Allentown Criminal History Records
Allentown is Pennsylvania's third-largest city and the county seat of Lehigh County. Criminal history records for Allentown are filed at the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas, which serves the 31st Judicial District. Felony and misdemeanor cases processed in Allentown flow through this court and are searchable through the statewide UJS portal. This guide covers the main access points, the role of local courts, and how to obtain certified criminal history information for the Allentown area.
Allentown Quick Facts
Where Allentown Criminal History Records Are Filed
Allentown criminal cases are filed at the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas. This court handles felony charges, serious misdemeanors, and appeals from lower courts. The courthouse is in downtown Allentown and serves the entire county.
Summary offenses and preliminary hearings for more serious charges are handled first at the Magisterial District Court level. These local courts are spread throughout Allentown and the rest of Lehigh County. Records from both the Common Pleas court and the Magisterial District Courts are indexed in the statewide UJS portal.
The Allentown Municipal Court handles lower-level matters specific to city ordinance violations and summary offenses. For the formal criminal record, the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas is the official filing location.
Note: Records such as juvenile files, sealed cases, and expunged records are not accessible to the public through any court search system.
Allentown Criminal Records Search Online
The Pennsylvania UJS Case Search is the primary free tool for finding Allentown criminal records online. You can search by participant name, docket number, or offense tracking number. Results include docket entries, charge information, hearing schedules, and case status for both Lehigh County Common Pleas cases and Magisterial District Court cases.
The UJS portal covers all levels of the Pennsylvania court system. Searches are free and open to the public. However, docket sheets show only summary information. Full case documents must be obtained through the clerk's office at the Lehigh County Courthouse.
The City of Allentown's official website provides information on local government services, the Allentown Police Department, and how to access municipal records in Lehigh County.
Recent court filings may take up to 24 hours or more to appear on the UJS portal. The system reflects data as entered by court staff, and older records may have gaps or incomplete information.
Allentown Criminal History Through PATCH
The Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History system, PATCH, is the official source for certified criminal background checks. It is operated by the Pennsylvania State Police and includes data from courts across all 67 Pennsylvania counties, including Lehigh County.
PATCH checks cost $22 each and are submitted online at epatch.pa.gov. The process requires the subject's full name and date of birth. Most results are returned within minutes for standard online requests.
PATCH is governed under CHRIA, 18 Pa.C.S. Chapter 91. The Pennsylvania State Police is designated as the central repository for criminal history information in the Commonwealth. Court docket searches from the UJS portal are not a substitute for a certified PATCH check.
Allentown Police Department Records
The Allentown Police Department provides law enforcement services throughout the city. Arrest records, incident reports, and crime statistics are generated at the department level and may be available through formal public records requests.
The Allentown Police Department handles public records requests for department-generated documents. Police blotter information is generally available under Pennsylvania law. More detailed investigative records may be withheld if they involve active investigations or could compromise a prosecution.
The Allentown Police Department generates arrest records and incident reports for crimes occurring within the city. These records are separate from the court files maintained at the Lehigh County Courthouse.
Note: Arrest records from the Allentown Police Department do not show case outcomes. Check the UJS portal for docket information on how a case was resolved after arrest.
Lehigh County Courthouse and Court Records
The Lehigh County Courthouse is the central location for all criminal case filings in Allentown. In-person visits allow you to search for records, request certified copies, and review open case files at the clerk's office.
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID when visiting. Fees apply for certified copies of court documents. Office hours are generally Monday through Friday during regular business hours. Call ahead to confirm current fees and what you need to bring for your specific request.
The Lehigh County government website provides contact information for court offices, the clerk of courts, and other county departments that handle public records.
Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law and Allentown Records
Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law gives the public the right to access many government records. City of Allentown records fall under this law. Court records maintained by the Unified Judicial System follow a separate access policy, but the basic principle of public access applies to both.
Criminal investigative records held by the Allentown Police Department may be exempt under Section 708(b)(16) of the Right-to-Know Law. This covers materials related to ongoing investigations, confidential sources, and information that could impair law enforcement actions.
The Pennsylvania Office of Open Records handles appeals when a public agency denies a records request. Appeals must be filed within 15 business days of a denial. The burden of showing a record is exempt rests with the agency, not the requester.
Allentown Court Contact Information
| Court | Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas |
|---|---|
| Address | 455 West Hamilton Street, Allentown, PA 18101 |
| County Website | lehighcounty.org |
| UJS Portal | ujsportal.pacourts.us |
| PATCH System | epatch.pa.gov ($22 per check) |
| Judicial District | 31st Judicial District |
| County | Lehigh County |
Lehigh County Criminal Records
Allentown criminal cases are filed and maintained at the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas. The county records page includes more details on accessing Lehigh County criminal history records and court contact information.
Other Pennsylvania Cities
Each Pennsylvania city routes criminal cases through its county Court of Common Pleas. Explore criminal history record access for other cities in the state.