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Washington County, Pennsylvania Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Washington County, Pennsylvania?

Arrest records in Washington County, Pennsylvania are public documents accessible to all citizens pursuant to the Pennsylvania Right to Know Law (65 P.S. § 67.101 et seq.). This legislation establishes the presumption that government records, including arrest records, shall be accessible for inspection and copying by any Pennsylvania resident. The law serves to promote governmental transparency and accountability by ensuring public access to information regarding law enforcement activities, including arrests.

The Washington County Court of Common Pleas maintains these records in accordance with state regulations. Members of the public seeking arrest information may access these records through various county offices, including the Clerk of Courts office, which serves as the official custodian of criminal case records for the county.

Under Pennsylvania's Criminal History Record Information Act (18 Pa.C.S. § 9101 et seq.), certain limitations may apply to the dissemination of arrest information, particularly regarding cases that have been expunged or sealed by court order. However, the general presumption remains that arrest records are public information available for citizen review.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Washington County?

Washington County arrest records are available through several online platforms maintained by county and state agencies. The Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania provides a web portal where members of the public may search for criminal case information, including arrest data. Additionally, the Washington County Courts maintain an online system for public access to court records.

The Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System's web portal (UJS Portal) offers a comprehensive case search function that includes criminal dockets from Washington County. This system allows users to search by name, case number, or other identifiers to locate arrest and case information. The online availability of these records reflects Pennsylvania's commitment to open government and public access to information.

For current inmate information, the Washington County Correctional Facility provides an online inmate search tool in accordance with the Criminal History Information Records Act. This resource allows the public to verify if an individual is currently incarcerated within the county system.

How to Look Up Washington County Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking Washington County arrest records in 2025 may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The following methods are available for conducting arrest record searches:

  • Visit the Washington County Clerk of Courts office in person at:

    Washington County Clerk of Courts
    1 South Main Street, Suite 1003
    Washington, PA 15301
    724-228-6770
    Official Website
    Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM

  • Access the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania's online portal to search for criminal cases and associated arrest information.

  • Contact the Washington County Sheriff's Office for arrest warrant information at:

    Washington County Sheriff's Office
    100 West Beau Street, Suite 101
    Washington, PA 15301
    724-228-6840
    Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

  • Submit a written request to the Criminal Division of the Washington County Court of Common Pleas at:

    Criminal Division
    1 South Main Street, Suite 1003
    Washington, PA 15301
    724-228-6770
    Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Pursuant to Pennsylvania's Right to Know Law, requestors may be required to complete an official records request form and may be subject to reasonable fees for document reproduction and certification.

Contents of a Washington County Arrest Record

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

  • Full legal name of the arrested individual and any known aliases
  • Date of birth and demographic information (age, gender, race)
  • Physical description including height, weight, and identifying marks
  • Date, time, and location of the arrest
  • Arresting agency and officer information
  • Criminal charges filed, including statute citations and offense descriptions
  • Case docket number assigned by the court
  • Booking photograph ("mugshot") of the arrested individual
  • Fingerprint classification and identification numbers
  • Bail or bond information, including amount set and conditions
  • Preliminary hearing date and magistrate assignment
  • Custody status (detained or released)

The Criminal Division of the Washington County Court of Common Pleas maintains these records in accordance with Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure. The level of detail contained in publicly accessible versions of these records may vary based on case status and applicable privacy provisions under state law.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Washington County

Washington County residents may petition for expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances as provided by Pennsylvania law (18 Pa.C.S. § 9122). Expungement is a legal process that removes arrest and criminal record information from public access and official databases. Individuals may qualify for expungement in the following situations:

  • Cases resulting in acquittal (not guilty verdict)
  • Arrests that did not lead to formal charges
  • Cases dismissed by the court or withdrawn by the prosecution
  • Summary offenses after five years of arrest-free behavior
  • Certain non-violent misdemeanor convictions after ten years without subsequent arrests
  • Juvenile adjudications after meeting statutory waiting periods
  • Successful completion of Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) programs

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Washington County Court of Common Pleas. Upon court approval, expungement orders are distributed to all agencies maintaining the records, including:

Washington County Clerk of Courts
1 South Main Street, Suite 1003
Washington, PA 15301
724-228-6770

Pennsylvania State Police Central Repository
1800 Elmerton Avenue
Harrisburg, PA 17110
717-783-5494

Expunged records are removed from public access, though certain law enforcement and judicial agencies may retain limited access to this information for official purposes as permitted by law.

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