>Butler County Arrest Records Online

Butler County, Pennsylvania Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Butler County, Pennsylvania?

Arrest records are public in Butler County, Pennsylvania, pursuant to the Pennsylvania Right to Know Law (65 P.S. § 67.101 et seq.). This legislation establishes that government records, including arrest records, shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law. The Pennsylvania Right to Know Law supports principles of transparency and accountability in law enforcement operations and governmental functions throughout the Commonwealth.

Members of the public may access these records through designated governmental agencies responsible for maintaining criminal justice information. The Butler County Sheriff's Office and the Butler County Clerk of Courts maintain these records in accordance with state regulations governing public access to criminal history information.

Certain exceptions to public disclosure may apply in cases involving juvenile records, ongoing investigations, or where disclosure would compromise public safety, as outlined in § 67.708 of the Pennsylvania Right to Know Law.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Butler County?

Arrest records can be found online in Butler County through several authorized digital platforms. The Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania Web Portal provides electronic access to court docket information, including records of arrests and subsequent court proceedings. This online accessibility is authorized under Pennsylvania Rules of Judicial Administration, specifically Rule 509, which governs public access to court records.

The Butler County government maintains digital repositories of public records in compliance with the Pennsylvania Right to Know Law. These online resources are designed to facilitate public access while maintaining appropriate security protocols for sensitive information. Digital access to these records is subject to the same legal restrictions that apply to physical records.

Users should note that while basic arrest information is typically available online, comprehensive records may require additional steps to obtain, including formal requests through the Butler County Open Records process.

How to Look Up Butler County Arrest Records in 2025

To obtain Butler County arrest records, several official methods are available to members of the public. The following procedures have been established in accordance with Pennsylvania public records laws:

Submit a formal request to the Butler County Sheriff's Office located at 124 West Diamond Street, Butler, PA 16001. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Telephone: (724) 284-5245. The Sheriff's Office maintains records of arrests executed by county law enforcement personnel.
Access the Butler County Court of Common Pleas records through the courthouse located at 124 West Diamond Street, Butler, PA 16001. Court hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Telephone: (724) 284-5200.
Utilize the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania Web Portal for electronic access to court dockets and case information. This resource is available 24 hours per day, subject to scheduled maintenance periods.
Submit a Criminal Record Check request through the Butler County Prothonotary's Office for official documentation of criminal history information.
For records of individuals currently in state custody, consult the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections Inmate Locator which provides custody status information for individuals under state supervision.

Requestors should be prepared to provide specific identifying information including the full legal name of the subject, date of birth (if known), and approximate date of arrest to facilitate accurate record retrieval.

Contents of a Butler County Arrest Record

Butler County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Pennsylvania criminal procedure regulations and the Pennsylvania Criminal History Record Information Act (18 Pa.C.S. § 9101 et seq.). A complete arrest record typically includes the following components:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases or alternative identities
Demographic information including date of birth, gender, and physical descriptors
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Statutory citations and descriptions of alleged criminal violations
Identity of the arresting agency and officer(s)
Booking information including processing location and identification numbers
Photographic documentation (mugshots) taken during the booking process
Biometric data including fingerprints and, when applicable, DNA collection confirmation
Custody status information and bail determination records
Case disposition information if available (pending, dismissed, convicted)
Warrant information if the arrest was executed pursuant to a judicial warrant

These records are maintained in accordance with the Pennsylvania State Police standards for criminal history record information and are subject to periodic audits to ensure accuracy and completeness.

Legal Uses of Butler County Arrest Records

Butler County arrest records serve multiple legitimate purposes within the criminal justice system and for authorized civilian applications. The following uses are recognized under Pennsylvania law:

Criminal justice agencies utilize these records for investigative purposes, risk assessment, and offender management in accordance with 18 Pa.C.S. § 9121.
Court officials reference arrest records during pretrial proceedings, sentencing determinations, and probation supervision as authorized by the Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure.
Prosecutors and defense attorneys access these records during case preparation and plea negotiations as part of discovery procedures outlined in Pa.R.Crim.P. 573.
Authorized employers may conduct background checks for positions involving sensitive responsibilities, including childcare, elder care, and security positions, pursuant to 18 Pa.C.S. § 9125.
Housing authorities may review criminal history information for federally subsidized housing applications in accordance with HUD regulations and Pennsylvania housing laws.
Professional licensing boards evaluate arrest records when assessing applications for licenses in fields requiring character and fitness evaluations.
Academic institutions may consider criminal history for campus security positions and certain educational programs leading to licensed professions.

It should be noted that the Pennsylvania Criminal History Record Information Act places specific limitations on how arrest records may be used in employment contexts. Pursuant to 18 Pa.C.S. § 9125, employers may only consider felony and misdemeanor convictions that relate directly to the applicant's suitability for the specific position.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Butler County

In Butler County, eligible individuals may petition for the expungement of arrest records under authority granted by 18 Pa.C.S. § 9122. The expungement process removes qualifying arrest records from public access and restricts their availability to law enforcement agencies. Eligibility criteria include:

Cases resulting in non-conviction dispositions, including acquittals, withdrawals, and nolle prosequi determinations
Summary offense convictions after five years of arrest-free behavior, provided all fines and costs have been satisfied
Successful completion of Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) or other diversionary programs
Individuals over 70 years of age who have been free from arrest for ten years
Deceased individuals (upon petition by authorized representatives)

The expungement procedure requires filing a formal petition with the Butler County Court of Common Pleas. Petitioners must submit standardized forms with supporting documentation demonstrating eligibility under the applicable statutory provisions. The District Attorney's Office reviews all petitions and may contest expungement requests that fail to meet statutory requirements.

Upon judicial approval, an Order for Expungement directs all relevant agencies to remove the specified records from public databases and restrict access in accordance with 18 Pa.C.S. § 9122. The Butler County Clerk of Courts coordinates notification to all agencies maintaining copies of the expunged records.