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Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania?

Arrest records are public documents in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, pursuant to the Pennsylvania Right to Know Law (65 P.S. § 67.101 et seq.). This legislation establishes the presumption that government records shall be accessible for public inspection and duplication unless otherwise exempt by law, regulation, or court order. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania maintains this policy to ensure transparency and accountability within the criminal justice system.

Members of the public may access arrest records through various county agencies, including the Lackawanna County Sheriff's Office and the Clerk of Judicial Records. These records typically become available after the initial processing of an arrested individual has been completed and the information has been entered into the county's record-keeping system.

It should be noted that while arrest records are generally public, certain information may be redacted to protect privacy interests as provided under § 67.708 of the Right to Know Law, including Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and information that might jeopardize personal security or ongoing investigations.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Lackawanna County?

Lackawanna County arrest records are accessible through several online platforms maintained by state and county agencies. The Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System provides a comprehensive portal for accessing court records, including those related to arrests and subsequent court proceedings. This digital accessibility is pursuant to the Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania.

The Lackawanna County Sheriff's Office maintains a current database of active warrants that is available for public viewing on the county website. Additionally, the Pennsylvania Court Case Records portal allows users to search for criminal cases by name, which often includes information about the initial arrest.

Online access to these records is subject to the following conditions:

  • Users may be required to create an account or provide identification
  • Certain searches may incur nominal fees as established by county ordinance
  • Records available online may not include all historical data, particularly for cases predating digital record-keeping
  • Some sensitive information may be redacted in accordance with Pennsylvania law

How to Look Up Lackawanna County Arrest Records in 2025

Individuals seeking Lackawanna County arrest records in 2025 have multiple methods available to them, pursuant to Pennsylvania's public records laws. The following procedures have been established for obtaining these records:

In-person requests may be submitted at the following locations:

Lackawanna County Sheriff's Office
123 Wyoming Avenue, 4th Floor
Scranton, PA 18503
570-963-6719
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Lackawanna County Sheriff's Office

Lackawanna County Clerk of Judicial Records
Lackawanna County Courthouse
200 North Washington Avenue
Scranton, PA 18503
570-963-6702
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Clerk of Judicial Records

For online access, the following resources are available:

Written requests for arrest records may also be submitted via mail to either of the above agencies. Such requests must include:

  • Full name of the subject of the search
  • Date of birth or approximate age (if known)
  • Date range for the search
  • Purpose of the request
  • Contact information for the requestor
  • Payment of applicable fees as established by county ordinance

Contents of a Lackawanna County Arrest Record

Lackawanna County arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Pennsylvania law and local regulations. These official documents typically include the following elements:

  • Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
  • Demographic information including date of birth, gender, and physical description
  • Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
  • Statutory citations and descriptions of alleged offenses
  • Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
  • Arresting agency information
  • Booking details including fingerprint identification numbers
  • Custody status information
  • Case or docket numbers assigned by the court
  • Preliminary hearing date (if scheduled)
  • Bail information including amount and conditions

Pursuant to Pennsylvania law, arrest records may also contain mugshot photographs taken during the booking process. These images are considered part of the public record unless specifically sealed by court order.

It should be noted that arrest records document allegations only and do not constitute proof of guilt. Under Pennsylvania law and the U.S. Constitution, all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Lackawanna County

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provides legal mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records in Lackawanna County under specific circumstances. This process is governed by 18 Pa.C.S. § 9122 and related statutes, which establish eligibility criteria and procedures.

Individuals may petition for expungement in the following situations:

  • The arrest did not lead to a conviction
  • The conviction was for a summary offense and the individual has been free from arrest or prosecution for five years
  • The individual has reached 70 years of age and has been free from arrest or prosecution for ten years
  • The individual has been deceased for three years
  • The conviction was for certain minor drug offenses and the individual has completed an approved treatment program

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Lackawanna County Court of Common Pleas. This legal procedure includes:

  • Preparation of a petition for expungement
  • Payment of filing fees (approximately $250 as of 2025)
  • Service of the petition to the District Attorney's Office
  • Attendance at a scheduled hearing before a judge
  • Issuance of an expungement order if approved

Upon successful expungement, all public records of the arrest are removed from public access, though certain law enforcement agencies may retain limited access to the information for official purposes only. The practical effect is that expunged records will not appear in standard background checks conducted by employers or housing providers.

Lackawanna County Court of Common Pleas
Lackawanna County Courthouse
200 North Washington Avenue
Scranton, PA 18503
570-963-6700
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Lackawanna County Courts

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