Allegheny County Criminal History Records

Allegheny County criminal history records are maintained by the Clerk of Courts at the Allegheny County Courthouse in Pittsburgh. The 5th Judicial District covers the entire county and handles all criminal cases filed within its borders. Members of the public can search criminal records online through the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System or request copies in person at the courthouse. This guide covers the key offices, online tools, and procedures for accessing Allegheny County criminal records.

Allegheny County Clerk of Courts

The Allegheny County Clerk of Courts serves as the official record keeper for criminal court proceedings in the county. The office handles organizing, preserving, and providing access to court filings, case dockets, and related legal documents. It is responsible for filing and docketing documents, indexing and recording case files, providing certified copies, collecting court fees, distributing court orders, and preparing records for appellate review.

In Allegheny County, the Clerk of Courts and the Department of Court Records serve distinct roles. The Clerk of Courts maintains official criminal court records, including dockets, filings, and case documentation for felony and misdemeanor charges. The Department of Court Records handles civil, family, and orphans court matters separately. This division helps keep criminal and civil record access clear and organized for the public.

How to Search Allegheny County Criminal Records

Criminal case information can be viewed online through the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System (UJS) Portal. Search by defendant's name, docket number, or filing year. Accurate spelling and complete information improve results. The UJS Portal is free to use and provides access to docket entries, hearing dates, case status, and charge listings for cases filed in Allegheny County.

For in-person searches, visit the Criminal Division at 436 Grant Street, Room 115 in Pittsburgh. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID. Public access terminals are available in the courthouse for searching criminal record information at no cost. You can search for records by name, case number, or filing date. Staff can assist with locating older records that may not appear in digital systems.

Note: Bring valid photo identification when visiting the Allegheny County Courthouse in person to request criminal records.

Allegheny County Criminal History Record Contents

Criminal records in Allegheny County typically include identifying information such as full legal name, date of birth, physical description, and address. Arrest information includes the date and time of arrest, arresting agency, booking number, and the charges filed. Court case information covers the docket number, court of jurisdiction, filing date, formal charges, offense classification, plea information, and attorney details.

Disposition information shows the verdict or case outcome, conviction date, and sentencing details. Sentencing may include incarceration terms, probation or parole conditions, fines, court costs, restitution, community service, and treatment programs. Records may also list appeal information and any active warrants or bench warrants associated with the case. Protection from abuse orders, sex offender registration requirements, and DUI history may also appear in the record.

Docket sheets contain a case caption and number, party names, attorney information, filing dates, document titles, hearing schedules and outcomes, judicial rulings and orders, financial assessments and payments, and overall case status and disposition.

PATCH and Statewide Background Checks for Allegheny County

For a certified criminal history background check covering all of Pennsylvania, use the PATCH system (Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History) operated by the Pennsylvania State Police. PATCH costs $22 per check and is available online at epatch.pa.gov. Results cover statewide records, not just Allegheny County cases. You can also submit a request by mail using Form SP 4-164 to the Pennsylvania State Police Central Repository.

The UJS Portal docket searches are free but should not be treated as complete criminal background checks. As the Pennsylvania State Police notes, docket sheet information should not be used in place of a formal criminal history background check, which only the PSP can provide through PATCH. For current inmate information, the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections maintains an inmate locator tool for individuals currently housed in state correctional institutions.

Fees for Allegheny County Criminal Records

The Allegheny County Department of Court Records charges $0.25 per page for one-sided copies and $0.25 per side for two-sided copies. Record certification costs $1.00 per document. For certified copies, submit your request in person or by mail. Simple requests are typically processed the same day. Mailed requests or those involving older records can take up to 10 business days.

Fee-based services also include certified copies at $10.00 per document and criminal history record checks through PATCH at $22.00 per search. Free in-person inspection is available at 436 Grant Street, Room 115, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 during regular business hours. Printing or copying documents incurs the standard per-page fee even when inspection is free.

Note: Copy fees and certification charges may change, so call 412-350-5323 to confirm current rates before visiting the courthouse.

Allegheny County Criminal Records and the Right-to-Know Law

Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law governs public access to government records statewide. Under the law, court records are generally available to the public. Pursuant to Pennsylvania Rule of Judicial Administration 509, docket information is public record, though certain case types may have restricted access. Criminal court records exempt from public access include adoption records, juvenile records, mental health records, domestic-related cases, sealed and expunged records, and grand jury proceedings.

The Pennsylvania Office of Open Records oversees appeals when access to records is denied. If a record request from Allegheny County is denied, you may appeal to the Office of Open Records within 15 business days. The CHRIA statute, 18 Pa.C.S. Chapter 91, governs the dissemination of criminal history record information across Pennsylvania and establishes limits on who may access certain types of criminal history data and for what purposes.

Historical Allegheny County records include workhouse records from 1873 to 1971 available through certain genealogical resources. The Carnegie Main Library has birth records from 1852 to 1854, and the Registrar of Wills holds birth records from 1893 to 1905, death records from 1870 to 1905, naturalization records from 1798 to 1891, and marriage records from 1885 to 1925.

Allegheny County Court Docket Search Options

Online docket access in Allegheny County is available through several channels. The Allegheny County Department of Court Records Portal handles civil, family, and orphans court dockets. The Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal covers criminal, traffic, and magisterial district court dockets. The PACFile System is available to registered attorneys and case parties for electronic filing and review.

The UJS Portal allows searches by participant name, organization name, docket number, citation number, offense tracking number (OTN), and provides free public access to docket sheets. For in-person docket searches at the Criminal Division, go to the Allegheny County Courthouse at 436 Grant Street, Room 115. The telephone number for criminal division inquiries is 412-350-1229.

For historical dockets from the pre-digital era, researchers may need to consult microfilm or bound docket books available at the Allegheny County Archives. The Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts also provides guidance on accessing court records statewide, including the free PAeDocket mobile app for searching case information on the go.

Expungement of Criminal Records in Allegheny County

Pennsylvania allows for expungement of certain criminal records under specific conditions. The process for expungement in Allegheny County begins with filing a petition in the Court of Common Pleas. Once granted, the record is removed from public view. The Pennsylvania State Police handles the removal of expunged records from the PATCH system.

Eligible records for expungement include summary offenses after a specified time period, arrests that did not result in conviction, and certain other qualifying cases under Pennsylvania law. The Clerk of Courts office at 436 Grant Street can provide information on the process and required forms. The AOPC at pacourts.us also offers guidance on expungement procedures statewide.

Cities in Allegheny County

Pittsburgh is the county seat of Allegheny County and the largest city in western Pennsylvania. Criminal history records for Pittsburgh residents are filed at the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas at 436 Grant Street.

Nearby Counties

Allegheny County borders several western Pennsylvania counties. If you are not sure which county handles a specific criminal case, check the address where the offense occurred.

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