The Criminal Trial Division is responsible for the majority of criminal prosecutions in the 18th Judicial District. Attorneys meet with law enforcement agencies, review their investigations and determine whether criminal prosecutions should commence.
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Office of the District Attorney |
Criminal Contact: Administration@sedgwick.gov. Drug Court Contact: DrugCourt@sedgwick.gov or 316-660-1740. Investigations Contact: Investigations@sedgwick.gov |
Death Penalty
The purpose of this overview is to better educate and inform the public of the law of Kansas, and not to debate of the issues surrounding the death penalty.
Diversion
Criminal Diversion Program
Diversion is available for defendants charged with certain criminal offenses. The program enables the defendant to avoid a conviction while being held accountable for their offense through supervision, payment of costs and fines, payment of restitution, participation in educational programs, and other requirements as warranted. Upon successful completion of the program, charges are dismissed. Please review eligibility requirements and guidelines here before submitting an application.
Drug Diversion Program
Diversion is available for defendants charged with simple possession of controlled substances. The program enables the defendant to avoid a conviction while being held accountable for their offense through supervision, payment of costs and fines, participation in educational programs, completion of community service and other requirements as warranted. Upon successful completion of the program, charged are dismissed. Please review eligibility requirements and guidelines here before submitting an application.
For information on Traffic or DUI Diversion click here.
Domestic Violence
Drug Court
Drug Court is a specialty court with the responsibility to handle cases involving drug-using offenders though comprehensive supervision, drug testing, treatment services and immediate sanctions and incentives. It is a partnership with COMCARE, the Department of Corrections, the District Court, the Office of the District Attorney and the Sheriff's Office. Effective court services and substance abuse treatment are combined to help abusers gain a new lifestyle through drug and alcohol recovery.
The Sedgwick County Drug Court Program began in 2008 and is the production of more than two decades of scientific research. There are 14 drug courts in Kansas.
Using a non-adversarial approach, prosecution and defense attorneys promote public safety while protecting the due process rights of the people in the program.
Abstinence is monitored by frequent, random alcohol and drug testing. Ongoing judicial interaction with each drug court participant is essential for accountability purposes.
It has been proven Drug Court significantly reduces drug use and crime at a substantial cost savings.
The overarching goal of the Sedgwick County Drug Court Program is to provide an alternative probation program that assists addicts in attaining a lifetime recovery and promote a crime free and productive life.
Investigations
The Investigations Unit serves subpoenas, interviews witnesses, transports witnesses to and from the courthouse for hearings and interviews, assists with investigations of alleged open meetings and records violations, conducts criminal investigations on cases referred from outside law enforcement agencies, and coordinates and assists with investigations where law enforcement has exercised force, up to and including deadly force. This unit is also responsible for conducting background and criminal history checks of defendants in pending criminal cases and expungement proceedings, as well as applicants for employment within the District Attorney’s Office.
Legal Terms
Review these terms which are common within the Kansas legal and judicial system.
Sentencing Guidelines
Under Kansas law, two primary factors determine the punishment a convicted felon should be given: the severity level of the crime and the defendant's criminal history.
In general, the potential punishment an offender faces can be determined by reference to these sentencing guidelines.
Victim Services
Victims of crimes may obtain information about the criminal justice process and learn their bill of rights.