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Find Pennsylvania Criminal Records

Are Criminal Records Public in Pennsylvania?

Yes. Criminal records in Pennsylvania are open to the public under the Right To Know Law. The Pennsylvania State Police is the custodian of these records, and public requests to view and obtain criminal records are directed to this agency. Interested individuals may obtain Pennsylvania criminal records through online searches, in-person requests, or mail requests. To access these records, requesters must provide the following information:

The subject’s name, unless the subject is a juvenile.
The subject’s last known location, including cities, counties, and states.

What Constitutes a Criminal Record in Pennsylvania?

Criminal records in Pennsylvania are official documents detailing a person's criminal activity. These records, often referred to as rap sheets, include information on arrests, indictments, pending and past dispositions, and convictions. They are maintained at various levels of government, including municipal, county, and state levels, and compiled from different criminal courts across the state.

What Information Is Included in Pennsylvania Criminal Record?

The name of the subject
Birth date, height, weight, and race
Mugshot and fingerprints
All previous and current indictments
Arrest records and outstanding warrants
Conviction information
Post-conviction status

How To Check Criminal Records in Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania State Police issues criminal record certificates. Interested persons can perform a criminal record search via the public access portal, which charges a non-refundable fee of $22.00 per name-based search.

Besides online searches, requesters can obtain criminal records by completing a request form and submitting it in person or via mail. If submitting by mail, requesters must include a check or money order for the $22.00 fee and send the documents to the Pennsylvania State Police Central Repository.

Are Arrest Records Public in Pennsylvania?

Yes. Pennsylvania arrest records are public records under the Right To Know Law. To obtain arrest records, interested individuals must submit a request to the arresting agency, such as the Sheriff’s Office or the local police department.

Requests for arrest records can be made in person, by mail, or online, depending on the agency's provisions. However, the arresting agency may withhold records if their release would compromise an active investigation or the safety of individuals involved.

What Are Arrest Warrants in Pennsylvania?

Arrest warrants in Pennsylvania are issued by court officials and authorize law enforcement to arrest a person. These documents are typically drafted following a sworn affidavit from a law enforcement officer and signed by a judge or magistrate. They contain details of the alleged offense, personal information of the suspect, and conditions for the arrest.

How To Lookup Mugshots in Pennsylvania

Mugshots are photographic records taken after a person is arrested. They are considered public records in Pennsylvania and can be accessed through local and state law enforcement agencies. Mugshots are stored in inmate databases maintained by the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections and local police departments. Requesters can search these databases using the inmate's name, number, or arrest date.

How To Search Inmate Records in Pennsylvania

Inmate records in Pennsylvania are publicly available and maintained by the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections. These records contain information on convicted criminals and their incarceration details. Interested persons can perform an inmate search using the inmate lookup database provided by the Department of Corrections.

How To Find Pennsylvania Criminal History Record for Free

Criminal history records in Pennsylvania contain information about a person's arrests, indictments, and convictions. They are publicly available and maintained by the Pennsylvania State Police. Interested persons can access these records via the ePatch portal or by submitting a request form in person or by mail.

Certain entities can request a fee waiver, such as:
- Unpaid volunteers with Big Brothers or Big Sisters of America
- Unpaid volunteers with rape crisis centers or domestic violence programs
- The Department of Human Services or county children and youth agencies

Are Juvenile Criminal Records Publicly Available in Pennsylvania?

Juvenile records in Pennsylvania pertain to individuals under 18 who commit crimes. These records are generally confidential and not publicly available. They are maintained by the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections and can be expunged upon request when the juvenile turns 18.

How To Find Sex Offenders in Pennsylvania

Sex offender records in Pennsylvania include information on individuals convicted of sexual crimes. These records are publicly available and maintained in an online sex offender registry. The registry provides details such as names, addresses, and crimes of the offenders.

Are Police Records Public Information in Pennsylvania?

Yes. Police records in Pennsylvania are public records and include various documents maintained by law enforcement agencies. These records are stored by local and state law enforcement agencies and can be accessed upon request. Police records contain:

Arrest logs
Incident/crime reports
Coroner reports
Conviction and non-conviction records
Mugshots
Traffic collision reports
Audio and video recordings
Investigation reports
Complaints
Crime statistics

Pennsylvania Misdemeanor Laws: Types of Offenses and Punishments

Misdemeanors in Pennsylvania are relatively minor criminal offenses categorized into three classes: first, second, and third-degree. First-degree misdemeanors are the most serious, while third-degree misdemeanors are the least serious.

First-degree misdemeanors: Up to $10,000 fine and 5 years in jail
Second-degree misdemeanors: Up to $5,000 fine and 2 years in jail
Third-degree misdemeanors: Up to $2,000 fine and 1 year in jail

Pennsylvania Criminal Laws: Offenses and Penalties Explained

Felony laws in Pennsylvania are serious offenses categorized into three classes: first, second, and third-degree. First-degree felonies are the most serious, while third-degree felonies are the least serious.

First-degree felonies: At least 10 years in prison and up to $25,000 fine
Second-degree felonies: 5 to 10 years in prison and up to $25,000 fine
Third-degree felonies: 3.5 to 7 years in prison and up to $15,000 fine

Overview of Pennsylvania DUI Laws

A DUI in Pennsylvania is a serious traffic violation where an individual operates a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or substances. The legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit is 0.08. Penalties include license suspension, fines, jail time, and mandatory programs such as driver education or ignition interlock installation.

Are Pennsylvania Probation Records Public?

Probation records in Pennsylvania indicate the conditions and restrictions placed on individuals granted limited freedom instead of jail time. These records are managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections and are generally not publicly available.

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