ~201 | ~+2.0% |
| Juvenile Filings | ~308 | ~300 | ~+2.7% |
| Authorized Judicial Positions | ~11 | ~11 | ~0.0% |
The largest category movement was in criminal filings. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: Kansas statewide figures scaled by Douglas County's 4.11% share of the state population.
How Have Court Filings Changed in Douglas County?
Estimated total filings in Douglas 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 | ~16,221 | ~15,810 | ~+3.9% |
| FY 2023 | ~15,605 | ~15,276 | ~+5.6% |
| FY 2022 | ~14,784 | ~14,455 | ~+4.3% |
| FY 2021 | ~14,168 | ~13,552 | ~+1.5% |
| FY 2020 | ~13,962 | ~13,141 | ~+1.5% |
Estimated filings changed +16.2% between FY 2020 and FY 2024, from 13,962 to 16,221. The largest annual change was +5.6% in FY 2023. The latest change of +3.9% reflects statewide Kansas trends. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: Kansas statewide figures scaled by Douglas County's 4.11% share of the state population.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Douglas County?
The District Court of Douglas County hears the case types listed below. This page does not state filing counts for each type.
| Case Type | Heard By |
|---|---|
| Felonies | District Court |
| Nontraffic misdemeanors | District Court |
| Traffic | District Court or municipal court, depending on the citation |
| Civil and limited civil | District Court |
| Domestic relations | District Court |
| Probate | District Court |
| Juvenile | District Court |
| City ordinance cases | Municipal court |
How Does Douglas County Compare With Kansas Overall?
Douglas County is estimated to account for about 4.11% of the 395,000 cases filed in Kansas courts in FY 2024.
| Metric | Douglas County | Kansas | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | ~16,221 | 395,000 | ~4.11% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | ~+3.9% | +3.9% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Filings per judicial position | ~1,475 | 1,463 | Estimated at the state level |
| Dispositions per judicial position equivalent | ~1,437 | 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 Douglas County's 4.11% share of the state population.
Douglas County Crime Statistics (2025)
These figures are Kansas statewide totals as reported to the FBI, not counts for Douglas 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 (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 Douglas County with the state. The property crimes total includes arson, so it is larger than the sum of the property offenses listed above.
Douglas County Courthouse Locations
The Clerk of the District Court in Douglas County has 1 courthouse location. Check your notice or ticket for the courthouse and office assigned to your case before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Judicial and Law Enforcement Center | 111 E 11th St., Lawrence, KS 66044-2966 | 785-832-5256 | See location page: kscourts.gov |
Which Court Handles Your Case in Douglas County?
The District Court hears most Douglas County criminal, civil, and family cases, and the Clerk of the District Court keeps the case records. Matters handled outside the court are flagged below.
| Your Situation | Go To | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic ticket | Municipal court or District Court | The citation shows which court handles the charge. |
| Parking ticket | The citing city or agency | Parking tickets are not handled by the District Court. |
| Misdemeanor | District Court | The District Court hears misdemeanor cases. |
| Felony | District Court | The District Court hears felony cases. |
| DUI | District Court | Contact the Clerk of the District Court to confirm the case route. |
| Domestic violence | District Court | Protective-order matters are handled by the District Court. |
| Civil lawsuit | District Court | The District Court hears civil and limited civil cases. |
| Small claims | District Court | Contact the Clerk of the District Court at 785-832-5256 to confirm filing steps. |
| Eviction | District Court | Contact the Clerk of the District Court at 785-832-5256 to confirm filing steps. |
| Divorce | District Court | The District Court hears domestic relations cases. |
| Child custody or support | District Court | The District Court hears domestic relations cases. |
| Probate or estate | District Court | The District Court hears probate matters. |
| Juvenile case | District Court | Juvenile records are restricted from public access. |
| Appeal | Kansas Court of Appeals or Kansas Supreme Court | Appeals from the District Court go to the appellate courts. |
Are Douglas County Court Records Public?
Yes, most Douglas County district court records are public, with exceptions. Kansas Supreme Court Rule 196 governs access to court records, and the Kansas Open Records Act (K.S.A. 45-215 et seq.) governs public agency records.
Public records
Most district court case files are open to the public under the Kansas Supreme Court's rules 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 Judicial Branch's public access portal, KansasCourtAccess.org, shows case information but not every document. Online results are not official court records, and restricted records are not publicly available.
In-person access
Visit the Clerk of the District Court at 111 E 11th St., Lawrence, KS 66044-2966 to view or request records. Call 785-832-5256 to confirm which office holds your file.
Fees
This section does not list copy or search fees, since none are stated in the verified county records. Ask the Clerk before you request copies.
How to Search Douglas County Court Records Online
Use the Kansas Judicial Branch's public access portal to look up Douglas County case information, and ask the Clerk of the District Court for documents that are not online.
- Identify the case type, such as criminal, traffic, civil, small claims, family law, probate, or juvenile.
- Go to KansasCourtAccess.org and search by name or case number.
- Review the case details shown, including parties and case status.
- Confirm results with the Clerk of the District Court, since they are not official court records.
- Call 785-832-5256 to request documents that are not available online.
| Case Type | Where to Search | What You'll Find | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | KansasCourtAccess.org | Case information for the matter | Documents may require the Clerk |
| Traffic | KansasCourtAccess.org | Case information for the matter | Confirm the citation and court with the Clerk |
| Civil | KansasCourtAccess.org | Case information for the matter | Documents may require the Clerk |
| Small claims | KansasCourtAccess.org | Case information for the matter | Documents may require the Clerk |
| Family law | KansasCourtAccess.org | Case information for the matter | Confidential details are restricted |
| Probate | Clerk of the District Court at 785-832-5256 | Probate case information through the Clerk | Confirm availability with the Clerk |
| Juvenile | Clerk of the District Court at 785-832-5256 | Not publicly available | Juvenile records are restricted |
How to Pay Fines & Citations in Douglas County
Confirm current payment methods with the Clerk of the District Court before you pay a traffic citation or criminal fine.
- In person: Visit the Clerk of the District Court at 111 E 11th St., Lawrence, KS 66044-2966. Ask about traffic citations and criminal fines before you pay.
- By phone: Call 785-832-5256 to ask about payment options and your balance.
- Clerk website: Review the payment information at the district court website.
Parking tickets are handled by the agency that issued the ticket, not by the District Court.
Douglas County Court Records FAQ
How do I search Douglas County court records?
Call the Clerk of the District Court at 785-832-5256 or visit the courthouse at 111 E 11th St., Lawrence. You can also search by name at KansasCourtAccess.org.
Are Douglas County court records public?
Most are, but juvenile, sealed, expunged, adoption, and protective-order-restricted records are not publicly available.
How do I find a criminal case?
Search by name at KansasCourtAccess.org, then confirm the results with the Clerk of the District Court, since they are not official court records.
How do I find a court date?
Check your ticket or notice first, then call the Clerk of the District Court at 785-832-5256.
How do I pay a traffic ticket?
Contact the Clerk of the District Court at 785-832-5256 to confirm the payment methods available for your citation.
How many cases are filed in Douglas County each year?
County filing counts are not stated on this page. The county's 2025 population was 121,989, according to Census estimates.
What is the most common type of case?
This page does not state case counts by type. The District Court hears felonies, misdemeanors, traffic, civil, domestic relations, probate, and juvenile matters.
What is the crime trend in Kansas 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
Douglas County District Court (7th J.D.)More Info
| Address: | 111 East 11th Street, Lawrence, KS, 66044 |
| Phone Number: | 785-832-5256 |
| Fax: | 785-832-5174 |
| Website: | https://www.douglascountyks.org/depts/district-court |
Lawrence Municipal CourtMore Info
| Address: | One Riverfront Plaza Suite 310, Lawrence, KS, 66044 |
| Phone Number: | (785) 832-6190 |
| Fax: | (785) 832-6199 |
| Website: | https://lawrenceks.org/attorney/municipal-court/ |
Eudora Municipal CourtMore Info
| Address: | 930 Main Street, Eudora, KS, 66025 |
| Phone Number: | (785) 542-4113 |
| Fax: | (785) 542-2804 |
| Website: | https://www.cityofeudoraks.gov/75/Municipal-Court |
Baldwin City Municipal CourtMore Info
| Address: | 803 High Street, Baldwin City, KS, 66006 |
| Phone Number: | (785) 594-6821 |
| Website: | https://www.douglascountyks.org/external-agencies/baldwin-city-municipal-court |
Useful Links
- Douglas County District Court - Official Website Visit this page for district court services, case inquiries, hearing schedules and other essential court-related resources.
- Kansas Judicial Council - Improving the Administration of Justice This site offers comprehensive guidance on judicial processes, legislation changes, and model law forms for Kansas residents.
- Kansas Judicial Branch - Court Information & Resources Access statewide court information, including docket searches, e-filing, self-help resources and court rules in Kansas.
- Kansas County Courts - Public Services & Resources Find links to county court websites across Kansas, information on court services, case lookup and records access.
- Kansas 18th Judicial District Court - Official Website The 18th Judicial District Court provides resources about court operations, online records search and family court services.
- Lawrence, Kansas City Attorney - Legal Services Information Offers legal resources and guidance on navigating municipal court operations as well as community-related legal matters.
- Kansas Legal Services - Legal Aid & Resources for Kansans This non-profit provides legal aid services, self-help documents, and educational materials for low-income individuals in Kansas.
- Douglas County Jail - Inmate Search and Information Find information on jail operations, inmate records, visitation policies, and contacts for the Douglas County Jail.
- Kansas District Court Public Access Portal Use this portal for public access to district court records in Kansas, including case status and parties involved.
- KanPay - Kansas Court Payments Online Make secure payments online for court fines, fees, and other services through the centralized KanPay system.
- Lawrence Public Library - Legal Resources & Community Services Offers access to legal documents, resources, and workshops, aiding individuals in legal research and community services.
- Douglas County, KS - Comprehensive Service Directory Explore a directory of county services, including links to public records, legal services, and local governance.
- Kansas State High School Activities Association Offers regulations, policy documents, and resources for student-related legal and regulatory school matters in Kansas.
- ACLU of Kansas - Protecting Civil Liberties Discover resources on civil liberties and human rights protections, including legal advocacy and case studies.
- Kansas Bar Association - Ethics Opinions & Legal Guidance Provides ethical guidelines, legal opinions, and resources for practicing attorneys and legal professionals in Kansas.
- PlainLanguage.gov - Promoting Legal Understanding Government-backed site helping citizens understand legal documents and regulations in simple, straightforward language.
- Douglas County, KS Coroner's Office - Official Information Official information on coroner's services, death investigations, and procedures handled by the Douglas County Coroner's Office.
- National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers - Legal Advocacy Includes resources on criminal defense rights, legal reform, and assistance for individuals navigating the criminal justice system.
- CourtReference.com - Kansas Courts Directory Online directory providing links and information for all court levels in Kansas, facilitating legal navigation and research.
- Kansas Divorce Online Resource - Information & Filing Useful resource for those seeking guidance and forms to understand and file divorce proceedings in Kansas.
Table of Contents
- Douglas County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Douglas County Court Records
- Douglas County Court Statistics (FY 2024)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Douglas County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Douglas County?
- How Does Douglas County Compare With Kansas Overall?
- Douglas County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Douglas County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Douglas County?
- Are Douglas County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Douglas County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Douglas County
- Douglas County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links