Kansas Criminal Records Online

Are Criminal Records Public in Kansas?

Yes. Kansas criminal records are public information per the Kansas Open Records Law. Eligible persons may request and obtain adult conviction records from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. Generally, there are three ways to get criminal records in Kansas: online, in person, and in mail requests. These methods require the requester to pay a small fee. Nevertheless, it is possible to get criminal records for free. The requester may either request a fee waiver from the official record custodian or use online resources. However, the accuracy of records obtained from such free online databases is not guaranteed.

Criminal records, considered public in the United States, are made available through some third-party aggregate sites. Searching with third-party websites is often easier as the information is not limited to geographic record availability. Information found on third-party websites can serve as a jumping-off point for parties searching for a specific record or multiple records. Typically, requesters must provide the following information to gain access to these records:

The record subject’s name, unless the subject is a juvenile.
The record subjects’ last known location, including cities, counties, and states.

Third-party websites offer these search services, but they are not government-sponsored. Availability of records may vary.

What is Considered a Criminal Record in Kansas?

Kansas criminal records, also known as rap sheets, are official documents that contain detailed accounts of a person’s criminal and conviction information in Kansas. These records are one of several police records typically assembled by the local jurisdiction where the subject is resident. The Kansas Bureau of Criminal Investigation is the central record custodian and often compiles the information from other local and state law enforcement offices, trial courts, courts of appeals, and various correctional institutions in Kansas.

What Shows Up on a Criminal Record in Kansas

Kansas state criminal records typically comprise the following:

The full name of the subject (including any aliases)
A photograph/mugshot of the subject and details of unique physical identifiers
Their full date of birth
A full set of fingerprints
Current and former addresses
Past, pending, and most current arrests, warrants, and indictments
Conviction and incarceration history

How to Obtain Criminal Records in Kansas?

Generally, interested persons may obtain criminal records from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI). The agency maintains an online portal that anyone may use to perform a search of public criminal records. First, the interested requester must create an account on the portal. Then, the requester may conduct an online search for criminal records on persons of interest. Each name-based search costs $20.00.

Alternatively, a requester may complete a criminal record search request form and mail it to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. Mail requests for name-based criminal history checks are certified but cost $30.00. Intending requesters may also request a certified fingerprint-based criminal history search. However, this service requires the requester first to request a fingerprint card from the Bureau. The requester may complete the card at the local Sheriff’s Office or an authorized fingerprinting service. Next, the requester must compile the application packet and attach payment for the $45.00 service fee.

All mail-in requests must go to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation in a self-addressed stamped envelope.

Kansas Bureau of Investigation
Attn: Criminal History Records Section
1620 SouthWest Tyler
Topeka, KS 66612-1837

On average, it takes the KBI ten (10) business days to process the public criminal record check. However, this processing time depends on the volume of requests - even with a complete application. Thus, most mail requests for criminal records are usually for employment and visa purposes. Individuals who are performing routine criminal background checks need only do a name-based criminal record search. The Bureau of Investigation does not offer free public criminal record checks, but concerned requesters may contact the Bureau for fee waivers.

Are Kansas Arrest Records Public?

Yes, Kansas arrest records in the public’s interest are public information under the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA). Thus, interested persons may submit a public request to the arresting agency that took the individual into custody. In most cases, the Sheriff’s Department or the city police department offers public arrest search services. Note that the arresting agency may prevent public access to an arrest record if the arrest is part of an active criminal investigation. In such cases, protecting the safety of law enforcement officers and prospective criminal justice actions takes priority.

What is Considered an Arrest Record in Kansas?

Kansas arrest records are official documents that detail the apprehension of a person within the state following their alleged involvement in criminal activity. Arrest records suggest that the subject of the record has been apprehended, detained, and questioned over an alleged offense but does not prove that they have been charged with or tried for any crime. Public arrest records in Kansas typically contain details of the alleged crime along with the arrestee’s personal information, the place and date of the arrest, the address of the holding facility, and the case status.

In most cases, interested requesters must visit the arresting agency in person to obtain this police record. There, the record custodian will require the arrestee’s details to process the request, and the requester must cover the cost of copying the documents. Requesters who cannot afford to pay this fee may still get the arrest record for free. Most requesters submit a fee waiver request, and the record custodian may grant it, especially if releasing the police record is in the public’s interest. Otherwise, the requester must pay the necessary fees or turn to online databases that publish free arrest records. However, there is no guarantee that the free arrest record is accurate or even complete.

Kansas Arrest Warrants

Kansas arrest warrants are signed judicial orders authorizing law enforcement agents to apprehend or detain a person within the jurisdiction of the state. These are typically issued by a judge and may authorize law enforcement to search and seize private property. As per Kansas state laws, an officer of the law may arrest a person under any of the following circumstances:

The officer has a warrant commanding that the person be arrested.
The officer has probable cause to believe that a warrant for the person's arrest exists in Kansas or another jurisdiction.
The officer has probable cause to believe that the person is committing or has committed a felony or a misdemeanor.

Arrest warrants are issued in line with the Kansas statutes. Any peace officer or private person may lawfully arrest a person without a warrant upon reasonable information that the accused stands charged in the court with a crime punishable by death or imprisonment for a term exceeding one year.

Kansas does not have a central repository for the public to conduct an active warrant search. Interested persons may conduct a warrant search on the official website of law enforcement departments in that county or municipality.

How to Look Up Kansas Jail and Inmate Records?

The Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) maintains a central repository of inmate information. Kansas inmate records refer to official documents containing information regarding incarcerated persons in the state and relevant details of various correctional institutions. Some examples of data that may be contained in each record include the following:

The full name and alias of the inmate
Relevant bio-data such as their birthdate, fingerprint, gender, and nationality/ethnicity
The criminal charges and sentencing details of the inmate
Prospective release date of the inmate
Details of the housing facility, address, and capacity

Inmate information that is unavailable through KDOC may be obtained by querying the incarceration facility. Typically, KDOC offers inmate search tools to run a lookup of people currently incarcerated.

How Do I Find Sex Offenders in Kansas?

The Kansas state sex offender registry is a central public database that houses information on sex offenders. County law enforcement departments also have sex offender registries launched following the Kansas mandatory sex offender registration program. In line with this program, sex offenders residing within Kansas state must register with law enforcement agencies upon arriving at every new jurisdiction.

A sex offender registry features the full name, aliases, locations, and compliance statuses of registered sex offenders in Kansas within the jurisdiction. Interested persons may conduct online searches on the registry using the offender’s personal information or location.

Understanding DUI Laws in Kansas

Per Kansas DUI law, any driver who operates or attempts to operate a vehicle while impaired is guilty of Driving Under the Influence (DUI). Generally, Kansas law enforcement determines impairment following a breath or blood alcohol content (BAC) test. The legal BAC limit for adult drivers in Kansas is 0.08. Driving or attempting to drive a vehicle at this BAC or higher is a serious traffic violation.

A first DUI in Kansas is a misdemeanor. Per state DUI laws, law enforcement shall suspend the driver’s license for a minimum of thirty (30) days. The police may also impound the vehicle pending court judgment. Kansas courts typically impose jail time, community service, and fines on drivers convicted of drunk driving. The court may also order the driver to complete a substance abuse treatment program and install an ignition interlock device. Furthermore, the penalties for subsequent DUIs become steeper depending on prior convictions.

Kansas Misdemeanors Laws: Offenses and Penalties

Kansas state misdemeanors are simple/minor crimes that qualify as non-indictable offenses and are punishable by no more than one year in jail. Misdemeanors are generally known to be more serious than infractions and less severe than felonies, they are primarily split into three categories based on severity - Class A misdemeanors, Class B misdemeanors, Class C misdemeanors, or unclassified. Ultimately, it is the category of the crime that will most impact the penalty.

Misdemeanor offenses include:

Class A misdemeanors: Third-degree assault, credit card fraud.
Class B misdemeanors: First-time DWI, trespassing
Class C misdemeanors: Driving while intoxicated

Kansas Felony Laws: Offenses and Penalties

Kansas felonies are severe criminal offenses that attract penalties of more than one year and up to life imprisonment, depending on the crime committed and the offense class. Felonies in Kansas are divided into several classes: Classes A, B, C, and D. The state operates unique guidelines for determining the punishment for felony offenses. The sentencing grid may be impacted by the individual’s individual’s criminal history and the severity level of the crime. Examples of felony offenses in the state of Kansas and their various designations include:

Class A Felony: Second-degree murder, robbery
Class B Felony: Manslaughter, burglary
Class C Felony: Theft of items worth at least $500 but no more than $25000
Class D Felony: Various types of fraud

How to Get Kansas Parole Information

Kansas parole records refer to official documents that indicate that an inmate was released prior to completing their maximum sentence following their adherence to the requirements of the state parole board. These records are primarily generated by the Kansas State Parole Services (KSP), the agency tasked with conducting hearings and issuing paroles to eligible persons.

Interested persons may also conduct a Kansas Parole Offender Search to view updates regarding the parole status of specific inmates and the conditions required. Offenders may be searched by their full name or designated parole number (if assigned). The board is at liberty to impose any conditions of parole it deems appropriate to ensure the best interests of the prisoner and the citizens of Kansas are served.

Are Probation Records Public in Kansas?

Kansas probation records are official documents indicating that an inmate has been allowed to serve their sentences out of custody and under strict supervision. These records are primarily managed by the Kansas State Parole Services Division, which oversees the state parole and probation proceedings.

Probation records typically detail the inmate’s personal information, the required conditions imposed by the judge and probation officer, and the length of the sentence. Probation sentences are typically issued in proportion to the crime committed and the individual’s criminal history. As such, the nature of probation is known to vary from person to person.

Probation officers may trigger various management interventions, or convicts may have their probation rescinded upon violating probationary conditions. Whichever the case, the probation records of the individual will reflect relevant updates.

Are Juvenile Criminal Records Public in Kansas?

Kansas juvenile criminal records are official documents that detail the criminal activity of persons under legal adult age. As per Kansas state laws, Juveniles are not convicted as adults but are rather adjudicated offenders. Juvenile criminal records typically contain details of the complaint or indictment and orders, details of proceedings, and judgments. Records of juveniles under age 14 are restricted to specific persons, including judges and court staff, public and private law enforcement staff, and educators or educational institutions. However, records of persons under 18 but above 14 are subject to the same restrictions as adult records.

Upon reaching adult age, interested persons may apply to have their juvenile criminal records expunged unless felonies are included or if the crime committed requires them to be listed as a sex offender.

What are Conviction Records in Kansas?

Kansas state conviction records are official documents that indicate that a person was found guilty of an alleged crime following standard court proceedings. This document often details information regarding the offense, the charges, and the accused person’s plea. Conviction records may also include adjudications as well as details of a dishonorable discharge. The record typically indicates the penalty of the conviction, which may include prison time, probation, fines, and whether or not the offender is eligible for parole. Kansas state conviction records exclude judgments that have been erased following a pardon, reversed, or set aside convictions.

Kansas History and Accuracy of Criminal Records

Following the digitization of record management processes and the advent of computer technology, the accuracy of criminal records has become less of a concern. However, since these advancements have only been launched recently, records generated before the most recent improvements were made may not be as reliable. Essentially, the accuracy of criminal records data depends on the recordkeeping and technological capabilities of the jurisdiction where the record was assembled and later digitized. Kansas criminal records archives usually tend to go back a few decades, so criminal and arrest data may have been adversely affected by human error. Thankfully, these concerns have been virtually eliminated as recordkeeping improved with technology.

How to Find Kansas Criminal History Records for Free

In Kansas, criminal history records are made available through the CCH (Criminal History Records) section of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, and local law enforcement agencies typically require the inquirer to pay a nominal fee to process their search. However, to obtain a criminal history record for free, inquirers may make in-person queries to the record custodian and view the record on their public access computers. To facilitate a record request, the custodian will need to be furnished with information pertaining to the record holder and other details.

Are Police Records Public in Kansas?

Yes, most police records in Kansas are considered public records and may be requested by members of the public. Police records may include incident reports, arrest records, warrants and any other documents related to police investigations.

How to Obtain Police Records in Kansas

Police records can be obtained by requesting them from the law enforcement agency in the jurisdiction of interest. Requests must feature information needed to facilitate the record search, including details of the record being sought and its relevance to the requesting party.

Are Police Reports Public Records in Kansas?

Yes, most police reports in Kansas are considered public records and can be requested by anyone regardless of their relationship with the subject of the report. The KBI is responsible for maintaining these records, and any requests for police reports must include a valid form of identification and written authorization from the subject of the report.

How to Find Mugshots in Kansas

Mugshot records are available through some law enforcement agencies’ websites and they are created following the arrest or incarceration of an individual. To view a mugshot, interested persons can search the inmate roster of the arresting agency by the full name of the inmate, their birth date, and their prison number.