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DuBois Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in DuBois, Pennsylvania?

Arrest records in DuBois, Pennsylvania are classified as public documents pursuant to the Pennsylvania Right to Know Law (65 P.S. § 67.101 et seq.). This legislation establishes the framework for public access to government records, including those pertaining to arrests and criminal proceedings. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania maintains this policy to ensure transparency in law enforcement operations and to uphold the public's right to information regarding criminal justice activities within their communities.

The Pennsylvania Right to Know Law specifically designates criminal records as public information, with certain exceptions for ongoing investigations, juvenile records, and matters of public safety. Members of the public may access these records through designated channels established by local law enforcement agencies and county offices. The accessibility of these records serves the dual purpose of governmental accountability and public awareness of law enforcement activities within DuBois and surrounding Clearfield County jurisdictions.

How to Look Up DuBois Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple official channels exist for accessing arrest records in DuBois, Pennsylvania. Interested parties may utilize any of the following methods to obtain this information:

Submit a formal request in person at the DuBois Police Department, located at 16 West Scribner Avenue, DuBois, PA 15801. The Records Division operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Telephone: (814) 371-2323.
Access public terminals available at the Clearfield County Courthouse, 230 East Market Street, Clearfield, PA 16830. Operating hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Telephone: (814) 765-2641.
Submit a written request via U.S. mail to the DuBois Police Department Records Division at the address listed above. Requests must include the subject's full name, date of birth (if known), and the approximate date of the incident or arrest.
Utilize the Clearfield County Court's online case search system for cases that have proceeded to court. This resource provides docket information for cases filed within the county judicial system.
Contact the Pennsylvania State Police Central Repository for Criminal Records at 1800 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17110. Telephone: (717) 783-9973. Hours of operation: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Pursuant to Pennsylvania Code § 9121, requestors must complete the appropriate forms and may be required to pay reasonable fees for document retrieval and duplication. Fees are established in accordance with the fee schedule set forth by the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records.

Contents of a DuBois Arrest Record

Standard arrest records maintained by the DuBois Police Department and Clearfield County law enforcement agencies contain specific information as mandated by Pennsylvania Criminal Procedure Rule 502. These records typically include:

Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, address of residence, and physical descriptors
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Enumeration of criminal charges filed, with reference to applicable Pennsylvania statutes or DuBois city ordinances
Identity of the arresting agency and officer(s)
Assigned case or docket number for administrative tracking
Photographic documentation (mugshots) taken during the booking process
Biometric data, including fingerprints and, when applicable, DNA samples
Preliminary arraignment information, including bail determination and conditions
Detention status and facility location, if applicable
Prior criminal history references, when relevant to the current charges

In accordance with 18 Pa.C.S. § 9121, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of these records, including Social Security numbers, financial account information, and details pertaining to victims of certain offenses.

Legal Restrictions on Arrest Record Access

While arrest records are generally accessible to the public, Pennsylvania law establishes several important limitations on disclosure. The following restrictions apply to arrest records in DuBois and throughout the Commonwealth:

Records pertaining to juvenile offenders (under 18 years of age) are sealed pursuant to 42 Pa.C.S. § 6308, except under specific court orders or statutory exceptions
Information related to active criminal investigations is exempt from disclosure under 65 P.S. § 67.708(b)(16)
Records that have been subject to expungement or sealing orders are removed from public access
Information that would compromise victim safety or violate privacy protections established under the Pennsylvania Crime Victims Act (18 P.S. § 11.101 et seq.)
Intelligence information and investigative materials that would reveal confidential sources or investigative techniques
Records containing information that would jeopardize public safety if disclosed

The Pennsylvania State Police maintain public information release reports that provide guidance on what information may be disclosed to the public regarding arrests and ongoing investigations. Law enforcement agencies in DuBois adhere to these guidelines when responding to public records requests.

Expungement of Arrest Records in DuBois

Under Pennsylvania law, specifically 18 Pa.C.S. § 9122, certain individuals may petition for the expungement of arrest records maintained by DuBois law enforcement agencies. Eligibility for expungement is determined by the following criteria:

Cases resulting in no conviction, including dismissals, withdrawals, or acquittals
Summary offense convictions, after a five-year period without arrest, provided all fines and costs have been paid
Arrests of individuals 70 years of age or older, where 10 years have elapsed since the disposition of the case without subsequent arrest or prosecution
Successful completion of an Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program for non-violent first offenders
Pardons granted by the Governor of Pennsylvania

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Clearfield County Court of Common Pleas, located at 230 East Market Street, Clearfield, PA 16830. Telephone: (814) 765-2641. Court hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The petition must include certified copies of relevant court documents, criminal history verification, and the required filing fee.

Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court schedules a hearing where the District Attorney's Office may contest the expungement request. If granted, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies, including the DuBois Police Department, to remove the specified records from public databases and seal physical documentation. Pursuant to 18 Pa.C.S. § 9122(c), the Pennsylvania State Police maintain a separate, non-public record of the expunged information for law enforcement purposes only.

Consequences of Public Arrest Records

The public nature of arrest records in DuBois carries significant implications for affected individuals. These consequences may include:

Employment barriers, as many employers conduct background checks as part of their hiring processes
Housing limitations, with landlords frequently screening potential tenants through criminal history checks
Educational impacts, particularly for programs requiring background clearances or professional licensure
Reputational effects within the community, as arrest information may be published in local media outlets
Financial consequences, including difficulty obtaining loans or credit
Professional licensing restrictions for regulated occupations

It is important to note that an arrest record documents only the fact of an arrest and associated charges, not a determination of guilt. Under Pennsylvania law and U.S. constitutional principles, all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Nevertheless, the public accessibility of arrest information can create practical challenges for individuals navigating employment, housing, and other aspects of civic life.