Both civil and criminal cases that fall under federal jurisdiction are heard in federal district courts.

Civil cases involve disputes between people, corporations or governments, in which one or more parties sues one or more parties for compensation for personal or economic damages (i.e. breach of contract involving the U.S. Government, civil rights violations, disputes between citizens or businesses of different states, patent and trademark infringement). Federal jurisdiction is determined when cases involve federal laws, the U.S. Government (or any of its agencies), more than one state within the country, and disputes between citizens or businesses of different states where the amount in controversy exceeds $75,000.00.

Criminal Cases involve the violation of a federal law (i.e. smuggling drugs into the country, bank robbery, fraud or theft from federally insured institutions, counterfeiting U.S. currency, etc.).

A District Court Judge, also known as an Article III Judge, is a federal judge who is nominated by the President of the United States and confirmed by the United States Senate to a lifetime appointment.  The primary function of the federal judges is to resolve matters brought before the United States federal courts. Most federal courts in the United States are courts of limited jurisdiction, meaning that they hear only cases for which jurisdiction is authorized by the United States constitution or federal statutes.

A Magistrate Judge is a judicial officer who is appointed by the Court for an 8-year, renewable term and has some, but not all, of the powers of a district judge. A magistrate judge may handle civil cases from start to finish if all parties consent. In non-consent cases, a magistrate judge may hear motions and other pretrial matters assigned by a district judge.  In criminal proceedings, magistrate judges preside over misdemeanor and petty offense cases, and as to all criminal cases (felony and misdemeanor) may issue search warrants, arrest warrants, and summonses, accept criminal complaints, conduct initial appearance proceedings and detention hearings, set bail or other conditions of release or detention, hold preliminary hearings and examinations, administer oaths, conduct extradition proceedings, and conduct evidentiary hearings on motions to suppress evidence in felony cases for issuance of reports and recommendations to the district judge.

When federal district judges reach an age that, when combined with their years of service totals eighty, they have the option of taking “senior status.” Taking “senior status” allows them to draw a lighter caseload while remaining active in the court, although many continue to carry a full caseload.

For a complete list of current fees, click here. Note: when paying fees by check or money order, please make them payable to the Clerk, U.S. District Court.

For state court numbers listed by county, visit https://www.kscourts.org/about-the-courts/district-courts.html

Petty offenses are sometimes called infractions and are minor crimes that include such things as speeding, simple assault and other minor traffic violations. These are more than likely violations given with a ticket. Sometimes a court appearance is required. Your ticket will indicate if you can pay a fine by a certain date or whether you will be notified about a court appearance. Misdemeanors are more serious than petty offenses, but not as serious as a felony. These may include theft or possession charges. Misdemeanors are put into categories A, B and C and many, but not all, will have a charging document called “an Information” filed along with the violation notice. These cases require an appearance by a U.S. Magistrate Judge and you will be notified by the clerk’s office.

If you are to appear before a United States Magistrate Judge, box A on your violation notice should be checked. It may or may not have a date but the United States District Court will contact you with a notice to appear on a specific date and time, usually the 2nd Wednesday of the month for Ft. Leavenworth. The dates of the Ft. Riley docket varies based on judges’ schedules, but is always held on Thursday.

If the ticket is to be paid through the Central Violations Bureau it will be indicated in Box B or on the back of the ticket. Go to http://www.cvb.uscourts.gov for more details regarding payment. If you fail to pay the fine you will be required to appear and notification will be sent to you.