>Bucks County Arrest Records Online

Bucks County, Pennsylvania Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Bucks County, Pennsylvania?

Yes, arrest records are public in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. This accessibility is governed by the Pennsylvania Right to Know Law (65 P.S. § 67.101 et seq.), which establishes the presumption that government records are available for public inspection and duplication unless otherwise exempt. Arrest records, as part of these public records, provide transparency in the criminal justice system and maintain the public's right to information regarding law enforcement activities within the county.

The Pennsylvania Criminal History Record Information Act (18 Pa.C.S. § 9101 et seq.) further regulates the collection, maintenance, dissemination, and use of criminal history record information. Under this legislation, members of the public may access arrest records through designated governmental agencies in Bucks County, subject to certain limitations and procedures established by law.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Bucks County?

Yes, arrest records can be found online in Bucks County through several official portals. The Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania provides a comprehensive case search function that includes criminal cases filed in Bucks County. This electronic accessibility facilitates easier access for individuals seeking information regarding arrests within the county.

The Bucks County Court of Common Pleas maintains electronic records that can be accessed through the Pennsylvania Courts portal. Additionally, the Bucks County Docket Lookup Information page provides direct links to various case search options, including criminal dockets that contain arrest information.

Pursuant to Pennsylvania Rule of Judicial Administration 509, electronic case records are available to the public, though certain information may be restricted in accordance with applicable privacy laws and court rules.

How to Look Up Bucks County Arrest Records in 2025

To obtain Bucks County arrest records, several methods can be utilized in accordance with established procedures. The following options are available to members of the public:

Visit the Bucks County Sheriff's Office in person to request arrest record information:

Bucks County Sheriff's Office
55 East Court Street
Doylestown, PA 18901
(215) 348-6124
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Access the Unified Judicial System Web Portal for criminal case information, which includes arrest data.
Utilize public access terminals at the Bucks County Justice Center:

Bucks County Justice Center
100 North Main Street
Doylestown, PA 18901
(215) 348-6000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Submit a formal Right-to-Know request to the Bucks County Clerk of Courts:

Bucks County Clerk of Courts
100 North Main Street
Doylestown, PA 18901
(215) 348-6389
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Check criminal docket sheets through the Pennsylvania Courts website, which provides case information including arrest details.

Requestors should be prepared to provide specific information such as the individual's full name and, if possible, date of birth to facilitate accurate record retrieval. Fees may apply for copies of records in accordance with the county fee schedule established pursuant to 65 P.S. § 67.1307.

Contents of a Bucks County Arrest Record

A Bucks County arrest record typically contains comprehensive information regarding the arrest event and the individual involved. Standard components of these records include:

Full legal name and any known aliases of the arrested individual
Date of birth and demographic information
Date, time, and location of the arrest
Statutory citation and description of the alleged offense(s)
Arresting agency and officer identification
Booking information, including photographs (mugshots) and fingerprint data
Preliminary arraignment details
Bail/bond conditions and status
Case docket number for court proceedings
Preliminary hearing date and location
Custody status of the individual

These records are maintained in accordance with the Pennsylvania Criminal History Record Information Act (18 Pa.C.S. § 9111), which establishes requirements for the completeness and accuracy of criminal history record information. The Department of Corrections inmate locator may provide additional information if the individual was subsequently incarcerated.

Legal Uses of Bucks County Arrest Records

Arrest records in Bucks County serve multiple legitimate purposes within the framework of Pennsylvania law. Authorized uses include:

Background screening for employment in positions involving vulnerable populations, as permitted under 18 Pa.C.S. § 9125, which regulates the use of criminal records by employers
Tenant screening by landlords and property management companies, subject to Fair Housing regulations
Professional licensing determinations by state regulatory boards
Immigration proceedings and determinations
Research and statistical analysis by academic institutions and government agencies
Public safety awareness for community members
Journalistic reporting on matters of public interest

It is important to note that under Pennsylvania law, employers may only consider felony and misdemeanor convictions that relate to the applicant's suitability for employment in the position in question. The Criminal History Record Information Act prohibits discrimination based solely on an arrest record that did not result in conviction.

Limitations on Access to Arrest Records

While arrest records are generally public in Bucks County, certain restrictions apply to their accessibility and use. These limitations include:

Records pertaining to juvenile arrests are confidential under 42 Pa.C.S. § 6308, with limited exceptions for law enforcement and educational purposes
Sealed or expunged records are not available for public inspection pursuant to 18 Pa.C.S. § 9122
Records related to victims of sexual offenses may have identifying information redacted
Active criminal investigations may have limited disclosure under exemptions to the Right to Know Law
Records subject to court-ordered non-disclosure are restricted from public access
Information protected by federal privacy laws, such as health information covered by HIPAA

The Bucks County Court of Common Pleas adheres to these restrictions when processing record requests. Individuals seeking access to restricted records may need to demonstrate legal authorization or obtain a court order.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Bucks County

In Bucks County, individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances established by Pennsylvania law. Eligibility criteria include:

Cases resulting in acquittal (not guilty verdict)
Arrests that did not lead to charges or where charges were withdrawn or dismissed
Summary offenses after five years of arrest-free behavior (18 Pa.C.S. § 9122(b)(3))
Certain non-violent misdemeanor convictions after ten years without subsequent arrests (under Act 5 of 2016)
Cases resolved through Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) or other diversion programs
Individuals over 70 years of age with no arrests for ten years
Deceased individuals (upon request by legal representative)

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Bucks County Court of Common Pleas. If granted, the court will order all criminal justice agencies to remove the record from public access. The Pennsylvania Courts Docket Sheets system will be updated to reflect the expungement.

Additionally, Pennsylvania's Clean Slate Law (Act 56 of 2018) provides for automatic sealing of eligible non-violent misdemeanor convictions after ten years without subsequent offenses, as well as cases resulting in non-convictions.

Search Arrest Records in Bucks County

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