Criminal records in Buffalo County, Nebraska, can be accessed through several channels, including online tools, official court systems, law enforcement agencies, and the county clerk's office. BuffaloCourt.us can help find publicly available criminal case information for Buffalo County. Additional access points include the Nebraska Judicial Branch's statewide case search system, the Buffalo County Sheriff's Office, and the Buffalo County Clerk's Office, each of which maintains different categories of records.
How to Search Criminal Records in Buffalo County
There are several ways to look up criminal records in Buffalo County. The method you choose depends on what information you have and whether you need an official certified copy or just basic case details.
Online Search Options
- BuffaloCourt.us — Search for publicly available court record information related to Buffalo County criminal cases. You can begin a search using a person's name.
- JUSTICE One-Time Case Search — Nebraska's statewide trial court case management system covers criminal, civil, traffic, juvenile, and probate cases filed in all 93 county and district courts. You can search by name or case number without a subscriber account.
- JUSTICE Subscriber Search — For frequent users, the Nebraska Judicial Branch offers subscriber accounts through Nebraska.gov that allow more detailed and repeated searches across all trial courts.
- Nebraska Incarceration Record Search — If you need to locate someone currently or previously held by the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services, this tool searches by last name or NDCS ID number.
- Nebraska Victims of Crime Alert Portal (NEVCAP) — Victims and the public can search for offenders by ID or booking number and register for custody status notifications.
In Person
Visit the Buffalo County Courthouse in Kearney. Both the County Court and the District Court maintain criminal case files. The clerk of each court can help you locate records using a defendant's name or case number. Public access terminals may be available at the courthouse.
By Mail or Written Request
- Court records: Send a written request to the Clerk of the District Court or the County Court at the Buffalo County Courthouse. Include the defendant's full name, date of birth (if known), and case number (if available). Enclose payment for any applicable copy fees.
- Criminal history (RAP sheet): The Nebraska State Patrol processes Record of Arrest and Prosecution requests. The public may request a RAP sheet for any individual. Requests require the subject's name and date of birth, along with the applicable fee.
What You Need to Start a Search
- Full legal name of the individual
- Date of birth (recommended but not always required)
- Case number (if searching a specific case)
- NDCS ID or booking number (for incarceration searches)
Search Buffalo County Criminal Cases by Case Number
Nebraska uses a standardized case number format across all county and district courts. Understanding the format helps you search more efficiently in the JUSTICE system.
A typical Nebraska case number follows this pattern:
- County code — A two-letter or alphanumeric prefix identifying the county (e.g., "CI" designators vary by court level and county)
- Case type code — A short abbreviation indicating the type of case. Common criminal codes include:
- CR — Criminal (felony-level cases in district court)
- CR — Criminal (misdemeanor cases in county court, sometimes distinguished by court level)
- TR — Traffic
- Year — A two-digit filing year
- Sequence number — A sequential number assigned when the case was filed
For example, a case number like CR 24-123 would indicate a criminal case filed in 2024, with 123 as the sequential filing number. When entering a case number in the JUSTICE system, select Buffalo County and input the number exactly as it appears on court documents.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Buffalo County
Charges
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Statute codes | Each charge references a specific section of the Nebraska Revised Statutes (e.g., Neb. Rev. Stat. § 28-305 for manslaughter) |
| Severity | Felony (Classes I, IA, IB, IC, ID, II, III, IIIA, IV), Misdemeanor (Classes I, II, III, IIIA, W), or Infraction |
| Amended charges | Charges may be amended by the prosecutor before or during trial — the case record will reflect both original and amended charges |
Case Status
- Pending — Case has been filed but not yet resolved
- Active — Proceedings are ongoing; hearings or trial may be scheduled
- Disposed — A final outcome has been entered (conviction, dismissal, acquittal)
- Closed — All obligations fulfilled and case administratively closed
Hearing Types
- Arraignment — Defendant is formally advised of charges and enters a plea
- Preliminary hearing — In felony cases, the court determines whether probable cause exists to proceed
- Pre-trial conference — Attorneys discuss case status, potential plea agreements, and trial preparation
- Trial — Bench or jury trial where evidence is presented
- Sentencing — Court imposes a sentence after a guilty plea or conviction
- Review hearing — Follow-up hearing to monitor compliance with probation, drug court, or other court-ordered conditions
Court Results
- Guilty — Defendant convicted by plea or verdict
- Not guilty — Defendant acquitted at trial
- Dismissed — Charges dropped by the court or prosecution
- No contest (nolo contendere) — Defendant does not contest the charges; treated as a conviction for sentencing
- Acquitted — Court finds insufficient evidence for conviction
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Buffalo County
Certified copies carry an official court seal and are accepted for legal proceedings, background checks, and other formal purposes. The office you contact depends on the type of record.
Court Records (Case Files, Judgments, Dispositions)
Contact the clerk of the court where the case was filed:
Buffalo County District Court
Buffalo County Court
To request certified copies:
- Visit the clerk's office in person, or send a written request by mail.
- Provide the case number, defendant's full name, and date of birth.
- Specify that you need a certified copy.
- Pay the applicable certification and copy fees.
- A valid government-issued photo ID is typically required for in-person requests.
Criminal History Records (RAP Sheets)
For a statewide Record of Arrest and Prosecution, submit your request to the Nebraska State Patrol's Criminal Identification Division. Requests can be made online or by mail. You will need the subject's full name and date of birth. Fingerprint-based checks may be required for certain employment or licensing purposes.
Public Records Requests Through the County Clerk
The Buffalo County Clerk's Office also processes public records requests. Forms and instructions are available on their website.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Buffalo County
Fees for criminal record copies in Nebraska are set by statute. The following table reflects standard charges under Nebraska law (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 33-109 and related statutes):
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Non-certified copy (per page) | $0.50 |
| Certified copy (per document) | $1.00 per page plus certification fee |
| Certification fee | $1.00 per certification |
| Nebraska State Patrol criminal history (name-based) | $15.50 |
| Nebraska State Patrol criminal history (fingerprint-based) | $24.50 |
Processing Times
- In-person court record copies: Often available the same day, depending on staff availability and volume.
- Mail requests to the court: Typically processed within 5–10 business days after receipt.
- Nebraska State Patrol name-based checks: Usually returned within 3–5 business days when submitted online.
- Fingerprint-based checks: May take 2–4 weeks depending on processing volume.
Fees are subject to change. Confirm current amounts with the clerk's office or the Nebraska State Patrol before submitting payment. Checks or money orders are generally accepted for mail requests; some offices accept credit cards for in-person transactions.