Pennsylvania ArrestRecords.org
Search Public Records
Pennsylvania Arrest Records Online >Columbia County Arrest Records Online

Columbia County, Pennsylvania Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Columbia County, Pennsylvania?

Arrest records are public in Columbia County, Pennsylvania, pursuant to the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law (Act 3 of 2008, 65 P.S. § 67.101 et seq.). This legislation establishes the presumption that government records are accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law, court order, or privilege. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania maintains this policy to ensure transparency in governmental operations and to uphold the public's right to information regarding law enforcement activities.

Members of the public may access arrest records through designated county offices and online portals. The Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System further supports this accessibility through its commitment to open court records as outlined in 204 Pa. Code § 213.81. However, certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or personal identifying information as specified under 18 Pa.C.S. § 9121.

Columbia County Court of Common Pleas
35 W. Main Street
Bloomsburg, PA 17815
570-389-5600
Columbia County Courts
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Columbia County?

Columbia County arrest records are accessible through several online platforms maintained by state and county agencies. The Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System's web portal provides electronic access to court dockets and case information through the UJS Portal Case Search. This system allows users to search for criminal cases filed in Columbia County by name, case number, or other identifiers.

The availability of these records online is governed by Administrative Order No. 8 of 2019, which establishes guidelines for electronic access to court records. Users should note that while basic case information is publicly accessible, certain documents may require in-person requests at the courthouse due to privacy restrictions outlined in 204 Pa. Code § 213.81.

Online access to arrest records may include:

  • Criminal docket sheets
  • Court calendars and schedules
  • Case status information
  • Basic defendant information
  • Charges filed

Users should be aware that online records may not contain complete arrest information, as certain details may be restricted from public view pursuant to 18 Pa.C.S. § 9121(b). Additionally, the Pennsylvania State Police maintain the Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History (PATCH) system, which provides official criminal history record checks for a fee.

How to Look Up Columbia County Arrest Records in 2025

Individuals seeking Columbia County arrest records in 2025 have multiple methods available to them, as established by Pennsylvania's public records laws and county procedures. The following options are available for accessing these records:

In-Person Requests:

  • Visit the Columbia County Clerk of Courts Office located at the Columbia County Courthouse, 35 W. Main Street, Bloomsburg, PA 17815. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
  • Submit a written request form specifying the records sought. Forms are available at the courthouse or may be downloaded from the county website.
  • Present valid government-issued identification when requesting records.
  • Pay applicable fees for document reproduction as established by county ordinance.

Online Access:

Law Enforcement Agencies:

  • Contact the Pennsylvania State Police Troop N, which covers Columbia County:

Pennsylvania State Police Troop N
250 Dessen Drive
Hazleton, PA 18201
570-459-3890
PSP Troop N Information

  • Request records from the Columbia County Sheriff's Office:

Columbia County Sheriff's Office
Columbia County Courthouse
35 W. Main Street
Bloomsburg, PA 17815
570-389-5623

Pursuant to 18 Pa.C.S. § 9122.1, requestors should be aware that certain arrest records may have limited accessibility if the case resulted in non-conviction or if the record has been subject to limited access or expungement orders.

Contents of a Columbia County Arrest Record

Columbia County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by the Pennsylvania Criminal History Record Information Act (18 Pa.C.S. § 9101 et seq.). These official documents typically include the following elements:

  • Subject's full legal name and any documented aliases
  • Date of birth and demographic information
  • Physical description including height, weight, and identifying marks
  • Fingerprint classification and identification numbers
  • Date, time, and location of arrest
  • Arresting agency and officer information
  • Criminal charges filed, including statute citations and offense grades
  • Preliminary arraignment details
  • Bail information and conditions
  • Case/docket number assigned by the court
  • Booking photographs ("mugshots")
  • Detention facility information, if applicable

The completeness of arrest records may vary based on the stage of criminal proceedings and the disposition of the case. Records maintained by the Columbia County Criminal Division are subject to the record-keeping requirements established in 234 Pa. Code Rule 113, which governs criminal case file management.

Law enforcement agencies in Columbia County utilize the Commonwealth Law Enforcement Assistance Network (CLEAN) and the Pennsylvania Justice Network (JNET) to maintain and share arrest information across jurisdictions. These systems ensure standardization of arrest record content throughout Pennsylvania counties.

Users of arrest record information should note that pursuant to 18 Pa.C.S. § 9121(b)(2), certain information may be excluded from public arrest records, including intelligence information, investigative information, and information that may jeopardize an ongoing investigation or prosecution.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Columbia County

The expungement process in Columbia County follows Pennsylvania law as codified in 18 Pa.C.S. § 9122, which provides mechanisms for the removal of criminal history record information from public access. Individuals may petition for expungement under specific circumstances established by statute.

Eligibility criteria for expungement in Columbia County include:

  • Cases resulting in acquittal (not guilty verdict)
  • Cases dismissed by the court or withdrawn by the prosecution
  • Summary offenses after five years of arrest-free behavior
  • Non-violent misdemeanors after ten years of completion of sentence, under certain conditions
  • Cases resolved through Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) or other diversion programs
  • Individuals over 70 years of age who have been arrest-free for ten years
  • Deceased individuals (petition may be filed by personal representative)

The expungement procedure requires filing a petition with the Columbia County Court of Common Pleas. Pursuant to Pennsylvania Rule of Criminal Procedure 790, the petition must include:

  • The petitioner's name, date of birth, and Social Security number
  • The name and address of the arresting agency
  • The date of arrest and charges
  • The disposition of the case
  • The reason for seeking expungement

Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing and provide notice to the District Attorney's Office, which has 30 days to file an objection. If the court grants the expungement, an order will be issued directing all criminal justice agencies to remove the specified records from public access.

Additionally, Pennsylvania's Clean Slate Law (Act 56 of 2018) provides for automatic sealing of certain non-violent misdemeanor convictions after ten years without subsequent offenses. This process occurs without requiring a petition, though the records remain available to law enforcement agencies.

Columbia County District Attorney's Office
Columbia County Courthouse
35 W. Main Street, Suite 3
Bloomsburg, PA 17815
570-389-5656

Search Arrest Records in Columbia County

Cities
Berwick
logo