Pennsylvania criminal records All records, with the exception of records involving juveniles, are open for public view. Record-sealing helps people get better opportunities for jobs, housing & education. Pennsylvania arrest records provide a comprehensive overview of an individual's arrest history within the state. 1 Fingerprinting and Criminal History Record Information (18 Pa. Performs criminal record searches on adults. Unlock the truth with our unparalleled background check services review, where precision meets reliability in unveiling Pennsylvania criminal court records; don't settle for mediocrity when you can access comprehensive insights that empower informed decisions-whether you're an employer seeking trustworthy hires or a landlord ensuring safe communities, our in-depth analysis and expert 3. §9113) 3. For those seeking convenience, this section introduces third-party online services for accessing criminal records in Pennsylvania. Lancaster County Government Center 150 N Queen Street (Enter on Chestnut St. Request a Criminal History Background Check online or by mail. Box 61260 We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. The Civil Rights Enforcement Section is responsible for enforcing state and federal anti-discrimination laws, which often are implicated by criminal records exclusions. Records are available online for Philadelphia County, and the county has an open records policy. . Make sure that you have the control number and the date that you requested your PATCH check. org. So, in some circumstances, they can still be accessed, such as by police, criminal court judges, and district attorneys, as well as by certain employers, (for example Apr 18, 2025 · The site also features the Clean Slate Screener, a free and easy way for you to view your Pennsylvania criminal record and get information about your record clearing options. Submit a Right-to-Know request to PSP's Open Records Officer. Criminal history background checks for individuals are available at the PATCH site or download form SP 4-164, print the completed form, and mail it. ; Pennsylvania Civil Court Records Pennsylvania civil court records are created when two individuals or entities enter a dispute that requires legal counsel. to 5 p. Pennsylvania Law on Use of Criminal Records. Parks Database – Find a State Park; Parole and Magisterial district court case information includes civil cases criminal cases, traffic, cases, non-traffic cases, and landlord/tenant cases. Records prior to 1800 Search Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas criminal and domestic relations bench warrants, Prothonotary civil case records, and Orphans' Court and probate case records online. Pennsylvania Judicial Center. PSP established the Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History, or PATCH, for agencies, companies, and others to request criminal background checks on individuals. Visit MyCleanSlatePA. You may also visit the state’s website to search for public web docket sheets . Volunteer checks are free and can’t be notarized. Two public computers are available in the Clerk of Courts Office for researching and viewing criminal records dating back to 1986. To download the application, visit the app store and search for "PAeDocket". S. Apr 14, 2023 · How to Get a Criminal Record Expunged or Sealed in Pennsylvania A person must file a petition for expungement or limited access in the court where the case was or would have been handled. if a middle name was entered on the original request the you must enter the name exactly. Stat. C-Track - Civil and Orphans' Court Records UJS Portal Notice of expungement shall promptly be submitted to the central repository which shall notify all criminal justice agencies which have received the criminal history record information to be expunged. The new law expands record-sealing, and shortens the timeframe. While not all cases were migrated, this chart will provide a general guideline as to the age of a criminal case available from the Court of Common Pleas Web Docket Sheet. P. Address: Berks County Clerk of Courts Berks County Courthouse 633 Court Street - 4th Floor Reading, PA 19601. Non-confidential juvenile record information can be accessed for $10 through the Pennsylvania State Police online portal: Pennsylvania state PoliCe, Access to Criminal History, https://epatch. Obituaries Database – State Library of Pennsylvania; Online Court Records – Pennsylvania Judiciary Web Portal; Open Records Act Request – PA Office of Open Records; P — Public Records — P. The Clerk of Court is the official record keeper for all matters relating to the Criminal Division of the Court of Common Pleas. There is a computer available for public use to research criminal records dating back more than 30 years. ; Court Clerks perform various Courtroom duties during Court sessions including administering oaths to witnesses and defendants, document the Court’s dictation of orders and other proceedings (guilty pleas, ARD, DUI, bail, Gagnon hearings, etc. Dane County court records may be accessed in several ways. PATCH. May 2, 2023 · On November 3, 2022, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf signed into law Act 134 of 2022, which amended the Criminal History Record Information Act (CHRIA), to implement a new statutory process by which victims of crimes and defendants in certain civil actions can obtain criminal history investigative information gathered by law enforcement agencies Criminal Record Search & Services. These records can determine whether someone has been arrested, convicted, or is currently on probation or parole. A. §9121) About Pennsylvania Arrest Records. Washington County Courthouse 1 S. Pennsylvania State Police Send the REQUEST FOR CRIMINAL RECORD CHECK with payment to the following address: Pennsylvania State Police Central Repository-164,1800 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17110-9758 For status of the Criminal Record Check, call 1-888-QUERYPA (1-888-783-7972). All documents pertinent to a criminal court case must be filed with the Clerk of Court. Clean Slate uses technology to seal certain criminal records from public view through an automated process. Pennsylvania addresses consideration of conviction in licensure and both public and private employment through the Pennsylvania Criminal History Record Information Act, 18 Pa. The security code provided by PSP which allows you to enter the system. Documents. In Pennsylvania, convictions restrict access to over 100 occupations. Access aggregate numerical data from all courts including caseload statistics, collections information and interactive data dashboards. Are Pennsylvania Records Public? Most records created and maintained by government entities and agencies are classified as public records. Cost & Fines Nursing License Lookup – Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS) O — Public Records — O. Criminal justice agencies can access all of an individual's criminal history record information (CHRI). m. The repository was created and is maintained in accordance with Pennsylvania's Criminal History Information Act contained in Chapter 91 of Title 18, Crimes Code. There are two methods of requesting a Pennsylvania Criminal record: Online Request. 1 General Regulations (18 Pa. Purchase a copy of a crash report online or submit a request by mail. • Pennsylvania has the fifth largest prison population in the United States, and the third Mar 8, 2025 · Requests for criminal history records are processed through the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) via the Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History (PATCH) system, which charges a $22 fee per request. com to use the new tool to see if you have anything on your public record that is eliglible for removal. Password. Provide copies of criminal document as requested. Pennsylvania's Unified Judicial System provides comprehensive public access to court records online and upon request. You can check your criminal history request online at the PATCH site. Criminal records are maintained by both state and local law enforcement agencies. Pa. Main Street Access public records with help from the Court System The York County Clerk of Courts' office is primarily responsible for processing, maintaining, and recording criminal case records for the York County Court of Common Pleas. Pennsylvania Access To Criminal History. This Act also directs the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) to disseminate criminal history data to criminal justice agencies, non-criminal justice agencies and individuals on request. Cons. Search for and view the docket sheets, calendars, and other information available for the cases filed in the Pennsylvania courts. This law establishes guidelines for maintaining and sharing criminal records while balancing public access with individual privacy rights. Phone: 412-350-5323 Record Check Status To perform a search on a record check request you must enter in all the data exactly as it was entered for the original record check request. To commemorate its 300th anniversary, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court will hold a special argument session in Old City Hall, Philadelphia, in the Independence National Historical Park on May 18, followed by a two-day symposium on May 19 and 20 at the National Constitution Center. §9112) 3. Sealing or Expungement Expungement: 18 Pa. The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General enforces state and federal laws governing the use of criminal history record information. Records. Mar 28, 2025 · IV. Requests made by noncriminal justice agencies and individuals are subject to edit criteria contained in the law. Simplified access for the public. If you mailed your request in, call 888-783-7972, and choose option 1 to obtain your control number. It emphasizes the importance of choosing reputable providers and understanding the terms, costs, and potential limitations of such services. 3 Correction of Inaccurate Information (18 Pa. Under Pennsylvania law, an employer may consider an applicant's felony or misdemeanor convictions in the hiring process only if they relate to the applicant's suitability for the job. §§ 9101 et seq. If you do not know your control number, or for additional criminal history request questions, call the Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History (PATCH) Help Line toll-free at 1-888-QUERY-PA (1-888-783-7972). Most information is open to the public, but some details are limited to court staff and other individuals with secure access. Jan 1, 2022 · Montgomery County Rule (Criminal) Montgomery County Rule (Judicial Administration) Attn: Rule 509 Records Manager. View Pennsylvania arrest statistical information, and learn features of an arrest record, it's significance, how to view or copy these record from state repositories and the eligibility requirements for sealing or expunging these records per state law. Despite Ban the Box laws, an estimated 87% of employers and 80% of landlords check criminal records. These public records are an integral part of the legal system, granting the public access to crucial information about arrests, including the person's name, the charges filed, and the arrest date. Apr 18, 2025 · Clean Slate Screeneer: Community Legal Services has launched the Clean Slate Screener, a free and easy way for you to view your Pennsylvania criminal record and get information about your record clearing options. Phila, PA 19102 North Philadelphia Law Center: 1410 W. A criminal index from 1984 forward is available online and records of some civil actions are available online. Records may be researched and viewed during the hours of regular operation. stat Dec 22, 2020 · Sealing — or “limited access,” as it is known in Pennsylvania — only closes off your criminal records from public view, and doesn’t completely remove or destroy them. • Criminal records are available publicly on the internet via the UJS Portal. Any information relating to copies, please email Criminalrecordrequest@lehighcounty. CONTROL NUMBER Pennsylvania State Police Request for Criminal Records Check Federal Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) Find information about obtaining clearances, associated laws and regulations, answers to frequently asked questions, and additional resources below. Physical Address. Criminal Justice Advisory Board To search for Criminal Court case information, access the UJS portal and select "Case Information" and "Case Search" at the top of the screen. Search for and view a Docket Sheet. §9114) CHAPTER IV: DISSEMINATION OF CRIMINAL HISTORY RECORD INFORMATION. An individual background check is $22 and can be notarized for an additional $5. Phone: 610-478-6550 Fax: 610-478-6570 Hours: Monday through Friday. Results are often received immediately when applied for online. There is a $10 search fee for this service. Erie Avenue Phila, PA 19140 Mar 31, 2022 · Pennsylvania has several state laws that limit the use of pre-employment background checks, including: Pennsylvania Criminal History Record Information Act. If the person stayed out of trouble, the criminal record could be allowed for expungement. The oral or written transmission or disclosure of criminal history record information to individuals or agencies other than the criminal justice agency that maintains the information. ) Lancaster, PA 17603 Phone: 717-299-8000 Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a. Consequences for Unlawfully Sharing Confidential Information No information found. Skip to content Center City Office: 1424 Chestnut St. Pennsylvania arrest records are documents containing the details of an arrest following the arrestee's alleged involvment in criminal activity. Expungement will remove criminal records from a criminal history, except for law enforcement and court system officials. Mar 8, 2025 · Pennsylvania regulates the collection, use, and dissemination of criminal history information through the Criminal History Record Information Act (CHRIA). 4. Explore and search criminal case filings across Pennsylvania. to view information concerning the 'number' and 'oldest year' of cases migrated from county legacy systems to CPCMS. A quick reference guide for members of the WARNING: 18 Pa. Sealed records do not need to be disclosed, unless required by federal law. Computer docket entries are viewable for records from 1993 forward. PATCH provides conviction records but does not include detailed court proceedings or non-conviction arrest records. 2 Disposition and Criminal History Record Information (18 Pa. PSP. Civil, Orphans' Court, and probate searches and basic case information are free; case document images may be purchased. Pennsylvania Public Criminal Records. Learn about whether your criminal record in Pennsylvania can be automatically sealed under Clean Slate. Department of Court Records, Criminal Division Allegheny County Courthouse 436 Grant Street, Room 114 Pittsburgh, PA 15219-2469. Bucks County Justice Center 100 North Main Street Doylestown, PA 18901. Criminal record in employment & licensing . To request audio or video, file an audio-visual record request, not a Right-to-Know request. 4904(b) UNDER PENALTY OF LAW - MISIDENTIFICATION OR FALSE STATEMENTS OF IDENTITY TO OBTAIN CRIMINAL HISTORY INFORMATION OF ANOTHER IS PUNISHABLE AS AUTHORIZED BY LAW. Among its other duties, the Clerk of Courts also collects court costs / fines, and licenses private detectives. (e) Public records. m. Supreme Court Celebrating 300 Years. Any criminal matters that had a balance in 1986 are also included. Finding public court information is easier than ever with the launch of PAeDocket - a free app that provides a quick and simple search of court cases or dockets. 12, 2024, more Pennsylvania residents with criminal records will have more chances for a fresh start. If you want specific criminal court case information, you will need to go to the Pennsylvania State police. Records from 1910-1986 are available by researching the docket books within the office and viewing the records on microfiche. The information documented on this website includes criminal records, court records, and vital records, including over 100 million transparent public records. O. The Pennsylvania State Police have established a web-based computer application called "Pennsylvania Access To Criminal History (PATCH)". us/. Phone: 215-348-6000 Email Us The steps outlined here will only affect your criminal record for arrests and convictions in Pennsylvania, not out-of-state or federal records. Retrieving Pennsylvania Criminal Records Through Third-Party Services. pa. Sep 24, 2024 · The seven-year rule doesn't apply to criminal record checks. Users can search by case number, participant name, organization name, offense tracking number, police incident or complaint number or state ID number. Jan 25, 2024 · Starting Feb. 27th Judicial District of Pennsylvania. C. --Public records listed in section 9104(a) (relating to scope) shall not be expunged. All criminal records are open to the public. state. The PATCH system allows users to request criminal history background checks online. Records from approximately the past five years are retained on-site, with the exception of traffic and non-criminal ordinance violations, which are only maintained for one year. Homeland Security is Everyone’s Responsibility - Pennsylvania Terrorism Tip Line 1-888-292-1919 . Pennsylvania's Unified Judicial System provides comprehensive public access to court records online and upon request. Public and private employers in the Commonwealth are forbidden from refusing out of hand to hire persons with criminal records, and requires employers to: If you’ve ever been declared guilty of a criminal offense, it is a permanent aspect of your Pennsylvania criminal record, although exemptions to this rule do, at times, apply. FOR CENTRAL REPOSITORY USE ONLY . Pennsylvania Criminal Court Records Criminal court records in Pennsylvania record the legal happenings when an individual is accused of committing a crime. Learn how to request records from PSP. The process also involves paying a filing fee with the court and serving copies of the petition with the District Attorney's office and court administration. C. ). After a criminal record is expunged, it’s no longer a part of a criminal The repository was created and is maintained in accordance with Pennsylvania's Criminal History Information Act contained in Chapter 91 of Title 18, Crimes Code. Criminal records are documents that contain information about an individual's criminal history. koawovxkydghdmcnrbdqmrifjqdqluqicgeujcdgffumgqrczigkwbuomabesyvpflnlvpncgumdzqzoysadqwjr