Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What are my duties and responsibilities as a guardian or a conservator?

Please follow this link for more information: http://www.kansasjudicialcouncil.org/legal-forms/guardianship-conservatorship

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 are the hours for the 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… Read More

What services will be provided?

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… Read More

When did the 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… Read More

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… Read More

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… Read More

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… Read More

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).… Read More

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… Read More

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.

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.

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.

Do I have to get an attorney for this type of action?

You may wish to consult an attorney on any action you file or that is filed against you. In small claims court, an attorney cannot represent you, unless an individual, who is an attorney, is suing you. For more information, call the Access to… Read More

Do I have to pay the court costs even if I do not come to court?

Yes. The "court costs" in traffic cases are actually docket fees that must be paid whether or not you appear in court. Docket fees are used to defray the expenses of processing a court case from beginning to end.

Even though I have received a Summons, is it possible that I will not be required to come to court during the dates shown?

Yes. It is impossible to predict the number of trials that will take place each week. Some of the jury trials that are scheduled are settled, dismissed, or otherwise resolved without requiring a jury. For this reason, we have implemented the juror… Read More

How are jurors selected for a particular trial?

Cases will usually be heard by juries of six or twelve jurors. A larger group, called a panel, will be sent to the courtroom where the jurors will be questioned by the lawyers in a process called Voir Dire (jury selection).

How can I be referred to no cost or low cost legal services?

You can call the Access to Justice Advice Line at 1-800-675-5860. You also may want to consider Limited Scope Representation.