Jefferson 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 Jefferson County District Court in Oskaloosa, part of the 2nd Judicial District, is the trial court for the county. It hears felonies, misdemeanors, civil, domestic relations, probate, juvenile, traffic, and limited civil cases.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Court Name | Jefferson County District Court (2nd Judicial District of Kansas) |
| Main Address | Jefferson County Courthouse, 300 Jefferson St., PO Box 327, Oskaloosa, KS 66066 |
| Main Phone | 785-863-2461 |
| Website | kscourts.gov (Kansas Judicial Branch) |
| Clerk of the District Court | Katie Chaney |
| Courthouse Locations | 1 (Oskaloosa) |
| Handles | Felonies, misdemeanors, civil, domestic relations, probate, juvenile, traffic, and limited civil cases |
| Does NOT Handle | Federal cases (U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas), city ordinance cases (municipal courts), appeals (Kansas Court of Appeals and Kansas Supreme Court), and parking tickets (citing agency) |
How to Search Jefferson County Court Records
Have the person's full name, the case number if you know it, and approximate dates ready before you search. Jefferson County court records are kept by the Clerk of the District Court in Oskaloosa.
Online
Go to kscourts.gov for official Kansas Judicial Branch court information.
Check the district court page for current online access options.
Confirm any online result with the Clerk of the District Court.
Best for: Checking current online access options
In Person
Go to 300 Jefferson St., PO Box 327, Oskaloosa, KS 66066.
Bring the case number and party names if you have them.
Ask the Clerk of the District Court staff for your case type.
Best for: Records and copies not available online
By Phone
Call 785-863-2461 to reach the Clerk of the District Court.
Have the case number and party names ready before you call.
Ask which written request methods the office accepts.
Best for: Confirming options before you visit
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
Jefferson County Court Statistics (FY 2024)
Jefferson County courts handled an estimated 2,438 new cases in FY 2024 and disposed of an estimated 2,376. The estimate scales Kansas statewide totals by the county's share of state population.
~2,438
Total filings in FY 2024
~2,376
Total dispositions in FY 2024
~1,219
Filings per judicial position (2 estimated positions)
~+4.0%
Change in total filings vs FY 2023
| Metric | FY 2024 | FY 2023 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Filings | ~2,438 | ~2,345 | ~+4.0% |
| Total Dispositions | ~2,376 | ~2,296 | ~+3.5% |
| Criminal Filings | ~1,142 | ~1,111 | ~+2.8% |
| Civil Filings | ~741 | ~710 | ~+4.4% |
| Family Law Filings | ~185 | ~185 | ~+0.0% |
| Probate Filings | ~93 | ~91 | ~+2.2% |
| Mental Health Filings | ~31 | ~30 | ~+3.3% |
| Juvenile Filings | ~46 | ~45 | ~+2.2% |
| 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 Jefferson County's 0.62% share of the state population.
How Have Court Filings Changed in Jefferson County?
Estimated total filings in Jefferson 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 | ~2,438 | ~2,376 | ~+4.0% |
| FY 2023 | ~2,345 | ~2,296 | ~+5.5% |
| FY 2022 | ~2,222 | ~2,172 | ~+4.4% |
| FY 2021 | ~2,129 | ~2,036 | ~+1.5% |
| FY 2020 | ~2,098 | ~1,975 | ~+1.5% |
Estimated filings changed +16.2% between FY 2020 and FY 2024, from 2,098 to 2,438. 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 Jefferson County's 0.62% share of the state population.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Jefferson County?
The Jefferson County District Court hears felonies, misdemeanors, civil, domestic relations, probate, juvenile, traffic, and limited civil cases. Case counts by type are not stated on this page.
| Case Type | Heard By | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Felonies | District Court | Criminal case type heard by the district court |
| Misdemeanors | District Court | Criminal case type heard by the district court |
| Traffic and limited civil | District Court | Traffic cases may go to municipal court under city ordinance |
| Civil cases | District Court | Includes limited civil cases |
| Domestic relations | District Court | Includes divorce and child custody or support |
| Probate | District Court | Estates and guardianships |
| Juvenile cases | District Court | Juvenile records are not publicly available |
| City ordinance cases | Municipal court | Not heard by the district court |
| Federal cases | U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas | Not heard by the district court |
| Parking tickets | Citing city or agency | Not heard by the district court |
How Does Jefferson County Compare With Kansas Overall?
Jefferson County is estimated to account for about 0.62% of the 395,000 cases filed in Kansas courts in FY 2024.
| Metric | Jefferson County | Kansas | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | ~2,438 | 395,000 | ~0.62% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | ~+4.0% | +3.9% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Filings per judicial position | ~1,219 | 1,463 | Estimated at the state level |
| Dispositions per judicial position equivalent | ~1,188 | 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 Jefferson County's 0.62% share of the state population.
Jefferson County Crime Statistics (2025)
These figures are Kansas statewide totals as reported to the FBI, not counts for Jefferson 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 | 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 Jefferson County with the state. The property crimes total includes arson, so it is larger than the sum of the property offenses listed above.
Jefferson County Courthouse Locations
Jefferson County has 1 district court location, the Jefferson County Courthouse in Oskaloosa. Check your notice or ticket for the division and courtroom before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jefferson County Courthouse (Oskaloosa) | 300 Jefferson St., PO Box 327, Oskaloosa, KS 66066 | 785-863-2461 | See location page |
Which Court Handles Your Case in Jefferson County?
Jefferson County matters are heard by the District Court, and the Clerk of the District Court in Oskaloosa keeps the records. Federal cases go to the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas, and parking tickets go to the agency that issued them.
| Your Situation | Go To | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic ticket | Court named on your citation | Traffic cases go to the municipal court or the district court, depending on the citation. |
| Parking ticket | Citing city or agency | Parking tickets are handled by the agency that issued them, not the district court. |
| Misdemeanor | District Court | Misdemeanors are heard by the district court, with records kept by the clerk in Oskaloosa. |
| Felony | District Court | Felonies are heard by the district court, with records kept by the clerk in Oskaloosa. |
| DUI | District Court, or municipal court for city ordinance charges | Check the charge on your paperwork to confirm which court hears it. |
| Domestic violence | District Court | Domestic relations matters are heard by the district court, so contact the clerk in Oskaloosa. |
| Civil lawsuit | District Court | Civil cases are heard by the district court. |
| Small claims | District Court | Limited civil cases are heard by the district court. |
| Eviction | District Court | Civil matters are heard by the district court, so confirm the process with the clerk. |
| Divorce | District Court, Domestic Relations | Domestic relations cases are heard by the district court. |
| Child custody or support | District Court, Domestic Relations | Domestic relations cases are heard by the district court. |
| Probate or estate | District Court | Probate matters are heard by the district court. |
| Juvenile case | District Court, Juvenile | Juvenile records are not publicly available. |
| Appeal | Kansas Court of Appeals or Kansas Supreme Court | Appeals go to the appellate courts, not the district court. |
Are Jefferson County Court Records Public?
Yes, most Jefferson County court records are public, with exceptions set by Kansas law and court rules.
Public records
Records kept by public agencies are open under 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 Kansas Judicial Branch. Check kscourts.gov for current access, since online results may not include every document.
In-person access
Visit the Clerk of the District Court at 300 Jefferson St., PO Box 327, Oskaloosa, KS 66066, or call 785-863-2461 to confirm how to view or request records.
Fees
Fees are not stated on this page. Ask the Clerk of the District Court about copy costs before you request records.
How to Search Jefferson County Court Records Online
Use the Kansas district court public access portal to search Jefferson County cases, 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.
- Open the Kansas district court public access portal from kscourts.gov.
- 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.
- Call the Clerk of the District Court at 785-863-2461 to request documents that are not online.
| Case Type | Where to Search | What You'll Find | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | Kansas district court public access portal | Case information the portal publishes | Documents may require the clerk |
| Traffic | Kansas district court public access portal | Case information the portal publishes | Documents may require the clerk |
| Civil | Kansas district court public access portal | Case information the portal publishes | Restricted filings are not publicly available |
| Small claims | Kansas district court public access portal | Case information the portal publishes | Documents may require the clerk |
| Family law | Kansas district court public access portal | Case information the portal publishes | Adoption and protective-order-restricted records are not publicly available |
| Probate | Kansas district court public access portal | Case information the portal publishes | Confirm access with the clerk |
| Juvenile | Clerk of the District Court, 785-863-2461 | Case information only through the clerk | Juvenile records are not publicly available |
How to Pay Fines & Citations in Jefferson County
The Clerk of the District Court in Oskaloosa is the verified contact for questions about paying a citation or fine.
- Phone: Call 785-863-2461 to ask which payment options apply to your ticket or case.
- In person: Visit 300 Jefferson St., PO Box 327, Oskaloosa, KS 66066, and ask the clerk about payment options.
Parking tickets are handled by the agency that issued them, not by the District Court.
Jefferson County Court Records FAQ
How do I search Jefferson County court records?
Search by name on KansasCourtAccess.org, or use the Kansas district court public access portal from kscourts.gov. Results on KansasCourtAccess.org are not official court records, so confirm them with the Clerk of the District Court at 785-863-2461.
Are Jefferson County court records public?
Most are, under Kansas Supreme Court Rule 196 and the court's own rules, but juvenile, sealed, expunged, adoption, and protective-order-restricted records are not publicly available.
How do I find a criminal case?
Search by party name on KansasCourtAccess.org, then confirm with the Clerk of the District Court at 785-863-2461.
How do I find a court date?
Check your ticket, notice, or summons, or call the Clerk of the District Court at 785-863-2461.
How do I pay a traffic ticket?
Call the Clerk of the District Court at 785-863-2461 or visit 300 Jefferson St., PO Box 327, Oskaloosa, KS 66066 to confirm which payment options apply to your citation.
How many people live in Jefferson County?
The county had an estimated 18,296 residents in 2025, fell by 11 from 18,307 in 2024.
How does Jefferson County's population compare with Kansas?
Jefferson County's 2025 population is 0.61% of Kansas's 2,977,220 residents. Its population change of -0.06% from 2024 compares with +0.40% statewide.
What is the latest statewide crime trend?
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
Jefferson County District Court (2nd J.D.)More Info
| Address: | 300 Jefferson St., Oskaloosa, KS, 66066 |
| Phone Number: | 785-863-2461 |
| Fax: | 785-863-2369 |
| Website: | https://www.jfcountyks.com/784/District-Court |
Useful Links
- Kansas Judicial Branch - Home Access comprehensive information on Kansas courts, including recent opinions, rules, orders, history, and other judiciary services.
- Jefferson County, Kansas - Official Website Explore government services and resources for Jefferson County, with sections dedicated to court systems and local administration.
- Kansas County Courts - Statewide Directory Find detailed listings of contact information and services offered by all county courts across the state of Kansas.
- Kansas Legal Services - Home A non-profit organization assisting low-income Kansans with various legal services, including guidance on accessing court records.
- Kansas District Courts - Case Management Direct access to district court case management, providing public court records and case filing information statewide.
- Kansas Public Access to Court Information Official resource for accessing Kansas court records online, providing insights into case summaries and filing details.
- Kansas Bar Association - Home Offers professional support and resources for attorneys in Kansas along with public legal education and referral services.
- Kansas Bureau of Investigation - Criminal History Record Search Database that allows public access to criminal history records within Kansas, including Jefferson County, with search options.
- AccessKansas - Kansas Government Information Locator Central hub for finding state agency information and services for Kansas residents, including those related to court systems.
- Kansas Government Jobs Portal Explore employment opportunities within Kansas state government, including positions available at county and district courts.
- Kansas State Legislature - Home Legislative resource for Kansas residents with access to bills, statutes, and other legal and governmental documents.
- Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) Provides electronic public access to federal court records across the U.S., including Kansas federal courts for research purposes.
- Kansas Bureau of Investigation - Missing Persons Statewide missing persons information from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, featuring search tools and reporting options.
- Kansas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers An association providing resources and support for defense attorneys, including advocacy and legal education in Kansas.
- Family Law Services in Kansas Legal resource dedicated to family law services in Kansas, covering court-related guidance on divorce, custody, and more.
- Kansas Historical Society - Home Offers statewide historical archives and records, public access to historical court documents and governmental records in Kansas.
- Kansas Department for Children and Families - Home Provides services related to family well-being, including linkages to court services for child custody and welfare cases.
- Kansas Voter Registration Information Official site for Kansas voter registration, includes guidelines and requirements, indirectly linked to municipal and court jurisdictions.
- Kansas State University - Official Site Educational institution offering legal research and resources in its law program, with public community resources.
- University of Kansas Press Publishing resource providing scholarly publications on Kansas law and its judiciary system, available for public and academic researching.
Table of Contents
- Jefferson County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Jefferson County Court Records
- Jefferson County Court Statistics (FY 2024)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Jefferson County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Jefferson County?
- How Does Jefferson County Compare With Kansas Overall?
- Jefferson County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Jefferson County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Jefferson County?
- Are Jefferson County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Jefferson County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Jefferson County
- Jefferson County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links