Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you offer internship positions?
District Court is willing to provide supervision allowing for field placement credit hours.
If I am involved in a court case, can I still be a volunteer?
It is possible. Decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis
If I belong to a political organization, can I serve as a volunteer?
As a court volunteer, it’s important to keep your work and politics separate. If you’re involved with any political groups or activities, please notify District Court. This helps ensure fairness.
Is training required for me to participate?
Yes. The amount of training will vary depending on the volunteer position.
What commitment is expected for volunteers?
The time commitment will vary depending on the volunteer position. It can range from three hours per week to three hours per month for 12 months.
What steps are involved in acquiring an expungement?
There are two types of expungements: Adult and Juvenile. To view a complete list of the steps needed for acquiring an expungement, please visit the Getting an Expungement page.
What will I gain through my experience volunteering?
Satisfaction in serving your community and learning what it takes to balance the scales of justice.
What are the hours for the Court Trustee office and where is it located?
The District Court Trustee is located on the main floor of the Judicial Building at 111 E. 11th Street, Lawrence, Kansas 66044. The office is accessible in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and the office is open during the noon hour.
What does the Court Trustee's office do?
The District Court Trustee is responsible for all matters relating to the establishment, modification, and enforcement of support orders issued by the Douglas County District Court. The District Court Trustee is empowered to pursue all civil remedies which would be available to a recipient in this regard. Criminal referrals can be directed to the District Attorney if necessary. Parent visitation and support matters will be heard by a District Court Judge Pro Tem when possible to provide quick and easy access to the Court for all parties.
When did the Court Trustee's Office open?
The office opened on May 1, 1995. All orders for support entered effective January 1, 1995, require the District Court Trustee to provide enforcement services for the case. Payments are to be made through the Kansas Payment Center, and are disbursed within 48 hours of receipt.
Where would I acquire online/printable versions of forms and documents related to child support, parenting time/visitation and other services offered by the District Court Trustee?
Printable versions of forms and documents related to child support, parenting time/visitation, and other services offered by the District Court Trustee can be acquired on line by visiting the Court Trustee Documents page. You can also obtain copies of all forms and documents by visiting the Trustee in person.  
Which cases are handled and what is the fee?
For any new or modified support order entered on or after January 1, 1995, the District Court Trustee will automatically provide enforcement services. A mandatory fee of 5% will be deducted from support collected to defray the expenses of the office. In most instances, the value of the services provided will exceed the cost. The cost of the 5% fee is divided equally between the parties pursuant to the Kansas Child Support Guidelines.
How do I get to the Court Services Office?
Douglas County Court Services is located in the basement level of the Judicial and Law Enforcement Center located at 111 E. 11th street Lawrence, KS. 
How do I pay my court costs or restitution?
Payments for court costs, restitution and fines can be made in person or via mail.  If payment is being made in person, it may be paid by cash, check, money order or cashier’s check, payable to DOUGLAS COUNTY DISTRICT COURT, in the Clerk’s Office, located in the basement level of the Law Enforcement and Judicial Law Enforcement Center.  There is a $30.00 penalty for returned checks. 
I'm scheduled for a PSI appointment, what is that?
In all felony cases a Pre Sentence Investigation (PSI) is ordered by the court upon a conviction/plea prior to sentencing. The PSI report will contain an individual’s criminal history along with the current severity level of conviction(s). The report will provide the sentencing court with a range of sentencing options in accordance with the Kansas Sentencing Guidelines.
I've never been on probation before and don't know what to expect.
Your Probation Officer will work with you to help you successfully abide by/complete all conditions of your probation. In addition to promoting public safety, probation is designed to help you work on areas of your life that may have contributed to your current involvement with the legal system. 
Are jurors allowed to take notes?
It is up to the individual discretion of each judge. In general, it is not permitted. The judges feel it is important that jurors focus their attention on witnesses and information rather than on taking notes.
As a juror do I need to bring anything with me?
You do not need to bring anything with you. You may want to bring a jacket, book, or something else to do during the brief period of waiting.
Can I defer my jury duty?
Deferment is not always a possibility, but we try to accommodate your busy schedules as much as we can. To request a deferment, you should complete the appropriate section of the juror questionnaire. You will receive a letter from the court with either your new service dates or a denial of your request within four weeks of making the request.
Can I request to be excused from jury service due to financial hardship?
You can request hardship for any reason on your Juror Questionnaire. All excusal requests are subject to review by the Chief Judge. You will receive an email as well as a letter in the mail with a response to your request within four weeks.  If you have any questions, please contact the Jury Coordinator at Jury@dgcoks.gov or at 785-832-5232.
Can I request to be excused from jury service for medical reasons?
Yes, but the court requires a letter from your physician stating you should be excused.  For more information on what is needed and where to send it, please contact the Jury Coordinator at Jury@dgcoks.gov or 785-832-5232.
Can I speak to the judge about my case?
Judicial ethics prohibit judges from speaking directly with parties about their cases. 
Can I volunteer for jury service?
Jurors must be randomly selected and summoned to be able to serve on a jury. You cannot volunteer for service. In Douglas County, jurors are randomly selected from a list of people with Douglas County addresses provided by the Kansas DMV.
Can my employer fire me for serving on a jury?
Kansas law provides job protection for jurors. According to Kansas law, employers may not fire or threaten to fire an employee because of jury service. The court can provide documentation of jury service upon request.
Do I have to appear in court for my traffic citation?
If you are charged with a misdemeanor traffic offense, you must appear in court. Seat belt violations do not require a court appearance, even though they are often marked as misdemeanors on the tickets. If you were charged with no proof of insurance, but you had insurance at the time of the stop, you should contact the DA's office at 785-832-5321 in advance of your court date to provide them with your insurance information. They will then let you know if you need to appear in court or not.