Adults Charged with Crimes
The following information may be helpful if you or a loved one has been charged with a crime. The exact course of events varies by individual case and by whether the case is a misdemeanor or felony. You may read general information on the Court Procedures page.
If someone has just been arrested: You may be able to get information about that person from the Douglas County Jail, 785-830-1000 or by checking with the Sheriff's Office.
- Court Dates: To find out when you (or someone else) are scheduled to be in court, you may call the Clerk of the District Court at 785-832-5256 (press 1), or visit the Office of the Clerk of the District Court and use the public access computers. Court records are not available via the Internet at this time except to officers of the court. If you know the division in which a case is being heard, you may call the division.
- Right to an Attorney: Individuals charged with crimes that could send them to jail or prison have the right to legal counsel. They may hire (or "retain") an attorney for themselves or, if they meet certain financial criteria, the Court may appoint an attorney for him or her. The Court Resources links may help in retaining an attorney.
- Hearing(s) Before a Judge: The defendant will appear before a judge, probably on multiple occasions.
- Bond Setting: In most cases, the judge will set a bond at the arraignment. Bond or bail allows the defendant to be out of jail while his or her case is being prosecuted. The bond or bail is intended to ensure that the defendant appears in court.
If Someone Is in Jail: Check the Sheriff In Custody List