Allegheny County Court Records
What Is Allegheny County Court Records
Court records in Allegheny County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records constitute a comprehensive repository of judicial activities and decisions maintained by various courts operating within Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. Pursuant to Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law, court records are defined as documentation of court proceedings and related administrative functions.
Court records typically include:
- Case files containing pleadings, motions, and supporting documentation
- Docket sheets chronicling case events and filing history
- Court orders and judicial decisions
- Judgments and decrees
- Hearing and trial transcripts
- Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
- Sentencing records in criminal matters
- Marriage licenses and divorce decrees
- Probate and estate administration documents
Court records differ from other public records such as property records (deeds, mortgages, liens), vital records (birth and death certificates), and tax records, which are maintained by separate county departments. The Fifth Judicial District of Pennsylvania, which serves Allegheny County, maintains records through several courts:
- Court of Common Pleas (Civil, Criminal, Family, Orphans')
- Magisterial District Courts
- Pittsburgh Municipal Court
These courts collectively handle civil litigation, criminal prosecutions, family matters, probate proceedings, traffic violations, and small claims. Under Pennsylvania Code § 65.51-65.52, court records are maintained according to established retention schedules and access protocols.
Are Court Records Public In Allegheny County
Court records in Allegheny County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with Pennsylvania's constitutional principle of open courts and the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law § 67.101. This legislation establishes the presumption that government records, including court records, are public unless specifically exempted by law, sealed by court order, or restricted by judicial administrative policy.
The following court records are typically available for public inspection:
- Civil case files (complaints, answers, motions, orders)
- Criminal case files (post-charging documents, including indictments and informations)
- Judgments, verdicts, and final orders
- Docket sheets detailing case chronology
- Court calendars and hearing schedules
- Property records related to judgments and liens
However, certain records may be restricted from public access, including:
- Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
- Mental health proceedings
- Adoption records
- Records sealed by judicial order
- Documents containing sensitive personal information
- Grand jury materials
- Certain family court matters involving minors
Access to Allegheny County court records is governed by the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania Public Access Policy, which implements statewide standards for public access to court records. This policy balances transparency with privacy concerns and security considerations. Federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, which includes Allegheny County, are governed by separate federal regulations and are accessible through the federal PACER system.
How To Find Court Records in Allegheny County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Allegheny County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The Department of Court Records maintains repositories for various case types and provides multiple access channels.
For in-person requests:
- Identify the appropriate court division (Civil, Criminal, Family, Orphans')
- Visit the corresponding office during regular business hours
- Complete a records request form specifying case information
- Present valid identification
- Pay applicable search and copy fees
Department of Court Records - Civil/Family Division
City-County Building
414 Grant Street, 1st Floor
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
412-350-5727
Department of Court Records
Department of Court Records - Criminal Division
Allegheny County Courthouse
436 Grant Street, Room 115
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
412-350-1229
Department of Court Records
Department of Court Records - Wills/Orphans' Court Division
First Floor City-County Building
414 Grant Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
412-350-4182
Department of Court Records
For mail requests:
- Download and complete the appropriate records request form from the Department of Court Records website
- Include case identifying information (names, case numbers, filing dates)
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope
- Include payment for applicable fees (check or money order)
- Mail to the appropriate division address
Electronic access options include:
- The Allegheny County Department of Court Records online portal for civil, family, and orphans' court records
- The Unified Judicial System Web Portal for criminal case information
- PACFile for electronic filing and document access
Pursuant to Pennsylvania Rule of Judicial Administration 509, requests for court administrative records may require submission of an official request form to the appropriate records custodian.
How To Look Up Court Records in Allegheny County Online?
Allegheny County provides comprehensive online access to court records through several digital platforms. These systems allow remote searching of various court documents without visiting physical offices.
The primary online resources include:
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Department of Court Records Web Portal
- Access at DCR Online Records Search
- Contains civil, family, and orphans' court records
- Search by party name, case number, or filing date
- Registration required for full document access
- Fees apply for document downloads and certified copies
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Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal
- Access at UJS Portal
- Search options include:
- Criminal Case Search (docket sheets and case status)
- Magisterial District Court dockets
- Court of Common Pleas dockets
- Free basic case information; fees for document copies
- Searchable by defendant name, case number, or OTN (Offense Tracking Number)
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PACFile Electronic Filing System
- Access at PACFile
- Allows registered attorneys and pro se litigants to:
- File documents electronically
- Access case documents
- Receive electronic notifications
- Requires account registration and verification
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Pittsburgh Municipal Court Online Docket
- Access through Pittsburgh Municipal Court
- Search traffic citations and code violations
- Provides hearing schedules and case status
When searching online records, users should:
- Have specific identifying information (full names, case numbers)
- Be aware of potential name variations or spelling differences
- Note that older records may not be fully digitized
- Understand that certain confidential or sealed records will not appear in public searches
Online access is governed by the Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania, which establishes uniform standards for electronic access to court records.
How To Search Allegheny County Court Records for Free?
Pennsylvania law provides for public inspection of court records at no cost, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents. Pursuant to Pennsylvania Rule of Judicial Administration 509(c)(5), "A court or office may not charge a fee for viewing records at the courthouse."
Free access options in Allegheny County include:
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In-Person Inspection
- Visit the appropriate court office during business hours
- Public access terminals available at:
- Department of Court Records - Civil Division
- Department of Court Records - Criminal Division
- Department of Court Records - Wills/Orphans' Court Division
- No fee for viewing records on-site
- Staff assistance available for locating records
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Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal
- Free access to basic case information at UJS Portal
- Includes:
- Criminal docket sheets
- Case status information
- Hearing schedules
- Party information
- No registration required for basic searches
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Allegheny County Law Library
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Located at:
Allegheny County Law Library
921 City-County Building
414 Grant Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
412-350-5353
Allegheny County Law Library -
Provides free public access to legal research tools
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Staff assistance available for record searches
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Access to historical court records and legal materials
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Public Library Access
- Select public libraries offer free access to legal databases
- Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh provides access to legal research tools
- Library staff can assist with navigating online resources
While basic searches are free, fees may apply for:
- Printed copies (typically $0.25-$1.00 per page)
- Certified copies ($5.00-$20.00 depending on document type)
- Record retrievals requiring extensive staff time
- Expedited service requests
The Allegheny County Department of Court Records Fee Schedule details specific costs for various services. Pursuant to 42 Pa.C.S. § 1725, courts may establish reasonable fees for records reproduction and certification.
What's Included in a Allegheny County Court Record?
Allegheny County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings, with content varying by case type and court jurisdiction. These records typically include multiple components that collectively document the judicial process from initiation through resolution.
Civil case records generally contain:
- Complaint or petition initiating the action
- Summons and proof of service
- Defendant's answer or response
- Motions and supporting memoranda
- Discovery documents (if filed with the court)
- Exhibits and evidence admitted during proceedings
- Transcripts of hearings and trials
- Court orders and opinions
- Final judgment or decree
- Post-judgment filings and enforcement documents
Criminal case records typically include:
- Criminal complaint or information
- Arrest warrant or summons
- Bail and pretrial release documentation
- Preliminary hearing transcripts
- Pretrial motions and orders
- Plea agreements or trial records
- Sentencing documents
- Probation/parole information
- Post-conviction relief petitions
Family court records may contain:
- Divorce petitions and decrees
- Child custody and support orders
- Protection from abuse filings
- Adoption proceedings
- Paternity determinations
- Guardian ad litem reports
- Financial disclosure statements
Orphans' Court records typically include:
- Wills and testamentary documents
- Estate inventories and accountings
- Guardianship petitions and reports
- Trust administration documents
- Marriage license applications
Each court record also contains a docket sheet, which serves as a chronological index of all filings, hearings, and court actions. Pursuant to Pennsylvania Rule of Judicial Administration 1931, certain confidential information must be safeguarded in public court records, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account numbers
- Minor children's names and dates of birth
- Driver's license numbers
- State identification numbers
These sensitive details are typically redacted or filed in separate confidential documents not available for public inspection.
How Long Does Allegheny County Keep Court Records?
Allegheny County maintains court records according to retention schedules established by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. These schedules, authorized under Pennsylvania Rule of Judicial Administration 509, specify minimum retention periods for various document types based on case category, disposition, and historical significance.
Standard retention periods include:
Civil Records
- General civil litigation: 7 years after final disposition
- Judgments: 20 years from entry date
- Divorce decrees: Permanent
- Property disputes: 20 years after final disposition
- Personal injury cases: 7 years after final disposition
- Small claims: 5 years after final disposition
Criminal Records
- Felony cases: 75 years from final disposition
- Misdemeanor cases: 25 years from final disposition
- Summary offenses: 3 years after final disposition
- Homicide cases: Permanent
- Sexual offense cases: 75 years from final disposition
- Juvenile records: Until subject reaches age 25 (with exceptions)
Family Court Records
- Child custody orders: Until youngest child reaches age 23
- Child support: 1 year after youngest child reaches majority
- Protection from abuse: 5 years after expiration of order
- Adoption records: Permanent
Orphans' Court Records
- Wills: Permanent
- Estate administration: Permanent
- Guardianship: 7 years after termination
- Trust administration: 7 years after trust termination
Court Administrative Records
- Court calendars and schedules: 3 years
- Administrative orders: Permanent
- Financial records: 7 years
- Personnel records: 7 years after separation
Records with historical or archival value may be preserved permanently regardless of standard retention periods. The County Records Committee of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission provides additional guidance on records preservation.
Digital records are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records. After the retention period expires, records may be destroyed according to approved disposition procedures unless subject to litigation holds or other preservation requirements.
Types of Courts In Allegheny County
Allegheny County's judicial system operates within Pennsylvania's Fifth Judicial District, encompassing several court levels with distinct jurisdictions and functions.
Court of Common Pleas
Allegheny County Courthouse
436 Grant Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
412-350-5400
Fifth Judicial District of Pennsylvania
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
The Court of Common Pleas is organized into specialized divisions:
- Civil Division: Handles civil litigation exceeding $12,000, including contract disputes, personal injury claims, property matters, and commercial litigation.
- Criminal Division: Adjudicates felony and misdemeanor cases, conducts trials, and imposes sentences.
- Family Division: Oversees divorce, child custody, support, protection from abuse, juvenile delinquency, and dependency matters.
- Orphans' Court Division: Manages estates, wills, trusts, guardianships, and adoptions.
Pittsburgh Municipal Court
Municipal Courts Building
660 First Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
412-350-6720
Pittsburgh Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
This court handles city ordinance violations, traffic citations, and preliminary hearings for criminal cases within Pittsburgh city limits.
Magisterial District Courts
Multiple locations throughout Allegheny County
Magisterial District Courts
Hours: Generally Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
These courts handle:
- Summary offenses
- Preliminary hearings in criminal cases
- Civil claims up to $12,000
- Landlord-tenant disputes
- Traffic violations
- Issuance of search and arrest warrants
U.S. District Court - Western District of Pennsylvania
Joseph F. Weis, Jr. U.S. Courthouse
700 Grant Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
412-208-7500
U.S. District Court - Western District of Pennsylvania
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
This federal court handles:
- Federal criminal prosecutions
- Civil cases involving federal questions
- Diversity jurisdiction cases
- Bankruptcy proceedings
- Patent and copyright litigation
The judicial hierarchy proceeds from Magisterial District Courts to the Court of Common Pleas, with appeals advancing to the Pennsylvania Superior Court, Commonwealth Court, and ultimately the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Federal cases follow a separate appellate path through the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit to the U.S. Supreme Court.
What Types of Cases Do Allegheny County Courts Hear?
Allegheny County's court system adjudicates a diverse range of legal matters distributed across various judicial divisions based on case type, monetary value, and severity of charges.
Court of Common Pleas - Civil Division handles:
- Major civil litigation (claims exceeding $12,000)
- Contract disputes and business litigation
- Real property matters and land use cases
- Personal injury and medical malpractice claims
- Product liability lawsuits
- Professional malpractice actions
- Complex commercial litigation
- Class action lawsuits
- Appeals from Magisterial District Courts
Court of Common Pleas - Criminal Division adjudicates:
- Felony prosecutions
- Serious misdemeanor cases
- Drug trafficking and manufacturing charges
- Violent crimes (homicide, assault, robbery)
- Property crimes (burglary, theft, arson)
- White-collar offenses (fraud, embezzlement)
- Sex crimes
- Probation and parole violations
- Post-conviction relief petitions
Court of Common Pleas - Family Division oversees:
- Divorce proceedings and property distribution
- Child custody and visitation determinations
- Child and spousal support matters
- Protection from abuse cases
- Juvenile delinquency proceedings
- Dependency cases (child welfare)
- Paternity determinations
- Name change petitions
- Domestic relations enforcement
Court of Common Pleas - Orphans' Court Division manages:
- Probate of wills and estate administration
- Trust oversight and accounting
- Guardianships for incapacitated persons
- Adoptions and termination of parental rights
- Marriage licenses
- Nonprofit corporation matters
- Powers of attorney disputes
- Mental health commitments
Magisterial District Courts process:
- Summary offenses (disorderly conduct, public intoxication)
- Traffic violations
- Preliminary arraignments and hearings in criminal cases
- Civil claims up to $12,000
- Landlord-tenant disputes and eviction proceedings
- Small claims matters
- Municipal code violations
- Issuance of search and arrest warrants
Pittsburgh Municipal Court handles:
- City ordinance violations
- Parking and traffic citations within city limits
- Housing code violations
- Preliminary arraignments and hearings for Pittsburgh cases
- Quality of life offenses
Case assignment follows jurisdictional rules established under 42 Pa.C.S. § 931 for Courts of Common Pleas and 42 Pa.C.S. § 1515 for Magisterial District Courts.
How To Find a Court Docket In Allegheny County
Court dockets in Allegheny County provide chronological summaries of all filings, hearings, and judicial actions in a case. These official records are accessible through multiple channels depending on case type and court division.
Online docket access options include:
-
Allegheny County Department of Court Records Portal
- Access at DCR Online Records Search
- Search civil, family, and orphans' court dockets
- Search parameters include:
- Case number
- Party name
- Filing date range
- Case type
- Registration required for full access
- Basic docket information available without fee
-
Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal
- Access at UJS Portal
- Search criminal, traffic, and magisterial district court dockets
- Search options include:
- Participant name
- Organization name
- Docket number
- Citation number
- Offense Tracking Number (OTN)
- Free public access to docket sheets
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PACFile System
- Access at PACFile
- Available to registered attorneys and parties
- Provides real-time docket updates for active cases
- Allows electronic document filing and retrieval
For in-person docket searches:
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Visit the appropriate court division:
- Civil/Family Division (City-County Building, 414 Grant Street)
- Criminal Division (Courthouse, 436 Grant Street, Room 115)
- Orphans' Court Division (City-County Building, 414 Grant Street)
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Provide the clerk with:
- Case number (if known)
- Party names
- Approximate filing date
- Case type
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Use public access terminals available in each division
For telephone docket information:
- Civil Division: 412-350-5727
- Criminal Division: 412-350-1229
- Orphans' Court: 412-350-4182
Pursuant to Pennsylvania Rule of Judicial Administration 509, docket information is generally public record, though certain case types may have restricted access. Docket sheets typically contain:
- Case caption and number
- Party names and attorney information
- Filing dates and document titles
- Hearing schedules and outcomes
- Judicial rulings and orders
- Financial assessments and payments
- Case status and disposition
For historical dockets (pre-digital era), researchers may need to consult microfilm or bound docket books at the Allegheny County Archives.
Which Courts in Allegheny County Are Not Courts of Record?
In Pennsylvania's judicial system, "courts of record" maintain verbatim transcripts of proceedings and have the authority to establish legal precedent. Conversely, "courts not of record" do not routinely create official transcripts and their decisions do not establish binding precedent. Pursuant to 42 Pa.C.S. § 321, courts of record are specifically designated by statute.
In Allegheny County, courts not of record include:
Magisterial District Courts
- 46 district courts throughout Allegheny County
- Preside over summary offenses, preliminary hearings, small claims
- No official court reporter present during proceedings
- Audio recordings maintained but not formal transcripts
- Appeals from these courts proceed "de novo" (completely new hearing) to the Court of Common Pleas
Pittsburgh Municipal Court
- Handles city ordinance violations and preliminary proceedings
- No verbatim transcript of routine proceedings
- Not authorized to establish binding precedent
- Decisions subject to de novo review upon appeal
Administrative Hearing Officers
- Traffic court hearing officers
- Housing court hearing officers
- Code enforcement hearing officers
- Proceedings typically recorded but not transcribed
- Decisions appealable to Court of Common Pleas
The distinction between courts of record and courts not of record has significant procedural implications:
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Appeals from courts not of record entitle parties to an entirely new hearing in the Court of Common Pleas, rather than a review limited to the existing record.
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Proceedings in courts not of record are generally less formal, with simplified rules of procedure and evidence.
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Representation by counsel is less common in courts not of record, with many parties appearing pro se.
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Courts not of record typically have expedited procedures for resolving minor matters efficiently.
All other judicial bodies in Allegheny County, including all divisions of the Court of Common Pleas (Civil, Criminal, Family, and Orphans' Court) and the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, are courts of record as defined by Pennsylvania Rule of Judicial Administration 4007.