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Wilson County, Kansas Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Wilson County, Kansas?

Arrest records are public documents in Wilson County, Kansas, pursuant to the Kansas Open Records Act (K.S.A. § 45-215 et seq.). This legislation establishes the fundamental right of citizens to access government records, including those pertaining to arrests made by law enforcement agencies within the county. The Kansas Open Records Act operates under the presumption that all government records shall be open for inspection unless specifically exempted by law.

Members of the public seeking arrest information may request these records from the appropriate custodial agencies. The Wilson County Sheriff's Office maintains primary responsibility for county-level arrest documentation. Certain information within arrest records may be redacted in accordance with K.S.A. § 45-221, which provides exemptions for personal privacy, ongoing investigations, and juvenile matters.

Wilson County Sheriff's Office
615 Madison Street
Fredonia, KS 66736
Phone: (620) 378-3622
Wilson County Sheriff's Office Official Website

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Wilson County?

Wilson County arrest records are accessible through various online platforms, though comprehensive access may require utilizing multiple resources. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) maintains statewide criminal history information that includes arrest data from Wilson County law enforcement agencies. Pursuant to K.S.A. § 22-4705, the KBI is authorized to disseminate criminal history record information to qualified requestors.

The Kansas Criminal History Record Check system provides a fee-based service allowing name-based searches against the state's criminal history database. This resource includes arrest information submitted by Wilson County agencies to the central repository. Each record search incurs a statutory fee of $20.00 as established by K.S.A. § 22-4707.

Additionally, the Kansas Department of Corrections offers the KASPER inmate search system which contains information about individuals who have been processed through the state correctional system following arrests and convictions.

How to Look Up Wilson County Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple official channels exist for accessing Wilson County arrest records in 2025. Individuals seeking this information may utilize the following methods:

  • In-Person Requests: Citizens may submit requests directly to the Wilson County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM). Requestors should be prepared to complete a standard records request form and provide identification. Fees for copies are assessed at $0.25 per page pursuant to county fee schedules.

  • Kansas Bureau of Investigation: The KBI maintains the central repository for criminal history information in Kansas. Record checks may be requested through their Criminal History Record Check portal with proper identification and payment of statutory fees.

  • Kansas District Court Records: The 31st Judicial District Court, which serves Wilson County, maintains court records related to arrests and subsequent proceedings. These records may be accessed through the Kansas District Court Public Access portal or by visiting the courthouse.

  • Public Access Terminals: Designated computer terminals at the Wilson County Courthouse provide public access to certain court records, including those stemming from arrests within the county.

31st Judicial District Court - Wilson County
615 Madison Street, Room 202
Fredonia, KS 66736
Phone: (620) 378-2186
Kansas Judicial Branch Official Website

Contents of a Wilson County Arrest Record

Wilson County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Kansas law enforcement protocols. These records typically include:

  • Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
  • Demographic information including date of birth, gender, and physical descriptors
  • Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
  • Statutory charges filed at the time of arrest with corresponding Kansas statute citations
  • Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
  • Booking photographs ("mugshots") and fingerprint records
  • Custody status information and bond determinations
  • Case numbers assigned for tracking through the judicial system

Pursuant to K.S.A. § 22-2307, law enforcement agencies must maintain complete records of all arrests. These records serve both administrative and judicial purposes, providing documentation for court proceedings and statistical reporting to state and federal criminal justice information systems.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Wilson County

Kansas law provides mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. K.S.A. § 22-2410 establishes the legal framework for expungement in Wilson County and throughout Kansas. Individuals may petition for expungement if their case meets statutory criteria, including:

  • Arrests that did not result in charges being filed
  • Cases dismissed by prosecutors or courts
  • Acquittals following trial proceedings
  • Convictions followed by successful completion of sentence requirements and waiting periods

The expungement process requires filing a formal petition with the Wilson County District Court. Petitioners must verify eligibility under state law and pay applicable filing fees. Upon granting an expungement order, the court directs all custodial agencies to seal or remove the specified records from public access. However, expunged records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies and certain governmental entities for specific statutory purposes.

Wilson County Attorney's Office
615 Madison Street
Fredonia, KS 66736
Phone: (620) 378-2186
Wilson County Attorney Official Website

Legal Restrictions on Arrest Record Access

While the Kansas Open Records Act establishes the presumption of public access, certain categories of arrest information are subject to statutory restrictions. K.S.A. § 45-221 enumerates specific exemptions that may limit public disclosure, including:

  • Records pertaining to juvenile offenders (governed by K.S.A. § 38-2309)
  • Information that would compromise ongoing investigations
  • Records containing personal identifying information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy
  • Sealed or expunged records as ordered by courts of competent jurisdiction

Law enforcement agencies in Wilson County must balance transparency obligations with privacy protections and investigative integrity. Records custodians are required to redact exempt information while providing access to non-exempt portions of requested documents whenever possible, in accordance with K.S.A. § 45-221(d).

Using Wilson County Arrest Records for Background Checks

Arrest records from Wilson County may be utilized for background screening purposes subject to applicable state and federal regulations. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq.) governs the use of criminal history information, including arrest records, for employment and housing decisions when obtained through consumer reporting agencies.

Kansas law permits employers to consider criminal history information, including arrests, for employment purposes. However, best practices and emerging "ban-the-box" policies encourage employers to delay criminal history inquiries until later stages of the hiring process. Public employers in Kansas are subject to specific guidelines regarding the use of criminal history in hiring decisions.

Organizations conducting background checks using Wilson County arrest records should implement consistent policies that comply with equal employment opportunity laws and avoid disparate impact on protected classes.

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