Chase County Jail Criminal Court Process
Criminal Court Process for Chase County Kansas
Chase County Courts: Cottonwood Falls, Kansas
Every state criminal case from Chase County is filed at the courthouse at 300 Pearl St. in Cottonwood Falls. It is half of the 5th Judicial District; the other half is Lyon County, home to Emporia. The clerk can be reached at 620-273-6319, and the case index is open to the public on Kansas CaseSearch.
1. Which courts handle cases from Chase County?
- Chase County District Court: Chase County Courthouse, 300 Pearl St., P.O. Box 529, Cottonwood Falls, KS 66845; 620-273-6319; fax 620-273-6890. Felonies, misdemeanors, traffic, juvenile and protection orders under state law.
- City courts: Kansas lets a city keep a municipal court for its own ordinances (K.S.A. 12-4104). Ask Cottonwood Falls or Strong City city hall whether a ticket belongs there.
2. Warrants from the courthouse in Cottonwood Falls
In Chase County, warrants the district judge signs are served by the sheriff's office in Cottonwood Falls. The sheriff doesn't keep an online warrant list, so give the office a call at 620-273-6313. Kansas offers no statewide warrant search; the county's own court cases are on Kansas CaseSearch. With a lawyer arranging things, you can report to the Chase County Jail at a set time instead of waiting for deputies. The Chase County District Court clerk, in the historic courthouse at 300 Pearl St., can confirm your case number and explain how to get a new court date; call 620-273-6319.
↑ Back to the question list3. What happens after charges are filed?
- First appearance, often by video, where bond and counsel are addressed.
- For a felony, a preliminary hearing to test whether there's enough evidence.
- Arraignment, where a plea is entered.
- Pretrial work: both sides share evidence and file motions.
- Plea agreement or trial.
- Sentencing, if there's a conviction.
4. Who hears the case?
A district magistrate judge serves Chase County and usually takes first appearances, misdemeanors and traffic. Felony matters and jury trials go to a 5th District judge. Since the district is shared with Lyon County, some hearings are set on certain days.
↑ Back to the question list5. How do I check a case or a warrant?
Choose Chase County on Kansas CaseSearch and search by name or case number. Cottonwood Falls deputies take warrant questions at 620-273-6313 with the full name and birth date.
↑ Back to the question list6. Is a free defense lawyer available?
A Chase defendant raises it with the magistrate early, signing an affidavit about income; when the judge finds the person qualifies, counsel is appointed under the state's indigent defense program (BIDS, 785-296-6631).
↑ Back to the question list7. Where is the defendant kept during the case?
At the Chase County Jail, 301 S. Walnut, Cottonwood Falls, KS 66845 (620-273-6313), unless bond is posted. Bond options are on our Chase County bail page, and our inmate search page explains VINE.
↑ Back to the question list8. Where are federal cases heard?
In the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas. Its Topeka courthouse is 444 S.E. Quincy, Room 490, Topeka, KS 66683, 785-338-5400. A federal magistrate judge holds the detention hearing, and federal prisoners appear in the BOP inmate locator.
↑ Back to the question list9. How do I track someone sent to state prison?
Search KASPER. The listed facility may change after reception and classification. Our Kansas state prisons page has each prison's contact details.
↑ Back to the question list10. Does an ICE detainer stop the local case?
No, the Chase County case keeps moving. Under 8 CFR 287.7(d), a detainer permits holding someone "up to 48 hours after they would otherwise be released." Should ICE takes custody, the defense lawyer should tell the court. The ICE locator shows where a detainee is.
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