What are Kansas Juvenile Court Records?

Kansas juvenile records are documents showing information of offenders below the age of 18. In Kansas, such offenders typically do not face a conviction but delinquency. A young person is also referred to as a child, a juvenile, or a minor and will not be treated in the same way as an adult when tried for the same offense in the State of Kansas. According to Section 38–2304 of the Kansas Statutes, the district courts have original jurisdiction over juvenile cases. Records of these cases are generally created and stored at the courthouse, where they are heard and resolved. Access to juvenile records is restricted by law. Even then, authorized law enforcement agencies and the record holder may obtain these records.

What information is contained in the Kansas Juvenile Record?

Information included in Kansas juvenile records typically includes: the offender’s personal information, full name, residential address, date of birth, and sex. All relevant personal information apart from photographs and fingerprints is contained in the record. Also included in the document is the offense committed by the young person, the date of trial, the type of trial court, and the sentencing for the crime committed. All this information is not disclosed to the public. For younger persons below the age of 14, the records are immediately expunged. Still, for persons older than 14, the records are sealed and kept away from public access.

What Cases are Heard by Kansas Juvenile Courts?

Juvenile courts in Kansas are generally charged with the responsibility of hearing the following cases:

• Trespassing
• Shoplifting
• Curfew violation
• Disorderly conduct
• Vandalism
• Assault
• Truancy
• Minor in possession of alcohol
• Runaways

Any young person guilty of the above offense will be tried by a panel of young persons of the same age bracket. Many of the judges in the youth court are also offenders who have been tried and served their time in community service or other forms of sentencing. The court helps curb the excesses of young people in the state while also enlightening young people about their legal rights, even as offenders learn more about actions and consequences and accountability. Severe offenses committed by adults are tried in trial courts, while similar crimes committed by young people are handled in family or district courts..

Who is Eligible to View Juvenile Records in Kansas?

Juvenile records in Kansas have restricted public view. For minor offenses, the records are readily sealed or expunged. Access to the juvenile records of an offender is possible only with the court’s approval. It is subject to the eligibility of the requester. The group of persons that are considered eligible to view Juvenile records typically include:

• Law enforcement agencies
• Social agencies like the Kansas State Historical Society
• Victim of the offender’s delinquent act
• Offender
• Parent or Guardian of Offender

How to Find Juvenile Records in Kansas

Juvenile records in Kansas are created and disseminated by the KBI (Kansas Bureau of Investigation). Requesters may either visit the record office or check online. Alternatively, mail requests may be sent to the records department for a certified record check or complete record check. Remember that a name-based certified record check costs $30 while a fingerprint-based certified record check costs $45. All request applications should be submitted via mail to:

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

Records that are considered public may be accessible from some third-party websites.  Operating independently of any federal, state or local agency, such websites may simplify the search process as they are not limited by geographic location. In addition, third-party sites typically have search engines that can be used for filtering specific or multiple record(s). To use third-party or government websites, interested parties may need to provide:

• The name of the person involved in the record, unless said person is a juvenile
• The location or assumed location of the record or person involved. This includes information such as the city, county, or state that the person resides in or was accused in

However, third-party sites are independent of government sources and are not sponsored by these government agencies. Therefore, the record results, availability, or accuracy cannot be guaranteed.

Can you Look Up Kansas Juvenile Records Online?

Yes. Requesters may look up juvenile records online in the State of Kansas through the Criminal History Record Search under the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. Discoverable records typically include offenses that may be tried if an adult commits the same; for minor crimes, the records are immediately expunged. Searching for juvenile records online will cost $20.00. Requesters will need a KanAccess account to log in. Note that not all juvenile records are accessible online due to the strict protection of these records by law enforcement agencies in Kansas. The statewide repository maintained by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation provides access to record holders who submit fingerprints via mail to:

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

After this submission is made, the KBI now matches the fingerprint with personal information to fully automate the record. After this, the requester will be sent an email to return to the website to obtain the manual query.

Do Kansas Juvenile Records Show up on Background Checks?

There is no way a juvenile record for minor offenses will show up on background checks. However, for crimes that, when committed by an adult, will be convicted, the documents will be treated the same as the adult’s records. For juveniles who are below 14 years of age, juvenile records typically do not show on background checks. But for youths that are 14 years of age and above, or for juveniles below 14 who are without a court order protection, the juvenile records are regarded in the same way as the adult records. This means that such records may show up on background checks and be available on Criminal History Record Search under the KBI- Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

Therefore, a juvenile may apply for expungement of their record to prevent it from being revealed in a background check.Generally, young offenders may apply for the expungement of a record in person upon turning 18 years old. Otherwise, a representative in the person of the juvenile’s parent or guardian, or friend may apply for expungement on behalf of the juvenile. However, under the Kan. Stat. § 38–2312, offenses that may be expunged include:

• First and second-degree murder
• Voluntary and involuntary manslaughter
• DUI- Drinking Under the Influence of alcohol or drugs
• Rape
• Aggravated assault
• Aggravated criminal sodomy
• Solicitation of a child in an indecent manner
• Sexual exploitation
• Child abuse

How Long are Juvenile Records Kept in Kansas?

Generally, juvenile records are expunged once the juvenile is satisfied and eligible for expungement. The eligibility for expungement of record means that:

• The juvenile is 23 years old.
• The juvenile has been out of detention or any other form of sentencing for a year or two.
• The juvenile is a victim of any human trafficking or commercial sexual exploitation. Such a person is being victimized in any way.
• The juvenile has not been convicted of any other misdemeanor since final discharge.
• The juvenile has maintained good conduct since the final discharge.