Smith 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 the 17th Judicial District serves Smith County and hears felonies, misdemeanors, civil, domestic relations, probate, juvenile, and traffic cases.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Court Name | District Court, 17th Judicial District (Clerk of the District Court, Smith County) |
| Main Address | 218 S Grant St., PO Box 273, Smith Center, KS 66967-0273 |
| Main Phone | 785-282-5140 |
| Website | ks1495.cichosting.com/main |
| Clerk of the District Court | Patrina Frazier |
| Courthouse Locations | 1 (Smith Center) |
| Handles | Felonies, misdemeanors, civil and limited civil cases, domestic relations, probate, juvenile, and traffic cases |
| Does NOT Handle | City ordinance cases (municipal courts), federal cases (U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas), and parking tickets (issuing agency) |
How to Search Smith 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 Smith County keeps the records.
Online
Go to kscourts.gov for Kansas Judicial Branch court information.
Visit the ks1495.cichosting.com/main page for current office details.
Check the clerk page for available online tools before you search.
Best for: Finding general court information
In Person
Go to 218 S Grant St., PO Box 273, Smith Center, KS 66967-0273.
Bring the case number and party names if you have them.
Call 785-282-5140 to confirm the clerk division for your case.
Best for: Records requests at the clerk's office
By Phone
Call 785-282-5140 to ask what records the clerk can provide.
Ask what information the clerk needs to start a request.
Confirm response steps before you visit the courthouse.
Best for: Questions about a specific case
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
Smith County Court Statistics (FY 2024)
Smith County courts handled an estimated 471 new cases in FY 2024 and disposed of an estimated 459. The estimate scales Kansas statewide totals by the county's share of state population.
~471
Total filings in FY 2024
~459
Total dispositions in FY 2024
~471
Filings per judicial position (1 estimated positions)
~+4.0%
Change in total filings vs FY 2023
| Metric | FY 2024 | FY 2023 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Filings | ~471 | ~453 | ~+4.0% |
| Total Dispositions | ~459 | ~443 | ~+3.6% |
| Criminal Filings | ~221 | ~215 | ~+2.8% |
| Civil Filings | ~143 | ~137 | ~+4.4% |
| Family Law Filings | ~36 | ~36 | ~+0.0% |
| Probate Filings | ~18 | ~18 | ~+0.0% |
| Mental Health Filings | ~6 | ~6 | ~+0.0% |
| Juvenile Filings | ~9 | ~9 | ~+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 Smith County's 0.12% share of the state population.
How Have Court Filings Changed in Smith County?
Estimated total filings in Smith 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 | ~471 | ~459 | ~+4.0% |
| FY 2023 | ~453 | ~443 | ~+5.6% |
| FY 2022 | ~429 | ~420 | ~+4.4% |
| FY 2021 | ~411 | ~393 | ~+1.5% |
| FY 2020 | ~405 | ~381 | ~+1.5% |
Estimated filings changed +16.3% between FY 2020 and FY 2024, from 405 to 471. The largest annual change was +5.6% in FY 2023. The latest change of +4.0% reflects statewide Kansas trends. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: Kansas statewide figures scaled by Smith County's 0.12% share of the state population.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Smith County?
Kansas district courts hear several case types in Smith County, but case counts are not stated on this page, so no largest category or share is shown.
| Case Type | Heard By |
|---|---|
| Felonies | District Court |
| 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 |
Filing counts by case type are not stated here, so no growth or decline is ranked.
How Does Smith County Compare With Kansas Overall?
Smith County is estimated to account for about 0.12% of the 395,000 cases filed in Kansas courts in FY 2024.
| Metric | Smith County | Kansas | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | ~471 | 395,000 | ~0.12% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | ~+4.0% | +3.9% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Filings per judicial position | ~471 | 1,463 | Estimated at the state level |
| Dispositions per judicial position equivalent | ~459 | 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 Smith County's 0.12% share of the state population.
Smith County Crime Statistics (2025)
These figures are Kansas statewide totals as reported to the FBI, not counts for Smith 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 Smith County with the state. The property crimes total includes arson, so it is larger than the sum of the property offenses listed above.
Smith County Courthouse Locations
Smith County has 1 courthouse location for the Clerk of the District Court, in Smith Center. Check your notice or citation for the assigned courthouse before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smith County Courthouse | 218 S Grant St., PO Box 273, Smith Center, KS 66967-0273 | 785-282-5140 | See location page |
Which Court Handles Your Case in Smith County?
The District Court of the 17th Judicial District hears most case types in Smith County. Federal cases go to the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas, and parking tickets go to the issuing agency.
| Your Situation | Go To | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic ticket | Municipal court or District Court | The citation shows which court handles the case. |
| Parking ticket | The citing city or agency | Parking tickets are not handled by the district court. |
| Misdemeanor | District Court | Misdemeanors are heard by the district court. |
| Felony | District Court | Felonies are heard by the district court. |
| DUI | District Court | Check the charge on your paperwork and confirm the court with the clerk. |
| Domestic violence | District Court | Criminal charges are heard by the district court, so ask the clerk about protection orders. |
| Civil lawsuit | District Court | Civil and limited civil cases are heard by the district court. |
| Small claims | District Court | Confirm small claims procedures with the Clerk of the District Court. |
| Eviction | District Court | Confirm the case type with the Clerk of the District Court. |
| 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 matters are heard by the district court and are not publicly available. |
| Appeal | Kansas Court of Appeals or Kansas Supreme Court | Appeals go to the appellate courts, not the district court. |
Are Smith County Court Records Public?
Yes, most district court records are public, with exceptions set by Kansas Supreme Court Rule 196 and court rules.
Public records
Records of the Clerk of the District Court are generally open to the public under Kansas Supreme Court Rule 196 (access to court records). Public agency records are also covered 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. Access to these records depends on the court's own rules and any court order.
Online access
The Kansas district court public access portal, run by the Judicial Branch, may show some case information. Search it at KansasCourtAccess.org, but treat results as leads, since they are not official court records.
In-person access
Visit the Clerk of the District Court at 218 S Grant St., PO Box 273, Smith Center, KS 66967-0273 to view or request records. Call 785-282-5140 to confirm which division holds your case.
Fees
No fees are stated in the sources used for this section. Ask the clerk about any fees for the records you need.
How to Search Smith County Court Records Online
Search Kansas district court records online by case type, and contact the clerk for documents that are not available online.
- Identify the case type, such as criminal, traffic, civil, family law, probate, or juvenile.
- Search by name on KansasCourtAccess.org.
- Review the results and confirm them with the clerk, since they are not official court records.
- Note the case number and check the case details.
- Call 785-282-5140 to request documents that are not available online.
| Case Type | Where to Search | What You'll Find | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | KansasCourtAccess.org or the clerk | Case information and parties | Confirm with the clerk which documents are available |
| Traffic | KansasCourtAccess.org or the clerk | Case information | Confirm with the clerk which documents are available |
| Civil | KansasCourtAccess.org or the clerk | Case information and parties | Restricted filings are not available |
| Small claims | KansasCourtAccess.org or the clerk | Case information | Confirm with the clerk which documents are available |
| Family law | KansasCourtAccess.org or the clerk | Case information | Confidential details are restricted |
| Probate | The clerk | Case information through the clerk | Confirm with the clerk where probate files are kept |
| Juvenile | The clerk | Limited case information | Juvenile records are not publicly available |
How to Pay Fines & Citations in Smith County
The Clerk of the District Court in Smith County can explain the payment options for your case, and no online payment page is listed in the sources used here.
- In person: Go to 218 S Grant St., PO Box 273, Smith Center, KS 66967-0273 and ask the clerk about paying a citation or fine.
- By phone: Call 785-282-5140 to ask which payment methods the clerk accepts.
- Payment plans: Ask the clerk whether a payment plan is available for your case.
Parking tickets are handled by the agency that issued them, not by the district court.
Smith County Court Records FAQ
How do I search Smith County court records?
Search by name on KansasCourtAccess.org, or contact the Clerk of the District Court at 785-282-5140.
Are Smith County court records public?
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 785-282-5140.
How do I find a court date?
Check your notice or citation, or call the Clerk of the District Court at 785-282-5140.
How do I pay a traffic ticket?
Contact the Clerk of the District Court at 785-282-5140 or visit 218 S Grant St., PO Box 273, Smith Center, KS 66967-0273 to ask about payment options.
How many cases are filed in Smith County each year?
Filing counts are not stated on this page, so no annual figure is given. Contact the clerk at 785-282-5140 for case counts.
What is the most common case type in Smith County?
Case counts by type are not stated on this page, so no most common category is given.
Is crime in Kansas 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
Smith County District Court (17th J.D.)More Info
| Address: | 218 S Grant St., Smith Center, KS, 66967 |
| Phone Number: | 785-282-5140 |
| Fax: | 785-282-5145 |
| Website: | http://www.smithcoks.com/GeneralInformation/tabid/13200/Default.aspx |
Useful Links
- Kansas Judicial Branch - Official Website of the Kansas Judicial Branch Find information on Kansas court cases, access public court records, and discover resources related to the state judiciary.
- Smith County District Court - Smith County, Kansas Government Access services provided by the Smith County District Court, including case information and district-specific legal resources.
- Kansas.gov Chantry - Kansas.gov Utilize the Kansas.gov portal for online access to governmental services, including court information and public records.
- Kansas Bar Association - Legal Resources and Services Explore legal resources, member services, and public legal information provided by the Kansas Bar Association.
- Kansas District Courts - District Court Information Learn about the structure and function of district courts in Kansas and access district-specific court information.
- Oklahoma State Courts Network - OSCN Case Information Although specific to Oklahoma, it provides a comparative view for case information management in similar-sized jurisdictions.
- Kansas Legal Services - Legal Aid, Advice and Info Obtain assistance with legal matters, access free resources, and explore services provided by Kansas Legal Services.
- Office of the Kansas Attorney General - Informative Resources Connect with resources on public safety, legal rights, and services offered by the Kansas Attorney General's office.
- Courts Portal for Online Services - DC Courts Portal Check this portal for similar structures of online court services including public access to electronic court records.
- Kansas Property Ownership Records - Land Registry Search public land records for property ownership information in Kansas via the state's online land registry system.
- Kansas Property Tax Payment Portal Offers details on accessing tax records online and options for making property tax payments across Kansas counties.
- target="_blank">UNT Government Documents Department Particularly useful for background research on government policies, legal structures, and more encompassing federal, state, and local information.
- National Archives - Research Court Records A guide to finding federal court records, with insights applicable to understanding access to state court records too.
- Access Kansas - The Kansas Register Features regulatory notices, official Kansas governmental information, and updates which can impact legal proceedings in the state.
- KS Relief - Pro Bono Legal Services Find assistance for those unable to afford legal services provided through various relief programs and legal partnerships.
- National Association for Court Management - NACM Official Site Offers resources on court management practices and insights beneficial to exploring the efficiency of Smith County court systems.
- Kansas Appleseed Center for Law and Justice Advocacy group focusing on justice, access to courts, and public policy research within Kansas, supporting community rights and resources.
- Kansas Bar Foundation - Philanthropy & Legal Services Promotes legal education, scholarships, and charitable services related to legal support and judicial information across Kansas.
- National Association of Counties - Kansas Counties Resources Offers consolidated data and county-specific information relevant for both governmental and judicial functions and services.
- Kansas State Library - State Library of Kansas InfoHub Access to a plethora of resources and books, including legal texts, records, and publications vital to court-related research.
- Kansas Supreme Court Docket Cover Sheet - Kansas Government Download and understand necessary documentation form for lodging court appeals, motions, or other legal procedural elements in Kansas.
Table of Contents
- Smith County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Smith County Court Records
- Smith County Court Statistics (FY 2024)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Smith County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Smith County?
- How Does Smith County Compare With Kansas Overall?
- Smith County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Smith County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Smith County?
- Are Smith County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Smith County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Smith County
- Smith County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links