Shawnee 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 Shawnee County District Court is part of the 3rd Judicial District of Kansas. It hears felonies, misdemeanors, civil, domestic relations, probate, juvenile, and traffic cases, and the Clerk of the District Court keeps its records.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Court Name | Clerk of the District Court, Shawnee County, 3rd Judicial District of Kansas |
| Main Address | 200 SE 7th St., Suite 209, Topeka, KS 66603 |
| Main Phone | 785-251-6700 |
| Website | www.shawneecourt.org |
| Courthouse Locations | 1 (Topeka) |
| Handles | Felonies, misdemeanors, civil and limited civil cases, domestic relations, probate, juvenile, and traffic cases heard in district court |
| Does NOT Handle | Federal cases (U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas), city ordinance cases (municipal courts), and parking tickets (issuing agency) |
| Records Kept By | Clerk of the District Court |
How to Search Shawnee County Court Records
Have the full name, the case number if you know it, and approximate dates ready before you search. The Clerk of the District Court in Topeka keeps Shawnee County district court records.
Online
Go to kscourts.gov for official Kansas Judicial Branch court information.
Use it to find general court information and contact pages.
Best for: Finding general court information
In Person
Go to 200 SE 7th St., Suite 209, Topeka, KS 66603.
Bring the case number and party names if you have them.
Ask the clerk which office handles your case type.
Best for: Records and copies not available online
By Phone
Call 785-251-6700 to reach the Clerk of the District Court.
Have the full name and case number ready before you call.
Ask the clerk which records are available to request.
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
Shawnee County Court Statistics (FY 2024)
Shawnee County courts handled an estimated 23,661 new cases in FY 2024 and disposed of an estimated 23,062. The estimate scales Kansas statewide totals by the county's share of state population.
~23,661
Total filings in FY 2024
~23,062
Total dispositions in FY 2024
~1,479
Filings per judicial position (16 estimated positions)
~+3.9%
Change in total filings vs FY 2023
| Metric | FY 2024 | FY 2023 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Filings | ~23,661 | ~22,762 | ~+3.9% |
| Total Dispositions | ~23,062 | ~22,283 | ~+3.5% |
| Criminal Filings | ~11,082 | ~10,782 | ~+2.8% |
| Civil Filings | ~7,188 | ~6,889 | ~+4.3% |
| Family Law Filings | ~1,797 | ~1,797 | ~+0.0% |
| Probate Filings | ~899 | ~887 | ~+1.4% |
| Mental Health Filings | ~300 | ~294 | ~+2.0% |
| Juvenile Filings | ~449 | ~437 | ~+2.7% |
| Authorized Judicial Positions | ~16 | ~16 | ~0.0% |
The largest category movement was in criminal filings. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: Kansas statewide figures scaled by Shawnee County's 5.99% share of the state population.
How Have Court Filings Changed in Shawnee County?
Estimated total filings in Shawnee 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 | ~23,661 | ~23,062 | ~+3.9% |
| FY 2023 | ~22,762 | ~22,283 | ~+5.6% |
| FY 2022 | ~21,564 | ~21,085 | ~+4.3% |
| FY 2021 | ~20,666 | ~19,767 | ~+1.5% |
| FY 2020 | ~20,366 | ~19,168 | ~+1.5% |
Estimated filings changed +16.2% between FY 2020 and FY 2024, from 20,366 to 23,661. 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 Shawnee County's 5.99% share of the state population.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Shawnee County?
This table lists the case types that the 3rd Judicial District court handles for Shawnee County. Case counts by type are not stated on this page.
| Case Type | Where It Is Heard | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Felonies | District Court | Handled by the Clerk of the District Court |
| Misdemeanors | District Court | City ordinance violations go to municipal court |
| Traffic | District Court or municipal court | Depends on the citation |
| Civil and limited civil | District Court | Filed with the Clerk of the District Court |
| Family law (domestic relations) | District Court | Filed with the Clerk of the District Court |
| Probate | District Court | Filed with the Clerk of the District Court |
| Juvenile | District Court | Juvenile records are restricted |
| City ordinance violations | Municipal court | Not heard in district court |
How Does Shawnee County Compare With Kansas Overall?
Shawnee County is estimated to account for about 5.99% of the 395,000 cases filed in Kansas courts in FY 2024.
| Metric | Shawnee County | Kansas | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | ~23,661 | 395,000 | ~5.99% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | ~+3.9% | +3.9% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Filings per judicial position | ~1,479 | 1,463 | Estimated at the state level |
| Dispositions per judicial position equivalent | ~1,441 | 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 Shawnee County's 5.99% share of the state population.
Shawnee County Crime Statistics (2025)
These figures are Kansas statewide totals as reported to the FBI, not counts for Shawnee 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 Shawnee County with the state. The property crimes total includes arson, so it is larger than the sum of the property offenses listed above.
Shawnee County Courthouse Locations
Shawnee County has 1 district court courthouse location. Check your citation or notice for the office or courtroom before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shawnee County Courthouse | 200 SE 7th St., Suite 209, Topeka, KS 66603 | 785-251-6700 | Clerk of the District Court |
Which Court Handles Your Case in Shawnee County?
Shawnee County cases are generally handled by the 3rd Judicial District court, with the Clerk of the District Court keeping records. Matters outside the district court, such as parking tickets and federal cases, are handled by other bodies.
| Your Situation | Go To | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic ticket | District Court or municipal court | The citation shows which court handles the case. |
| Parking ticket | The agency that issued the ticket | Parking tickets are not handled by the district court. |
| Misdemeanor | District Court | Misdemeanors are heard in district court. |
| Felony | District Court | Felonies are heard by the district court. |
| DUI | District Court or municipal court | Check the charge on your paperwork to confirm the court. |
| Domestic violence | District Court | Ask the Clerk of the District Court about protection orders. |
| Civil lawsuit | District Court | Civil cases are filed with the Clerk of the District Court. |
| Small claims | District Court | Filed with the Clerk of the District Court. |
| Eviction | District Court | Filed with the Clerk of the District Court. |
| Divorce | District Court | Domestic relations cases are heard in district court. |
| Child custody or support | District Court | Domestic relations cases are heard in district court. |
| Probate or estate | District Court | Probate matters are handled in district court. |
| Juvenile case | District Court | Juvenile proceedings are restricted. |
| Appeal | Kansas Court of Appeals or Kansas Supreme Court | Appeals go to the appellate courts, not the district court. |
Are Shawnee County Court Records Public?
Yes, most Shawnee County district court records are public, with exceptions set by Kansas law and court rules.
Public records
Under Kansas Supreme Court Rule 196 (access to court records), the public may inspect most district court records kept by the Clerk of the District Court. Open records of public agencies are governed by the Kansas Open Records Act (K.S.A. 45-215 et seq.).
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. Learn more at kscourts.gov. Online access does not guarantee that every document is available.
In-person access
Visit the Clerk of the District Court at 200 SE 7th St., Suite 209, Topeka, KS 66603 to view or request records. Call 785-251-6700 to confirm which office holds your case.
Fees
This page does not state court fees for Shawnee County. Ask the Clerk of the District Court about fees before you request copies.
How to Search Shawnee County Court Records Online
Kansas district court case information for Shawnee County is requested through the Clerk of the District Court, and not every document is available online.
- Identify the case type, such as criminal, traffic, civil, small claims, family law, probate, or juvenile.
- Start at kscourts.gov for official Kansas Judicial Branch information.
- Contact the Clerk of the District Court at 785-251-6700 with the party name or case number.
- Review the case details the clerk provides, such as status and scheduled dates.
- Request documents that are not available online from the clerk.
| Case Type | Where to Search | What You'll Find | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | Clerk of the District Court | Case information from the clerk | Some records may require a request to the clerk |
| Traffic | Clerk of the District Court | Case information from the clerk | Confirm the court on the citation |
| Civil | Clerk of the District Court | Case information from the clerk | Sealed or restricted filings are not released |
| Small claims | Clerk of the District Court | Case information from the clerk | Confirm with the clerk which court holds the case |
| Family law | Clerk of the District Court | Domestic relations case information | Confidential details are restricted |
| Probate | Clerk of the District Court | Probate file information | Confirm the file with the clerk |
| Juvenile | Clerk of the District Court | Limited information through the clerk | Juvenile proceedings are not publicly available |
How to Pay Fines & Citations in Shawnee County
Shawnee County court payments are handled through the Clerk of the District Court, and this page lists only the methods verified for this county.
- In person: Pay at the Clerk of the District Court at 200 SE 7th St., Suite 209, Topeka, KS 66603, and ask which payment types are accepted.
- By phone: Call 785-251-6700 to ask the clerk about payment options for your case.
Parking tickets are handled by the agency that issued them, not by the district court.
Shawnee County Court Records FAQ
How do I search Shawnee County court records?
Contact the Clerk of the District Court at 200 SE 7th St., Suite 209, Topeka, KS 66603, or call 785-251-6700. General Judicial Branch information is at kscourts.gov.
Are Shawnee County court records public?
Most are, under Kansas Supreme Court Rule 196, but juvenile, sealed, expunged, and protective-order-restricted records are not publicly available.
How do I find a criminal case?
Call the Clerk of the District Court at 785-251-6700 with the defendant's full name and approximate dates.
How do I find a court date?
Check your citation or notice first, then call the Clerk of the District Court at 785-251-6700.
How do I pay a traffic ticket?
Call the Clerk of the District Court at 785-251-6700 to confirm the payment options for your citation. Parking tickets go to the issuing agency.
How many cases are filed in Shawnee County each year?
Filing counts are not stated on this page. The county population was 178,607 in 2025.
What is the most common type of case?
Case counts by type are not stated on this page, so the most common type cannot be confirmed here.
Is crime 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
Kansas Supreme CourtMore Info
| Address: | 301 SW 10th Ave., Topeka, KS, 66612 |
| Phone Number: | 785-296-3257 |
| Fax: | 785-296-1863 |
| Website: | http://www.kscourts.org/kansas-courts/supreme-court/justice-bios/default.asp |
Kansas Court of AppealsMore Info
| Address: | 301 SW 10th Avenue, 1st Floor, Topeka, KS, 66612 |
| Phone Number: | 785-296-3257 |
| Fax: | 785-296-1863 |
| Website: | http://www.kscourts.org/kansas-courts/court-of-appeals/judge-bios/default.asp |
Shawnee County District Court (3rd J.D.)More Info
| Address: | 200 SE 7th Street, Suite 209, Topeka, KS, 66603 |
| Phone Number: | 785-251-6700 |
| Fax: | 785-251-4908 |
| Website: | http://www.shawneecourt.org/ |
Municipal Court of Topeka CityMore Info
| Address: | 214 SE 8th Avenue, Topeka, KS, 66603 |
| Phone Number: | 785-368-3776 |
| Fax: | 785-368-3782 |
| Website: | https://www.topeka.org/municipalcourt/ |
Topeka Municipal CourtMore Info
| Address: | 214 SE 8th Avenue, Topeka, KS, 66603 |
| Phone Number: | (785) 368-3776 |
| Fax: | (785) 368-3782 |
| Website: | https://www.topeka.org/municipalcourt/ |
Useful Links
- Shawnee County District Court Homepage - Access Shawnee County court services, records, and schedules on the official district court website.
- Civil Division - Shawnee County District Court - Learn about civil case processes and access forms and instructions for filing civil cases in Shawnee County.
- Criminal Division - Shawnee County District Court - Offers information on criminal case processing, procedures, and access to criminal court records.
- Family Court - Shawnee County District Court - Provides information on family law cases, including divorce, custody, and child support matters in Shawnee County.
- Self-Help Resources - Shawnee County District Court - Access self-help legal resources, FAQs, and links to additional assistance for self-represented litigants.
- Shawnee County Sheriff Detention Center - View inmate information, booking records, and detention facility details for Shawnee County.
- Victim Services - Kansas Attorney General - Resources and support for crime victims in Kansas, including rights, compensation, and advocacy services.
- Kansas Courts - Public Access - Statewide search portal for accessing public case records in Kansas court system, including Shawnee County.
- Kansas State University Libraries - Legal Resources - Directory for legal research guides and links to resources related to courts and law in Kansas.
- Public Resources - Kansas Bar Association - Legal guides, lawyer directories, and public information resources from the Kansas Bar Association.
- Kansas Legal Services - Free Legal Assistance - Provides legal advice, representation, and community education to low income Kansans.
- Kansas Legal Services - Pro Bono Opportunities - Information about volunteering and pro bono work to provide legal assistance to those in need.
- Cases and Opinions - Kansas Judicial Branch - Search Kansas Court of Appeals and Supreme Court opinions and case summaries.
- Kansas Judicial Branch - Centralized Case Management System - Introduction to Kansas' centralized system for managing and accessing court case information across the state.
- Kansas District Court Public Access Portal - A search portal for public records in Kansas District Courts, offering comprehensive access to case information.
- Kansas Judicial Council - Legal Publications and Resources - Publishes handbooks, reports, and develops legal forms to improve justice delivery in Kansas.
- Kansas State University - Libraries - Access library resources and research assistance, useful for legal research and understanding court systems.
- Records Division - Shawnee County Sheriff's Office - Instructions and contact information for obtaining criminal records from Shawnee County Sheriff's Office.
- 18th District Court Judges Directory - Find information about the judges serving in the 18th District Court, including profiles and contact details.
- Access Kansas - Judicial Branch Public Information - Centralized access to Kansas court services, judicial news, and directory of courts and offices statewide.
Table of Contents
- Shawnee County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Shawnee County Court Records
- Shawnee County Court Statistics (FY 2024)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Shawnee County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Shawnee County?
- How Does Shawnee County Compare With Kansas Overall?
- Shawnee County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Shawnee County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Shawnee County?
- Are Shawnee County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Shawnee County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Shawnee County
- Shawnee County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links