Norton 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 Norton County District Court, part of Kansas' 17th Judicial District, handles felonies, misdemeanors, civil cases, domestic relations, probate, juvenile matters, and traffic cases. The Clerk of the District Court keeps its court records.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Court Name | Norton County District Court (17th Judicial District, Kansas) |
| Clerk of the District Court | Janelle Morel |
| Main Address | 101 S Kansas Ave., PO Box 70, Norton, KS 67654 |
| Main Phone | 785-877-5720 (Norton) |
| Website | nortoncountyks.gov |
| Courthouse Locations | 1 (Norton) |
| Handles | Felonies, misdemeanors, civil cases, domestic relations, probate, juvenile matters, and traffic cases |
| Does NOT Handle | Federal cases (U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas), city ordinance cases (municipal courts), and parking tickets (the citing city or agency) |
How to Search Norton County Court Records
Have Norton County case details ready before you search, including the person's full name, the case number if you know it, and approximate dates. Cases are kept by the Clerk of the District Court.
Online
Go to nortoncountyks.gov for the Norton County court page.
Check the page for county court information and contacts.
Confirm any online case search with the clerk before you rely on it.
Best for: General court information and contacts
In Person
Go to 101 S Kansas Ave., PO Box 70, Norton, KS 67654.
Bring the case number and party names if you have them.
Ask the Clerk of the District Court about records and copies.
Best for: Records and copies not available online
By Phone
Call 785-877-5720 to ask the Clerk of the District Court about records.
Confirm which courthouse holds your case before you call.
Best for: Confirming what the clerk needs for a request
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
Norton County Court Statistics (FY 2024)
Norton County courts handled an estimated 709 new cases in FY 2024 and disposed of an estimated 691. The estimate scales Kansas statewide totals by the county's share of state population.
~709
Total filings in FY 2024
~691
Total dispositions in FY 2024
~709
Filings per judicial position (1 estimated positions)
~+4.0%
Change in total filings vs FY 2023
| Metric | FY 2024 | FY 2023 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Filings | ~709 | ~682 | ~+4.0% |
| Total Dispositions | ~691 | ~668 | ~+3.4% |
| Criminal Filings | ~332 | ~323 | ~+2.8% |
| Civil Filings | ~216 | ~207 | ~+4.3% |
| Family Law Filings | ~54 | ~54 | ~+0.0% |
| Probate Filings | ~27 | ~27 | ~+0.0% |
| Mental Health Filings | ~9 | ~9 | ~+0.0% |
| Juvenile Filings | ~13 | ~13 | ~+0.0% |
| 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 Norton County's 0.18% share of the state population.
How Have Court Filings Changed in Norton County?
Estimated total filings in Norton 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 | ~709 | ~691 | ~+4.0% |
| FY 2023 | ~682 | ~668 | ~+5.4% |
| FY 2022 | ~647 | ~632 | ~+4.4% |
| FY 2021 | ~620 | ~593 | ~+1.5% |
| FY 2020 | ~611 | ~575 | ~+1.5% |
Estimated filings changed +16.0% between FY 2020 and FY 2024, from 611 to 709. The largest annual change was +5.4% in FY 2023. The latest change of +4.0% reflects statewide Kansas trends. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: Kansas statewide figures scaled by Norton County's 0.18% share of the state population.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Norton County?
The Norton County District Court hears the case types listed below. Filing counts by case type are not stated on this page.
| Case Type | Where Heard | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Felonies | District Court | Criminal cases; the Clerk of the District Court keeps the records |
| Misdemeanors | District Court | Criminal cases; the Clerk of the District Court keeps the records |
| Traffic | District Court; municipal court for some city ordinance cases | Check the citation for the court named on it |
| Civil and limited civil | District Court | Civil disputes, including limited civil cases |
| Domestic relations | District Court | Divorce, custody, and support matters |
| Probate | District Court | Probate matters |
| Juvenile | District Court | Juvenile matters; juvenile records are restricted |
| City ordinance violations | Municipal court | Handled outside the district court |
How Does Norton County Compare With Kansas Overall?
Norton County is estimated to account for about 0.18% of the 395,000 cases filed in Kansas courts in FY 2024.
| Metric | Norton County | Kansas | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | ~709 | 395,000 | ~0.18% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | ~+4.0% | +3.9% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Filings per judicial position | ~709 | 1,463 | Estimated at the state level |
| Dispositions per judicial position equivalent | ~691 | 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 Norton County's 0.18% share of the state population.
Norton County Crime Statistics (2025)
These figures are Kansas statewide totals as reported to the FBI, not counts for Norton 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 Norton County with the state. The property crimes total includes arson, so it is larger than the sum of the property offenses listed above.
Norton County Courthouse Locations
Norton County has 1 courthouse location, in Norton. Check your notice or citation for the courthouse assigned to your case.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Norton County Courthouse (Norton) | 101 S Kansas Ave., PO Box 70, Norton, KS 67654 | 785-877-5720 | See location page |
Which Court Handles Your Case in Norton County?
All felonies, misdemeanors, civil, domestic relations, probate, juvenile, and most traffic cases in Norton County are heard by the District Court. Federal cases go to the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas.
| Your Situation | Go To | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic ticket | District Court | Traffic citations are heard by the district court, and some city ordinance cases go to municipal court. |
| Parking ticket | The citing city or agency | Parking tickets are handled by the agency that issued them, not the district court. |
| Misdemeanor | District Court | Misdemeanor cases are heard by the district court. |
| Felony | District Court | Felony cases are heard by the district court. |
| DUI | District Court | DUI cases are heard by the district court, and city ordinance DUI may go to municipal court. |
| Domestic violence | District Court | Criminal charges and protection orders are heard by the district court. |
| Civil lawsuit | District Court | Civil cases, including limited civil cases, are heard by the district court. |
| Small claims | District Court | Civil claims are heard by the district court, which keeps the case records. |
| Eviction | District Court | Eviction cases are filed with the district court as civil cases. |
| Divorce | District Court | Domestic relations cases are heard by the district court. |
| Child custody or support | District Court | 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 cases are heard by the district court, and juvenile records are restricted. |
| Appeal | Kansas Court of Appeals or Kansas Supreme Court | Appeals from the district court go to a Kansas appellate court. |
Are Norton County Court Records Public?
Yes, most Norton County district court records are public, with exceptions set by Kansas law and court rules.
Public records
Most district court case files, including dockets, filings, and orders, are open to the public under Kansas Supreme Court Rule 196 and the court's own rules. The Kansas Open Records Act (K.S.A. 45-215 et seq.) governs public agency records.
Restricted or confidential records
Juvenile, sealed, expunged, adoption, and protective-order-restricted records are not publicly available.
Online access
The Kansas Judicial Branch publishes court information, and Norton County case information can be searched on KansasCourtAccess.org. Online results are not official court records, show case information rather than every document, and do not show restricted cases.
In-person access
Visit the Clerk of the District Court at 101 S Kansas Ave., PO Box 70, Norton, KS 67654 to view or request records. Call 785-877-5720 to confirm which courthouse holds your case.
Fees
This page does not list court fees. Ask the Clerk of the District Court about copy costs before you request records.
How to Search Norton County Court Records Online
Use KansasCourtAccess.org and the Clerk of the District Court to search Norton County district court cases, and ask the clerk 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 to search Kansas district court case information.
- Search by party name or case number and note the case number from the results.
- Review the case details, then confirm them with the court, since online results are not official court records.
- Call the Clerk of the District Court at 785-877-5720 to request documents that are not online.
| Case Type | Where to Search | What You'll Find | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | KansasCourtAccess.org, then the clerk | Case information if listed | Full documents may require the clerk |
| Traffic | KansasCourtAccess.org, then the clerk | Case information if listed | Confirm with the clerk which traffic records are online |
| Civil | KansasCourtAccess.org, then the clerk | Case information if listed | Sealed or restricted filings are not shown |
| Small claims | KansasCourtAccess.org, then the clerk | Case information if listed | Documents may require the clerk |
| Family law | KansasCourtAccess.org, then the clerk | Case information if listed | Confidential details are restricted |
| Probate | Clerk of the District Court, 785-877-5720 | Case information through the clerk | Confirm with the clerk which probate records are online |
| Juvenile | Clerk of the District Court, 785-877-5720 | Case information through the clerk only | Juvenile proceedings are restricted and not in the public portal |
How to Pay Fines & Citations in Norton County
This page lists only the payment contacts it can verify for Norton County. Check your citation for the exact instructions before you pay.
- By phone: Call the Clerk of the District Court at 785-877-5720 to ask which payment methods the court accepts.
- In person: Go to 101 S Kansas Ave., PO Box 70, Norton, KS 67654 and ask the clerk how to pay. Confirm which courthouse handles your case first.
Parking tickets are handled by the city or agency that issued them, not by the district court.
Norton County Court Records FAQ
How do I search Norton County court records?
Search by name on KansasCourtAccess.org, or call the Clerk of the District Court at 785-877-5720 to request records.
Are Norton County court records public?
Yes, most are, under Kansas Supreme Court Rule 196, but juvenile, sealed, expunged, adoption, and protective-order-restricted records are not publicly available.
How do I find a criminal case?
Search by name on KansasCourtAccess.org, or call the Clerk of the District Court at 785-877-5720 with the defendant's name.
How do I find a court date?
Check your notice or citation first, then call the Clerk of the District Court at 785-877-5720 to confirm the date.
How do I pay a traffic ticket?
Call the Clerk of the District Court at 785-877-5720 to ask which payment methods the court accepts, or go to the courthouse in person.
How many cases are filed in Norton County each year?
This page does not state filing counts for Norton County. Its 2025 population was 5,288.
What is the most common type of case?
Filing counts by case type are not stated on this page. The District Court hears felonies, misdemeanors, civil, domestic relations, probate, juvenile, and traffic cases.
Is crime in Norton County rising or falling?
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
Norton County District Court (17th J.D.)More Info
| Address: | 101 S Kansas Ave., Norton, KS, 67654 |
| Phone Number: | 785-877-5720 |
| Fax: | 785-877-5722 |
| Website: | https://nortoncounty.org/district-court |
Norton Municipal CourtMore Info
| Address: | 301 E. Washington St, Norton , KS, 67654 |
| Phone Number: | (785) 877-5005 |
| Fax: | (785) 874-3136 |
| Website: | https://www.cityofnorton.com/2186/Municipal-Court |
Useful Links
- Kansas Judicial Branch - Home The Kansas Judicial Branch’s official website provides access to court information, online services, court rules, and contact details for local courts.
- Norton County, Kansas - Official County Website Norton County's official website offers information on county services, departments, and links to judicial and law enforcement resources.
- Eighteenth Judicial District of Kansas District Court The Eighteenth Judicial District provides case information, court services, and contact details for accessing court records and services.
- Kansas Courts and Legal Resources Find legal resources and links to Kansas court information, state libraries, and other legal assistance available for public use.
- Kansas Attorney General The Kansas Attorney General's website features consumer protection, legal opinions, crime victim services, and access to state legal initiatives.
- Kansas County Courts Portal Access the Kansas County Courts Portal for quick links to county court websites and online services across the state.
- Kansas Legal Services - Home Kansas Legal Services offers legal aid resources, guides, and direct assistance for those seeking information on legal matters in Kansas.
- Kansas Judicial Council The Kansas Judicial Council provides valuable information on law revisions, model jury instructions, and conducts studies on judicial matters.
- Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks This website offers resources for outdoor recreation, state park regulations, hunting licenses, and wildlife protection information.
- Kansas State Historical Society Access historical documents, state archives, research materials, and genealogy resources for court history and public records.
- Johnson County District Court The official site for Johnson County District Court offers case management, local rules, and access to public court records.
- Kansas Bar Association Legal Resources Provides public legal education, attorney directory, and professional resources for attorneys practicing within the state of Kansas.
- Kansas Department for Children and Families Offers services related to child support enforcement, family services, and access to resources for families and children in Kansas.
- Kansas Highway Patrol The official website for the Kansas Highway Patrol provides public safety information, reporting guidelines, and services for highway safety.
- District Court of Douglas County Kansas Access court services, case lookup, and filing information through the official Douglas County District Court website.
- Douglas County District Attorney's Office Provides information on criminal appeals, policy directives, victim assistance, and resources from the Douglas County District Attorney.
- Kansas Appleseed Center for Law and Justice Nonprofit organization advocating for social and economic justice, offering reports and resources related to law and policy in Kansas.
- National Safety Council Enhancing safety through education and advocacy, providing resources on safe practices, and links to court-related safety services.
- JumpStart - District of Columbia’s Official Financial Education Platform Focused on improving financial literacy including court expenses and legal fees, providing resources to aid financial decision-making.
- Access Kansas - Online Services Find a variety of state services including vehicle registration, licensing, and links to online court services and public records.
Table of Contents
- Norton County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Norton County Court Records
- Norton County Court Statistics (FY 2024)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Norton County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Norton County?
- How Does Norton County Compare With Kansas Overall?
- Norton County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Norton County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Norton County?
- Are Norton County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Norton County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Norton County
- Norton County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links