Chase County, Kansas Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Chase County, Kansas?
Arrest records are public documents in Chase County, Kansas, pursuant to the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA), K.S.A. § 45-215 et seq. This comprehensive legislation establishes the presumption that all records maintained by public agencies are open for inspection by any person unless specifically exempted by statute. The Kansas Open Records Act serves as the legal foundation ensuring government transparency and accountability throughout the state, including Chase County.
Public access to arrest records is maintained through various county offices, including the Chase County Sheriff's Office and the District Court Clerk. These records typically become available after the initial booking and processing procedures have been completed. Under K.S.A. § 45-218, any person may make a request to inspect or obtain copies of public records during regular business hours.
Certain exceptions to public disclosure may apply in specific circumstances, such as:
- Records that would interfere with ongoing investigations
- Records that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
- Records specifically prohibited from disclosure by federal or state statute
- Records protected by attorney-client privilege
The custodian of public records in Chase County must respond to requests within three business days, as mandated by K.S.A. § 45-218(d).
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Chase County?
Chase County arrest records are accessible through various online platforms in accordance with Kansas public records laws. The Fifth Judicial District, which encompasses Chase County, maintains an electronic case information system that provides limited access to court records, including those related to arrests and subsequent court proceedings.
The Kansas Department of Corrections maintains the Kansas Adult Supervised Population Electronic Repository (KASPER), which provides information about individuals who are or have been under the department's supervision. This database includes information about current inmates, parolees, and individuals on post-release supervision.
For comprehensive criminal history information, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) offers a Criminal History Record Search service. This service provides access to records of arrests made within the past 12 months, as well as conviction information and confinements in Kansas Department of Corrections facilities.
Online access to these records is subject to the same statutory exemptions that apply to physical records. Users of these online systems must comply with all applicable terms of use and may be required to pay statutory fees for certain types of searches or document retrieval.
How to Look Up Chase County Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking Chase County arrest records in 2025 have multiple official channels through which to obtain this information:
Chase County Sheriff's Office
300 Pearl Street
Cottonwood Falls, KS 66845
Phone: (620) 273-6313
The Sheriff's Office maintains records of all arrests made within county jurisdiction. Requestors may submit a written request form during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM).Chase County District Court Clerk
Chase County Courthouse
300 Pearl Street
Cottonwood Falls, KS 66845
Phone: (620) 273-6345
The District Court maintains records of all criminal proceedings following arrests. Court records may be requested in person pursuant to the Fifth Judicial District Rules.Kansas Bureau of Investigation
1620 SW Tyler Street
Topeka, KS 66612
Phone: (785) 296-8200
The KBI provides statewide criminal history record checks for a statutory fee of $20 per name searched.Online KASPER System
The KASPER database allows searches of individuals under Department of Corrections supervision. This system is accessible 24 hours per day and requires acceptance of the terms of use before conducting searches.
Pursuant to K.S.A. § 45-219, agencies may charge reasonable fees for providing access to records, including costs for staff time required to provide the requested records and the cost of any copies made.
Contents of a Chase County Arrest Record
Chase County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Kansas statutes and administrative regulations. These official documents typically include the following elements:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
- Date of birth and demographic information (age, gender, race)
- Physical description including height, weight, identifying marks, and eye/hair color
- Residential address at time of arrest
- Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
- Statutory charges filed, including citation of applicable Kansas statutes
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Booking photograph (commonly referred to as a "mugshot")
- Fingerprint classification and identification numbers
- Case or incident number assigned by the arresting agency
- Custody status information, including bond amount if applicable
- Preliminary court appearance information
In accordance with K.S.A. § 22-4701 et seq., arrest records are maintained in the central repository of criminal history record information administered by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. These records are subject to strict accuracy requirements, and individuals have the right to challenge and correct inaccurate information pursuant to K.S.A. § 22-4709.
Law enforcement agencies in Chase County follow standardized procedures for collecting and documenting this information in compliance with the Kansas Criminal History Record Information Act.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Chase County
The expungement process in Chase County provides a legal mechanism for the removal of arrest records from public access under specific circumstances defined by Kansas law. Pursuant to K.S.A. § 22-2410, individuals may petition for expungement if their arrest meets certain statutory criteria:
- The arrest resulted in no charges being filed
- The charges were dismissed
- The individual was acquitted at trial
- The statutory time period has elapsed since completion of diversion or sentence
The petition for expungement must be filed with the Chase County District Court, which has jurisdiction over the original case. The standard petition must include:
- The petitioner's full name and identifying information
- The specific arrest date and charges to be expunged
- The law enforcement agency that made the arrest
- A statement that the petitioner qualifies for expungement under Kansas law
Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing date. Notice of this hearing must be served on the prosecuting attorney and the arresting law enforcement agency, who have the opportunity to present evidence opposing the expungement.
If the court grants the expungement, all records of the arrest will be sealed and removed from public access. Pursuant to K.S.A. § 22-2410(e), the petitioner shall thereafter be treated as not having been arrested with respect to the matter expunged. However, certain government agencies, including law enforcement and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, may retain limited access to expunged records for specific statutory purposes.
The filing fee for an expungement petition in Chase County is $195.00, as established by the Kansas Supreme Court.
Search Arrest Records in Chase County
