Allegheny County Criminal Records
What Is Allegheny County Criminal Records
Allegheny County criminal records are official documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. These records serve as the official history of arrests, charges, court proceedings, and case dispositions maintained by various government agencies throughout the county. Pursuant to Pennsylvania's Criminal History Record Information Act (CHRIA), criminal records are systematically collected, maintained, and disseminated by authorized agencies.
Criminal records in Allegheny County encompass several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records vs. Conviction Records: Arrest records document when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement but do not necessarily indicate guilt. Conviction records, conversely, indicate that a court has determined the individual committed the offense.
- Felony vs. Misdemeanor Records: Felonies represent more serious offenses potentially punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year, while misdemeanors are less severe crimes typically punishable by less than one year of incarceration.
- Adult vs. Juvenile Records: Adult criminal records (18 and older) are generally accessible to the public, whereas juvenile records (under 18) are sealed and confidential under 42 Pa.C.S. § 6308, with limited exceptions.
- Active Warrants vs. Historical Records: Active warrants indicate current pending arrests, while historical records document past criminal justice interactions.
The primary agencies maintaining criminal records in Allegheny County include:
Allegheny County Sheriff's Office
436 Grant Street, Room 111
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
412-350-4700
Allegheny County Sheriff's Office
Fifth Judicial District of Pennsylvania (Allegheny County Courts)
414 Grant Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
412-350-5400
Fifth Judicial District of Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania State Police
1800 Elmerton Avenue
Harrisburg, PA 17110
717-783-5599
Pennsylvania State Police
Pittsburgh Bureau of Police
1203 Western Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15233
412-323-7800
Pittsburgh Bureau of Police
Comprehensive criminal records typically include documentation of arrests, charges, arraignments, plea agreements, trial proceedings, verdicts, sentencing information, and probation or parole status. These records provide a chronological account of an individual's involvement with the criminal justice system in accordance with 18 Pa.C.S. § 9102.
Are Criminal Records Public In Allegheny County
Criminal records in Allegheny County are generally considered public information under Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law (RTKL) and the Criminal History Record Information Act (CHRIA). The Pennsylvania RTKL establishes the presumption that government records are public unless specifically exempted by law, court order, or regulation.
According to 18 Pa.C.S. § 9121, "Criminal history record information shall be disseminated by a State or local police department to any individual or noncriminal justice agency only upon request." This provision establishes the framework for public access to criminal records while maintaining certain restrictions.
Records that are typically accessible to the public include:
- Adult conviction records
- Court dockets and case files
- Criminal charging documents
- Sentencing information
- Incarceration records
- Court proceedings and hearings
However, several categories of criminal records remain restricted from public access:
- Active criminal investigations
- Sealed or expunged records pursuant to court order
- Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
- Records that would compromise personal privacy or public safety
- Records sealed under Pennsylvania's Clean Slate Law
- Mental health proceedings related to criminal cases
The Fifth Judicial District of Pennsylvania (Allegheny County Courts) maintains that "Court case records that exist in both paper and electronic form shall be available to the public in both forms," as stated in their Public Access Policy. This policy aligns with the Pennsylvania Supreme Court's Unified Judicial System Public Access Policy, which governs access to court records throughout the Commonwealth.
Members of the public seeking criminal records must understand that while many records are accessible, certain procedural requirements and restrictions apply to protect privacy interests and the integrity of the criminal justice system.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Allegheny County in 2026
Members of the public may access Allegheny County criminal records through several established channels. The following procedures outline the current methods for obtaining these records:
In-Person Requests at the Department of Court Records:
Allegheny County Department of Court Records - Criminal Division
436 Grant Street, Room 115
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
412-350-5730
Department of Court Records
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
- Complete a Criminal Record Search Request form, available at the public counter
- Provide the subject's full name and, if possible, date of birth
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay applicable fees ($5-$25 depending on search type)
- Records are typically provided same-day for in-person requests
Mail Requests:
- Download and complete the Criminal Record Search Request form from the Department of Court Records website
- Include a check or money order for applicable fees
- Provide a self-addressed stamped envelope
- Mail to:
Department of Court Records - Criminal Division
436 Grant Street, Room 115
Pittsburgh, PA 15219 - Processing typically takes 7-10 business days
Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History:
For comprehensive statewide criminal history information:
- Submit a Request for Criminal Record Check through the Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History (PATCH) system
- Pay the required fee ($22 for public requests)
- Results are typically available immediately for "no record" responses or within 2-4 weeks for records requiring manual review
FBI Criminal History Records:
For national criminal history information:
- Submit fingerprints through an approved channeler or directly to the FBI
- Complete the application at FBI Identity History Summary Checks
- Pay the required fee ($18-$50 depending on method)
- Processing typically takes 3-5 weeks
Pursuant to 18 Pa.C.S. § 9122.1, certain eligible records may be automatically sealed under Pennsylvania's Clean Slate Law and will not appear in public record searches. Additionally, expunged records pursuant to court order are removed from public access.
How To Find Criminal Records in Allegheny County Online?
Allegheny County provides several online portals for accessing criminal records electronically. These digital resources offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests, though the scope of available information may vary by platform.
Allegheny County Court Records Online Portal:
The Allegheny County Department of Court Records Public Web Docket Search serves as the primary online resource for criminal case information. Users may:
- Search by defendant name, case number, or filing date
- Access docket sheets, case status, and court schedules
- View charging documents and case dispositions
- Monitor upcoming court dates
- No registration is required for basic searches
- Advanced features require creation of a free account
Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal:
The Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal provides access to criminal cases statewide, including Allegheny County. This system offers:
- Searches by name, case number, or organization
- Access to court dockets and case status
- Information on criminal charges and dispositions
- Court calendar and scheduling information
- Free registration required for detailed information
Allegheny County Jail Inmate Search:
The Allegheny County Jail Inmate Lookup provides current incarceration status:
- Search by inmate name or booking number
- View current charges and bail information
- Check scheduled release dates when available
- No registration required
- Updated daily
Pennsylvania State Police Megan's Law Website:
The Pennsylvania State Police Megan's Law Website provides information on registered sex offenders:
- Search by name, location, or non-compliant status
- View offender photographs and conviction information
- Access residential, employment, and school information
- No registration required
- Updated regularly pursuant to 42 Pa.C.S. § 9799.28
Pennsylvania ePay Portal:
The Pennsylvania ePay Portal allows users to:
- View outstanding fines, costs, and restitution
- Search by name or case number
- Access payment history and balances
- No registration required for basic searches
Users should note that certain records may only be available through in-person requests, particularly older cases that have not been digitized or cases subject to restricted access. Additionally, the online systems may not include complete case files, exhibits, or certain sealed documents that might be available through formal requests at the courthouse.
Can You Search Allegheny County Criminal Records for Free?
Allegheny County provides several options for free access to criminal records, though certain comprehensive searches may incur fees. Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law establishes that "a public record shall be accessible for inspection and duplication" with reasonable fees limited to the actual cost of reproduction.
Free In-Person Inspection:
Members of the public may inspect criminal records at no cost at the following locations:
Allegheny County Department of Court Records - Criminal Division
436 Grant Street, Room 115
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
412-350-5730
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Allegheny County Law Library
921 City-County Building
414 Grant Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
412-350-5353
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
While inspection is free, printing or copying documents typically incurs a fee of $0.25 per page.
Free Online Resources:
Several online portals provide free access to criminal record information:
- Allegheny County Department of Court Records Public Web Docket Search - Free basic searches of criminal dockets
- Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal - Free access to statewide court records
- Allegheny County Jail Inmate Lookup - Free searches of current jail population
- Pennsylvania Magisterial District Court Docket Sheets - Free access to minor criminal cases and preliminary hearings
Fee-Based Services:
Certain comprehensive criminal record searches require payment:
- Certified copies of court records: $10-$25
- Complete criminal history reports: $22 through Pennsylvania State Police
- Background checks for employment: $22-$47 depending on scope
- Expedited or specialized searches: Varies by request type
According to 18 Pa.C.S. § 9153, "The court may waive the payment of a fee in the case of indigent individuals." Persons unable to afford search fees may submit a Petition to Proceed In Forma Pauperis to request fee waivers.
The availability of free access to criminal records reflects Pennsylvania's commitment to government transparency while balancing privacy concerns and administrative costs.
What's Included in a Allegheny County Criminal Record?
Allegheny County criminal records contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records typically include several categories of information:
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color)
- Mugshot/booking photograph when available
- Last known address
- State Identification (SID) number
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information:
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer
- Booking number and facility
- Initial charges filed
- Bail/bond amount and status
- Detention facility information
- Arresting circumstances summary
Court Case Information:
- Docket/case number
- Court of jurisdiction (Magisterial District Court or Court of Common Pleas)
- Filing date and case initiation
- Formal charges and applicable statutes
- Classification of offenses (felony/misdemeanor grades)
- Plea information
- Attorney representation details
- Preliminary hearing outcomes
- Motion and continuance history
Disposition Information:
- Verdict or case outcome
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration length and facility
- Probation/parole terms
- Fines, costs, and restitution
- Community service requirements
- Treatment program mandates
- Appeal information
- Probation/parole status and violations
Additional Information:
- Active warrants or bench warrants
- Protection from Abuse (PFA) orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/DWI history and license suspensions
- Related traffic violations
- Pending charges in other jurisdictions
- Prior criminal history summary
The comprehensiveness of criminal records varies based on case complexity and age. Records created after 2000 typically contain more detailed digital information, while older records may be more limited in scope. Pursuant to 234 Pa. Code Rule 113, certain sensitive information such as Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and minors' names may be redacted from public criminal records.
Criminal records in Allegheny County are maintained in accordance with the Pennsylvania Rules of Judicial Administration, which establish standards for record creation, maintenance, and access.
How Long Does Allegheny County Keep Criminal Records?
Allegheny County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and state law. These schedules vary by record type and case disposition. The County Records Manual published by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission provides the authoritative guidance on record retention.
Case Files and Dockets:
- Felony cases resulting in conviction: Permanent retention
- Felony cases resulting in acquittal: 3 years after final disposition
- Misdemeanor cases resulting in conviction: 7 years after final disposition
- Misdemeanor cases resulting in acquittal: 3 years after final disposition
- Summary offense cases: 3 years after final disposition
- Cases dismissed or withdrawn: 3 years after final disposition
Arrest Records:
- Arrest records resulting in conviction: Maintained with case file
- Arrest records not resulting in conviction: Subject to expungement under 18 Pa.C.S. § 9122
- Fingerprints and photographs: Permanent retention by Pennsylvania State Police
Court Recordings and Transcripts:
- Court recordings: 7 years after final disposition
- Official transcripts: Permanent retention with case file
- Notes of testimony: 7 years after final disposition
Probation and Parole Records:
- Adult probation records: 7 years after discharge from supervision
- Juvenile probation records: Until subject reaches age 25 or 5 years after discharge, whichever is later
Specialized Records:
- Protection From Abuse (PFA) orders: Permanent retention
- Mental health commitment records: 20 years after final disposition
- DUI/ARD program records: 7 years after program completion
Under Pennsylvania's Clean Slate Law (18 Pa.C.S. § 9122.2), certain eligible records are automatically sealed from public view after specified periods:
- Summary offenses: 10 years after disposition with no subsequent arrests
- Certain misdemeanors: 10 years after disposition with no subsequent convictions
- Non-conviction records: 60 days after disposition
Records may be retained longer than the minimum periods specified when cases involve ongoing legal matters, appeals, or historical significance. The Department of Court Records maintains a comprehensive retention schedule in compliance with state mandates and administrative orders of the Fifth Judicial District.