Luzerne County Criminal Records
What Is Luzerne County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Luzerne County encompass official documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to Pennsylvania's Criminal History Record Information Act (CHRIA), specifically under § 9102, which defines criminal history record information as "information collected by criminal justice agencies concerning individuals, and arising from the initiation of a criminal proceeding."
Criminal records in Luzerne County include several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement, which may not necessarily result in charges or conviction
- Conviction Records: Official records of guilty verdicts or pleas in criminal cases
- Felony Records: Documentation of serious crimes punishable by imprisonment of more than one year
- Misdemeanor Records: Records of less serious offenses typically punishable by less than one year of incarceration
- Adult Records: Criminal proceedings for individuals 18 and older, which are generally public
- Juvenile Records: Proceedings for individuals under 18, which are typically sealed under Pennsylvania Juvenile Act § 6308
- Active Warrants: Current orders for arrest issued by courts
- Historical Records: Past criminal justice interactions, including dismissed cases
Several agencies maintain criminal records in Luzerne County:
Luzerne County Sheriff's Department
200 North River Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711
(570) 825-1651
Luzerne County Sheriff's Department
Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas
200 North River Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711
(570) 825-1500
Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas
Pennsylvania State Police
1800 Elmerton Avenue
Harrisburg, PA 17110
(717) 783-5599
Pennsylvania State Police
The comprehensive nature of criminal records includes documentation of charges, arraignments, pleas, trial proceedings, sentencing information, and probation or parole status. These records serve as the official history of an individual's involvement with the criminal justice system in Luzerne County.
Are Criminal Records Public In Luzerne County
Criminal records in Luzerne County are generally considered public information under Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law (RTKL), which establishes the presumption that government records are public unless specifically exempted. According to § 67.305 of the RTKL, "A record in the possession of a Commonwealth agency or local agency shall be presumed to be a public record."
However, public access to criminal records is specifically governed by the Criminal History Record Information Act (CHRIA), which establishes important distinctions regarding what information is publicly accessible:
Publicly Available Records:
- Adult conviction records
- Court dockets and proceedings
- Criminal case filings
- Sentencing information
- Sheriff's sales resulting from judgments
- Active warrants information through the Warrants Division
Restricted Records:
- Ongoing criminal investigations (exempt under § 67.708(b)(16))
- Juvenile records (sealed under Juvenile Act § 6308)
- Expunged or sealed records
- Records that would impair a person's right to a fair trial
- Records that would jeopardize public safety
- Intelligence information and investigative materials
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has ruled in Commonwealth v. Fenstermaker that "there is a common law right to inspect and copy judicial records and documents." This right extends to criminal case records maintained by the courts, though this right is not absolute and may be limited by statute or court order.
Members of the public seeking access to criminal records in Luzerne County must follow established procedures and may be required to provide identification when requesting certain types of records. Law enforcement agencies and courts may charge reasonable fees for copies of records as permitted under § 67.1307 of the RTKL.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Luzerne County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Luzerne County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains multiple systems for record retrieval, each serving different purposes and containing specific types of information.
In-Person Requests at the Courthouse:
- Visit the Luzerne County Clerk of Courts office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM).
- Complete a public records request form, providing the subject's full name and, if possible, date of birth.
- Present valid government-issued photo identification.
- Pay applicable fees for record searches and copies (currently $15 for a certified record search).
- Records may be viewed immediately or provided within 5 business days, depending on complexity.
Luzerne County Sheriff's Department Records:
The Sheriff's Department maintains records related to arrests, warrants, and certain court orders. Requestors may:
- Submit a written request using the department's official forms and documents.
- Include specific information about the record being sought.
- Pay applicable fees for record retrieval and copying.
- Allow 5-10 business days for processing, as required by Pennsylvania law.
Court Records Access:
The Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas maintains criminal case records pursuant to the Luzerne County Court Rules. To access these records:
- Visit the Prothonotary's Office at the courthouse.
- Provide the case number if known, or the defendant's name and approximate case date.
- Complete a records request form.
- Pay applicable fees for searches and copies.
- Review records on-site or request certified copies.
Mail Requests:
For those unable to visit in person, mail requests are accepted at:
Luzerne County Clerk of Courts
200 North River Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711
(570) 825-1500
Luzerne County Clerk of Courts
Include a self-addressed stamped envelope, the subject's full name, date of birth if known, and a check or money order for applicable fees.
How To Find Criminal Records in Luzerne County Online?
Luzerne County offers several online resources for accessing criminal records information. These digital platforms provide convenient alternatives to in-person requests, though the scope of available information varies by system.
Unified Judicial System Web Portal:
The Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System maintains a comprehensive Web Portal that includes Luzerne County criminal cases:
- Navigate to the UJS Portal and select "Common Pleas Court Case Search."
- Choose "Luzerne" from the county dropdown menu.
- Enter search criteria (name, case number, etc.).
- Review search results showing case status, charges, and court dates.
- Access docket sheets containing detailed case information.
- No registration is required for basic searches, though certain features may require user accounts.
Pennsylvania Inmate Locator:
The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections Inmate Locator provides information on individuals currently incarcerated in state facilities, including those from Luzerne County:
- Enter the individual's name or Department of Corrections number.
- Review results showing current location, minimum and maximum sentence dates, and commitment information.
- No registration is required, and the service is available at no cost.
Pennsylvania Access To Criminal History (PATCH):
The PATCH system maintained by the Pennsylvania State Police allows for criminal history record checks:
- Create a user account or proceed as a public user.
- Select the type of search (individual or batch).
- Enter the required information and pay the applicable fee ($22 per record check).
- Receive results electronically, typically within minutes for "no record" results or within 24 hours for records requiring review.
Luzerne County Sheriff's Department Online Resources:
The Sheriff's Department provides online access to several types of records:
- Sheriff's Sales listings for properties sold due to mortgage and judgment defaults.
- Warrants Division information regarding active bench warrants.
- Licensing Division records related to concealed carry permits.
Users should note that while these online systems provide significant access to criminal records, certain detailed information may still require in-person requests. Additionally, the most current and complete records are typically maintained at the courthouse, as some online systems may experience updating delays.
Can You Search Luzerne County Criminal Records for Free?
Pennsylvania law provides for public inspection of certain criminal records at no cost, while establishing reasonable fees for copies and certified documents. Under § 67.1307 of the Right-to-Know Law, agencies may charge fees for duplication but not for the review of public records.
Free In-Person Record Inspection:
The following locations offer free public viewing of criminal records:
Luzerne County Courthouse
200 North River Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711
(570) 825-1500
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Luzerne County Courts
- Court dockets and case files may be viewed at public terminals
- Staff assistance is available for locating records
- Photo ID is required for access
- Note-taking is permitted, though copying fees apply
Free Online Resources:
Several online portals provide free access to criminal record information:
-
Unified Judicial System Web Portal - Basic case information and docket sheets are available at no cost through the UJS Portal.
-
Inmate Locator - The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections Inmate Locator provides free information on currently incarcerated individuals.
-
Sheriff's Department Resources - The Luzerne County Sheriff's Department offers free online access to warrant information and sheriff's sales.
Fee-Based Services:
While inspection is free, the following services incur fees:
- Copies of court documents: $0.25 per page
- Certified copies: $10.00 per document plus copying fees
- Criminal history record checks through PATCH: $22.00 per search
- Expedited service: Additional fees may apply
It is important to note that while free options exist, comprehensive criminal background checks typically require payment of established fees. Additionally, commercial background check services that aggregate public records may charge subscription or per-search fees, but these are not official county records.
What's Included in a Luzerne County Criminal Record?
Criminal records maintained by Luzerne County contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records typically include several categories of information as outlined below:
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color, identifying marks)
- Mugshot/booking photograph when available
- Last known address
- State Identification (SID) number
- FBI number (if applicable)
Arrest Information:
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer
- Booking number and facility
- Initial charges filed
- Bail amount and status
- Detention facility information
Court Case Information:
- Case/docket number
- Court of jurisdiction (Magisterial District Court or Court of Common Pleas)
- Filing date and case status
- Formal charges filed with statutory references
- Classification of charges (felony/misdemeanor grades)
- Plea information
- Attorney of record
- Scheduled court appearances
Disposition and Sentencing:
- Verdict or case outcome
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration terms (minimum/maximum)
- Probation/parole conditions
- Fines and court costs
- Restitution orders
- Special conditions (treatment programs, community service)
- Appeal information
- Probation/parole status and violations
Additional Information:
- Active warrants through the Warrants Division
- Protection from Abuse (PFA) orders
- Sex offender registration status
- DUI/DWI history
- Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
- Pending charges in other jurisdictions
- Property seizures or sheriff's sales resulting from judgments
The comprehensiveness of criminal records varies based on the specific agency maintaining the record and the nature of the case. Court records typically contain the most detailed information regarding case proceedings and outcomes, while law enforcement records may contain more detailed arrest and investigation information.
How Long Does Luzerne County Keep Criminal Records?
Luzerne County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by Pennsylvania law and administrative policy. The County Records Act (16 P.S. § 13001-13006) provides the legal framework for records retention, while specific schedules are developed by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.
Court Records Retention:
The Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas follows the retention schedule established by the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts:
- Criminal Case Files: Permanent retention for cases involving homicide; 75 years for felonies; 25 years for misdemeanors
- Docket Books and Indices: Permanent retention
- Sentencing Records: 75 years from date of final disposition
- Probation/Parole Records: 10 years after final discharge
- Bail Records: 3 years after final disposition of case
Law Enforcement Records Retention:
The Luzerne County Sheriff's Department and local police departments typically maintain:
- Arrest Records: 75 years from date of arrest
- Investigation Files: 25 years for felonies; 5 years for misdemeanors
- Booking Photos and Fingerprints: 75 years
- Incident Reports: 5 years
- Warrant Information: Until executed plus 3 years
Special Circumstances Affecting Retention:
Several factors may alter the standard retention periods:
-
Expungement Orders: When a court orders expungement under 18 Pa.C.S. § 9122, records must be removed from public access and either destroyed or sealed.
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Limited Access Orders: Under Act 5 of 2016, certain misdemeanor records may be subject to limited access orders after 10 years without subsequent arrests.
-
Juvenile Records: Generally sealed at age 18 if certain conditions are met, pursuant to the Juvenile Act.
-
Capital Cases: All records in capital punishment cases are retained permanently.
It is important to note that while physical records may be destroyed according to retention schedules, electronic indices and basic case information may be maintained indefinitely, particularly for serious offenses. Additionally, commercial background check companies may retain information in their databases even after official records have been expunged or destroyed.
Lookup Criminal Records in Luzerne County
Sheriff's Department records and services
Forms and documents for criminal record requests
Sheriff's sales and property records
Warrants information and status checks
Licensing Division for concealed carry permits
Pennsylvania criminal history record checks