>Lancaster County Arrest Records Online

Lancaster County, Pennsylvania Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania?

Arrest records are public in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, pursuant to the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law (Act 3 of 2008, 65 P.S. § 67.101 et seq.). These records are maintained as public information to ensure transparency and accountability within the criminal justice system. Members of the public may access these records unless specifically exempted by statute, court order, or other legal provision. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania maintains that public access to arrest records serves the public interest by allowing citizens to monitor law enforcement activities and judicial proceedings.

The Lancaster County Clerk of Courts maintains official criminal case records as mandated by Pennsylvania law. These records document arrests, charges, and case dispositions within the county jurisdiction. Public access to these records is governed by the Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania, which establishes uniform standards for public access to court records.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Lancaster County?

Lancaster County arrest records are accessible online through several official government portals. The Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania provides electronic access to criminal case information through its web portal, which includes Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas records. This system allows for searches of criminal dockets and case information dating back to the early 2000s.

The Lancaster County government also maintains public records databases that include arrest information. These electronic resources are maintained pursuant to Pennsylvania's commitment to government transparency and public information accessibility. The county's online resources include:

Criminal docket information
Court calendars and schedules
Inmate custody status through the Who's In Jail database
Case status updates

Electronic access is provided in accordance with the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts' policies on public access to electronic case records. Certain sensitive information may be redacted from online records in compliance with privacy regulations and court rules.

How to Look Up Lancaster County Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple official channels exist for obtaining Lancaster County arrest records. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following methods:

Visit the Lancaster County Clerk of Courts office in person: Lancaster County Clerk of Courts 50 North Duke Street Lancaster, PA 17602 (717) 299-8275 Official Website Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Access the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania web portal for criminal case information. This system provides docket information for cases filed in the Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas.
Contact the Lancaster County Prison for current inmate information: Lancaster County Prison 625 East King Street Lancaster, PA 17602 (717) 299-7800 Hours: Administrative offices open Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Submit a written request to the Pennsylvania State Police for criminal history record information: Pennsylvania State Police Central Repository 1800 Elmerton Avenue Harrisburg, PA 17110 (717) 783-9973
Utilize the Lancaster County Courts website to access court calendars and public case information.

Requestors should note that fees may apply for certain record searches and document copies. The fee schedule is established pursuant to Pennsylvania law and county ordinances. Payment methods include cash, money orders, and credit cards for in-person requests, while online searches may require credit card payment.

Contents of a Lancaster County Arrest Record

Lancaster County arrest records typically contain comprehensive information about the arrest event and the individual involved. Standard information included in these records consists of:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
Date of birth and demographic information
Physical description including height, weight, and identifying marks
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Statutory citations and descriptions of alleged criminal violations
Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
Arresting agency information
Booking photographs ("mugshots")
Fingerprint classification data
Preliminary arraignment information
Bail or bond determination
Case docket number
Preliminary hearing date
Custody status

These records are maintained in accordance with Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure and the record retention schedules established by the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts. The Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas maintains jurisdiction over criminal proceedings and the associated documentation.

Law enforcement agencies within Lancaster County submit arrest information to the county's central repository as required by the Criminal History Record Information Act (18 Pa.C.S. § 9101 et seq.). This information is then integrated into the county's criminal case management system and made available according to applicable public access policies.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Lancaster County

Under Pennsylvania law, certain individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records in Lancaster County. Expungement eligibility is governed by 18 Pa.C.S. § 9122, which provides specific criteria for record expungement. Individuals may qualify for expungement under the following circumstances:

Cases resulting in acquittal (not guilty verdict)
Cases dismissed by the court
Arrests with no conviction where charges were withdrawn or nolle prossed
Summary offense convictions after five years of arrest-free behavior
Successful completion of Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) programs
Individuals over 70 years of age who have been arrest-free for ten years
Deceased individuals (upon petition by authorized representative)

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas. Petitioners must submit:

A completed petition for expungement
Certified copies of disposition documents
Criminal history verification
Filing fee (currently $167.00 as of 2025)

Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas 50 North Duke Street Lancaster, PA 17602 (717) 299-8041 Official Website Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing date. The District Attorney's Office has the right to object to the expungement request. If the court grants the expungement, an order will be issued directing all relevant agencies to expunge the specified records. The process typically takes 90-120 days from filing to completion.

Pennsylvania's Clean Slate Law (Act 56 of 2018) also provides for automatic sealing of certain eligible non-violent misdemeanor convictions after 10 years without subsequent offenses. This automated process occurs without requiring a petition, though it seals rather than expunges the records.