Kansas Warrant Search

Law enforcement agencies in Kansas process between 1,500 and ​​6,500 warrants yearly. When a law enforcement agency receives a warrant, an immediate process begins towards executing the warrant. The process includes entering all the information on the warrant into the law enforcement agency’s database. This makes it possible for individuals to conduct warrant searches in Kansas.

A Kansas warrant search is the process of requesting warrant information from a law enforcement agency. This search can be done online, by email, by phone, or in person. A warrant search reveals information like full name, race, sex, date of birth, height, weight, case number, charge, and bond.

The purpose of a warrant search is to help individuals evaluate the potential risk a person poses. Specifically, a lawyer can conduct warrant research to assist clients in walk-throughs or self-surrenders and negotiate a lower bail amount. In running background checks, employers conduct warrant searches on potential employees to ensure they hire the most qualified person for the job.

What is a Warrant?

Per Kan. Stat. § 22-2202(u), a warrant is a written order directed by a magistrate to any law enforcement officer authorizing them to arrest the person named or described in the warrant. The common types of warrant available in Kansas are search, arrest, bench, inspection (KS Stat § 75-2750), tax (K.S.A. § 79-2101)**, **and governor’s (KS Stat § 22-2707) warrants. These warrants have their unique purposes. For example, arrest warrants are issued when there is probable cause to believe a crime was committed and the named person is guilty. In contrast, a search warrant authorizes a police officer to search a property and seize items designated on the warrant.

Are Warrants Public Record in Kansas?

Yes. The Kansas Open Records Act (KORA) requires all warrant records to be open for inspection and copying by any person in the state. Request for warrant records should be made during the regular office hours of the law enforcement agency. However, warrant records are not publicly available at the time of issuance. They only become public when executed and returned to the issuing magistrate. Note that juvenile warrants are not available to the public.

How Do I Look Up Warrants in Kansas?

One of the most convenient ways to perform a warrant search in Kansas is through third-party sites. Several third-party sites are available to individuals looking to retrieve warrant information. However, the available information from third-party databases may vary and be limited compared to government sites. Inquires must provide a first and last name to initiate a warrant search on third-party sites. The search result will reveal basic warrant information for free, but a full report typically attracts a small fee. A 7-Day Unlimited Search Access costs between $2.95 and $4.95, while a monthly subscription costs between $19.95 and $24.95. Note that warrant information on third-party sites is not reliable. Therefore, do due diligence to compare them with the information available on official government websites to ensure accuracy.

What is a Search Warrant in Kansas?

Per K.S.A.§22-2202(s), a search warrant is a written order signed by a magistrate and directed to a law enforcement officer commanding them to search the premises and seize property described in the search warrant. A search warrant can be executed anytime, day or night (K.S.A. §22-2510). All search warrants must contain the date and time of issuance (K.S.A. § 22-2504). Kansas law permits law enforcement officers to use reasonable force to effect an entry into any premise to execute a search warrant (K.S.A.§22-2508). In executing a search warrant, the law enforcement officer must leave a duplicate copy of the warrant with the person from whom anything is seized or left at the place if no one is around (K.S.A.§22-2506). Anything seized under a search warrant must be kept by the executing police officer so it can be produced as evidence during trial.

• Are Search Warrants Public Records in Kansas

  Yes, according to Kansas Court Rule 22(d)(10). A search warrant is sealed when issued and will be considered confidential until a return is filed by the executing law enforcement officer. Upon filing the return, the search warrant and return will become public unless sealed by a court order.

• How Long Does it Take to Get a Search Warrant in Kansas?

  The timeframe for getting a search warrant in Kansas varies from a few hours to days. This is because there are several factors that determine how fast a law enforcement officer can get a search warrant. Some of these factors are the credibility of the information provided during the warrant application, the availability of the judge, and how quickly a probable cause can be determined.

• How Long Does a Search Warrant Last

  Per Kan. Stat. § 22-2506, a search warrant must be executed within 96 hours from the time of issuance. Any search warrant not executed within that timeframe will be considered void and should be retired to the issuing magistrate as "not executed."

What is a Bench Warrant in Kansas?

This type of warrant is issued when a defendant fails to appear in court at a scheduled court date. When the defendant is arrested, they will be immediately taken before the magistrate who issued the bench warrant (K.S.A. § 22-2901).

What is an Arrest Warrant in Kansas?

Per K.S.A. §22-2302, a magistrate issues an arrest warrant when they find the probable cause from a complaint, the affidavit filed with the complaint, or sworn testimony to believe that a crime has been committed and the defendant has committed it. The affidavits or sworn testimony supporting the probable cause are sealed to the public until the warrant has been executed. An arrest warrant contains the magistrate’s signature, the defendant’s name or specific description, a description of the charges, the bond amount, and a command that the defendant be arrested and brought before a magistrate (K.S.A. § 22-2304).

How to Check if You Have a Warrant in Kansas

The most common method of checking if a person has a warrant is in person, by email, or by phone. In-person requesters should visit the law enforcement agency during normal business hours with their IDs. Most city/county police departments have warrant sections that provide warrant information over the phone during business hours. For example, requesters can contact the Riley County Police Department's Warrants Section at (785) 537-2112 to inquire about an active warrant. The requester’s full name and date of birth will be required to facilitate the search.

Can You Check Warrants Online in Kansas?

Yes, on most law enforcement agency websites. Specifically, County Sheriff’s Offices in Kansas maintain a list of all warrants on their websites as a way to obtain public assistance in identifying persons with active arrest warrants. For example, the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office has a Warrant Search portal that can be used to check warrant information.

How To Find Out If You Have a Warrant for Free

There are different methods of finding warrant records in Kansas. Generally, warrant records can be retrieved online, by phone, or in person. Below are some specific ways a person can find out if they have a warrant in Kansas:

• Check for warrants through the City Municipal Court or County Sheriff’s Office warrant search portals. Conduct a search by name
• Call the City/County Police Department Warrant Office or District Court during normal business hours.
• Visit local law enforcement agencies during business hours

How to Find Out if Someone Has a Warrant Online For Free in Kansas

Individuals can find out if someone has a warrant online for free on most law enforcement agency websites. Kansas law enforcement agencies provide free access to active warrants through warrant lists or search portals. For example, record seekers who want warrant information in Riley County can go to the Police Department website and review the Active Warrants List for free.

How Long Does a Warrant Stay Active in Kansas?

Arrest and bench warrants have no expiration date. They are cleared only when abated by death or when a defendant appears before the issuing judge. In contrast, search warrants stay active for 96 hours from the time of issuance. Law enforcement officers must execute a search warrant before the expiration date to avoid making it void.

How Do I Find Out If I Have a Federal Warrant?

There are several ways of finding federal warrants depending on who is conducting the search. For example, only authorized individuals can access warrant information through the Warrant Information System (WIN) provided by the United States Marshals Service. However, the same agency has a Fugitive List that is available to the members of the public. Additionally, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) publicly provides warrant information in its Most Wanted section. Individuals can hire an attorney to help them check if they have a federal warrant. This service is not for free.