Butler County Public Records / Butler County Arrest Records

Butler County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Butler County in 2026

ButlerCountyRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Butler County, Kansas. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, court case data, and related criminal justice records through this resource. Record categories available through official and third-party channels include arrest logs, jail rosters, court case filings, bond information, and disposition records. The completeness and currency of any record depends on the originating agency and applicable state law.

Records may be searched through official resources including the Butler County Sheriff's Office, the Butler County District Court, online public access portals, and in-person terminals at government offices.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Butler County Sheriff's Office maintains a current jail roster and booking records accessible to the public. Members of the public may view the roster on the Sheriff's Office website, which is updated as bookings occur. Information available includes the arrestee's name, booking date, charges, and custody status. The roster reflects current detainees and recent releases.

Butler County Sheriff's Office
700 N. Andover Road
El Dorado, KS 67042
Phone: (316) 322-4254
Butler County Sheriff's Office

2. Local Police Departments

Several municipalities within Butler County maintain their own police departments, each of which may publish arrest logs or press releases containing arrest information.

El Dorado Police Department
220 E. Central Ave
El Dorado, KS 67042
Phone: (316) 321-9100
El Dorado Police Department

Augusta Police Department
3 E. 7th Ave
Augusta, KS 67010
Phone: (316) 775-5471
Augusta Police Department

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

Court cases arising from arrests in Butler County are filed in the 13th Judicial District. Members of the public may search case records by party name or case number through the Kansas Case Search portal, which provides access to district court records statewide. Searching an arrestee's name through this system will return associated criminal case filings, charge information, and hearing dates.

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) maintains the state's criminal justice records repository, including arrest and conviction history for individuals processed within Kansas. The KBI provides criminal history record checks to authorized requesters. Fees apply for non-law-enforcement requests, and the KBI's repository includes arrests from all jurisdictions across the state.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Address: 700 N. Andover Road, El Dorado, KS 67042
Records Division: Located at the main facility
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Phone: (316) 322-4254
What to bring: Valid government-issued photo identification and any known arrest details
Fees for copies: $0.25 per page for standard copies

Clerk of Court:

Address: 201 W. Pine St., El Dorado, KS 67042
Criminal Records Division: First floor of the Butler County Courthouse
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Phone: (316) 322-4371
Case file inspection is available during business hours
Copy fees: $0.25 per page; certified copies carry an additional fee

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Butler County Sheriff's Office at 700 N. Andover Road, El Dorado, KS 67042. Requests should include the arrestee's full legal name, date of arrest if known, booking number if known, and the requester's full contact information. Payment for copies should accompany the request. Processing time is typically 5–10 business days from receipt of a complete request.

By Phone:

The Sheriff's Office may be reached at (316) 322-4254 during business hours. Staff can confirm whether an individual is currently in custody and provide limited booking information. Detailed record requests are referred to the records division or the online portal. Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys may request records through formal discovery processes in pending criminal matters. Subpoenas may compel production of records not otherwise available through routine public access. Records obtained through legal proceedings are subject to applicable court orders and protective orders.

Information Needed for Search:

Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
Date of birth or approximate age
Approximate date of arrest
Booking number (if known)
Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff, El Dorado PD, Augusta PD, etc.)

Are Arrest Records Public in Butler County

Arrest records in Butler County are public records under Kansas law. The Kansas Open Records Act (KORA), codified at K.S.A. § 45-221, establishes the public's right to inspect and copy government records, including law enforcement records, subject to enumerated exceptions. Arrest records are made available to promote government transparency, support public safety awareness, facilitate journalism and research, and enable background screening for employment and licensing purposes.

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and known aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at time of arrest
Booking number
Mugshot/booking photograph
Bond and bail information
Current custody status
Basic demographic information (age, physical description)

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under Kansas law
Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
Records sealed by court order are not available for public inspection
Information related to active investigations may be withheld
Undercover officer identities are protected
Confidential informant information is exempt
Victim identifying information may be withheld in certain cases

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

Kansas law reflects a balance between the public's right to know and individual privacy interests. The Kansas Constitution and KORA together establish the framework under which law enforcement records are disclosed. The First Amendment supports press access to arrest information as a matter of public accountability, while due process principles recognize that an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

General public
Media organizations
Employers (subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act)
Landlords (subject to applicable restrictions)
Licensing agencies
Background check companies
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

Employers and landlords using arrest records for screening purposes must comply with the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which governs the use of consumer reports including criminal history data. Kansas does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, but federal contractors are subject to applicable federal guidance. A critical distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record; an arrest without a resulting conviction does not establish criminal liability.

What's in Butler County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name and any aliases
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Sex and race/ethnicity
Height, weight, eye color, and hair color
Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
Address at time of arrest (may be partially redacted)

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency and, in some cases, arresting officer name and badge number
Booking date, time, and booking number
Warrant information, if the arrest was warrant-based

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges and statute numbers violated
Charge classification (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
Number of counts per charge
Domestic violence or gang-related designations, if applicable

Booking Information:

Name and location of booking facility
Intake timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in public-facing records

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status
Bond amount and bond type (cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance, or no bond)
Release date and time, if applicable
Release conditions, if made part of the public record

Court Information:

Court case number assigned following arrest
Jurisdiction and court location
Scheduled arraignment date
Judge assignment, if available at time of record access

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest or police report
Witness statements
Victim identifying information
Evidence collected during investigation
Medical or mental health information
Social Security number (redacted by law)
Bank account or financial information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports: Contain detailed incident narratives not always available in the public arrest record
Court records: Document legal proceedings that occur after the arrest
Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences, not merely arrests
Background checks: Aggregate data from multiple sources including court, law enforcement, and state repositories

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Butler County?

Members of the public may inspect arrest records at no charge during regular business hours at the Butler County Sheriff's Office and the Butler County District Court Clerk's office. Fees apply when copies are requested.

Record Type	Fee
Standard paper copies	$0.25 per page
Certified court record copies	$1.00 per page + $1.00 certification fee
Electronic copies (where available)	Varies by agency
KBI criminal history record check	$20.00 per request (non-law enforcement)
Search fee	No separate search fee under KORA

Accepted payment methods at the Sheriff's Office include cash, check, and money order payable to the Butler County Sheriff's Office. The District Court Clerk accepts cash, check, and credit card. Under K.S.A. § 45-219, agencies may charge fees for copies but may not charge for inspection of records. Fee waivers are not routinely available for individual record requests, though media organizations and researchers may inquire with the custodial agency regarding applicable provisions.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Butler County

Kansas law provides two primary mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records: expungement and sealing. Expungement results in the legal erasure of the record, after which the arrest is treated as though it did not occur for most purposes. Sealing restricts public access while allowing law enforcement to retain internal access. Under K.S.A. § 21-6614, individuals who were arrested but not convicted, or who completed a sentence for certain eligible offenses, may petition the district court for expungement.

Eligibility for Expungement in Kansas:

Arrest with no charges filed: Eligible immediately
Charges filed but dismissed: Eligible after waiting period (varies by charge)
Acquittal (not guilty verdict): Eligible after waiting period
Conviction of certain misdemeanors: Eligible after 3–5 years following sentence completion
Conviction of certain felonies: Eligible after 5–10 years following sentence completion
Certain offenses (sex crimes, serious violent felonies) are not eligible for expungement

Steps to Petition for Expungement:

Obtain the case number and disposition from the Butler County District Court Clerk
Complete the petition for expungement form available from the court
File the petition with the Butler County District Court, 13th Judicial District
Pay the filing fee (currently $195 for most petitions)
Serve the petition on the prosecuting attorney's office
Attend the scheduled hearing
If granted, the court issues an order of expungement to all relevant agencies

Butler County District Court – 13th Judicial District
201 W. Pine St.
El Dorado, KS 67042
Phone: (316) 322-4371
Kansas Judicial Branch – District Court Records

Butler County Attorney's Office
205 W. Central Ave, Suite 201
El Dorado, KS 67042
Phone: (316) 322-4340
Butler County Attorney

Following a court-granted expungement, the KBI updates the state criminal history repository, and local law enforcement agencies are directed to seal or destroy applicable records. Third-party commercial databases are not legally required to update their records in response to an expungement order, though the FCRA requires consumer reporting agencies to maintain accurate information.

What Happens After Arrest in Butler County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Butler County, the arrested individual is transported to the Butler County Jail located at 700 N. Andover Road, El Dorado, KS 67042. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county.

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the jail, the booking process begins and typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume. Steps include recording personal information, photographing the individual (mugshot), collecting fingerprints, conducting a criminal history and outstanding warrants check, inventorying personal property, issuing jail clothing, and completing medical and mental health screenings. A housing classification determination is made prior to placement.

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Kansas law requires that an arrested individual be brought before a magistrate or judge without unnecessary delay, and in practice this occurs within 24 to 72 hours of arrest. At the first appearance, the court formally notifies the individual of the charges, determines bond or bail, advises the individual of their rights, and, if the individual is indigent, initiates the process for appointment of a public defender. Hearings may be conducted via video conference.

Bond/Bail Process:

Cash Bond: The full bond amount is paid in cash to the court or jail. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees, provided all court appearances are made.

Surety Bond: A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, typically 10% of the bond amount.

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The individual is released on a written promise to appear, without monetary payment, based on community ties, employment history, criminal history, and the nature of the charges.

No Bond: The court may order detention without bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, a demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or active out-of-state warrants.

4. Release or Continued Detention

If bond is posted, processing for release typically takes one to eight hours. The individual receives their personal property, a written notice of court dates, and any written conditions of release. Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a warrant. Individuals who do not post bond remain in custody, receive a housing assignment, and are oriented to jail rules and procedures.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Butler County Public Defender's Office
205 W. Central Ave
El Dorado, KS 67042
Phone: (316) 322-4600
Kansas State Board of Indigents' Defense Services

Individuals who cannot afford private counsel may apply for representation through the public defender's office. Eligibility is based on income. Private attorneys may visit clients at the jail by appointment, and all attorney-client communications are confidential.

Charging Decision:

The Butler County Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file different charges. For felony matters, a grand jury may be convened to determine whether probable cause exists to proceed with an indictment.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the court formally reads the charges and the defendant enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and the court sets subsequent hearing dates.

Court Process Overview:

The pretrial phase includes discovery (exchange of evidence), pretrial motions (including motions to suppress or dismiss), pretrial conferences, and plea negotiations. Cases may be resolved through dismissal, diversion programs (such as drug court or pretrial intervention), a negotiated plea agreement, or trial. If convicted, sentencing options include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, and treatment programs. The defendant receives credit for time served in pretrial detention.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: 24–72 hours
First appearance to arraignment: Days to several weeks
Arraignment to resolution: Months, varying by complexity
Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to several months
Felonies: Resolved within several months to over one year
Kansas guarantees the right to a speedy trial under both the U.S. Constitution and the Kansas Constitution

Important Contacts:

Butler County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
700 N. Andover Road
El Dorado, KS 67042
Phone: (316) 322-4254
Butler County Sheriff's Office

Butler County District Court Clerk
201 W. Pine St.
El Dorado, KS 67042
Phone: (316) 322-4371
Kansas Judicial Branch

Butler County Attorney's Office
205 W. Central Ave, Suite 201
El Dorado, KS 67042
Phone: (316) 322-4340
Butler County Attorney

What to Do If You're Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Politely invoke the right to remain silent
Request an attorney immediately and do not answer questions without counsel present
Do not discuss the case with other inmates, family, or friends
Contact family or a bondsman for bail assistance
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Butler County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Butler County is governed by Kansas law and the Kansas State Historical Society's records retention schedules applicable to local government agencies. Under Kansas administrative guidelines, law enforcement agencies are required to maintain records for specified minimum periods based on the nature of the record and the disposition of the associated case.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Felony Convictions:

Retention: Permanent
Maintained indefinitely by the Sheriff's Office, District Court Clerk, KBI state repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Local law enforcement: Minimum 10 years; many agencies retain permanently
Court records: Permanent in electronic systems
State repository: Permanent

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement: Typically 5–10 years
Court records: Often permanent in electronic case management systems
State repository: Retained unless expunged

Acquittals (Not Guilty Verdicts):

Local law enforcement: Typically 5–10 years
Court records: Often permanent
May be sealed or expunged upon petition

Charges Not Filed (Booking Only):

Booking records: Typically 3–5 years
Eligible for expungement immediately under Kansas law

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained for the applicable minimum period. Digital records in records management systems and court electronic filing systems are retained permanently in most cases. Mugshot databases maintained by third-party commercial entities are not subject to law enforcement retention schedules and may retain records indefinitely.

Retention by Agency:

Sheriff's Office: Booking records and arrest reports are retained for a minimum of 5 years for non-conviction arrests and permanently for conviction-related records. Contact the records division at (316) 322-4254.

Police Departments: Retention periods mirror those of the Sheriff's Office and are governed by the same state retention schedules. Individual departments may be contacted directly for specific retention information.

District Court Clerk: Felony case files are retained permanently. Misdemeanor case files are retained for a minimum of 10 years. Electronic records are maintained permanently in the Kansas eCourt system.

KBI State Repository: The Kansas Bureau of Investigation maintains criminal history records for all arrests processed within Kansas. Retention is permanent for conviction records and subject to expungement orders for non-conviction records.

FBI Database: The NCIC and Interstate Identification Index (III) retain records permanently. These databases are accessible to law enforcement nationwide and are used for employment background checks, firearms purchases, and other federally regulated purposes.

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

A conviction results in permanent retention across all databases. A dismissal or acquittal may remain in databases unless the individual successfully petitions for expungement. An expungement order directs local agencies and the KBI to seal or destroy applicable records, but the FBI database may retain a notation of the record with an expungement flag. Third-party commercial background check companies are not automatically updated following expungement and may require direct contact and documentation to update their records.

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the FCRA, most employment background checks report criminal history for a period of seven years, though convictions may be reported indefinitely for positions with salaries above applicable thresholds. Kansas does not currently impose a shorter reporting period by state statute. Arrests without convictions may appear on background checks but cannot be used as the sole basis for adverse employment decisions in many regulated industries.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public may contact the Butler County Sheriff's Records Division at (316) 322-4254 to inquire about the retention status of a specific arrest record. A written public records request submitted under KORA may be required to obtain formal documentation. Fees may apply for copies of responsive records.

Lookup Arrest Records in Butler County

Kansas Case Search — Search Butler County district court records by case number or party name
Search District Court Records – Kansas Judicial Center — Access statewide eCourt case information including Butler County criminal filings
Kansas Bureau of Investigation — Submit criminal history record requests through the KBI state repository