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Public Criminal Records

Public Criminal Records

E-filing and Access to Records

Online Record Search
All criminal records are open to the public. You may search statewide criminal information through the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System at:
http://ujsportal.pacourts.us

The Pennsylvania Judiciary Web Portal provides free public access to:
• Appellate court, common pleas court, and magisterial district court docket sheets
• Common pleas and magisterial district court calendars
• State and local rules of court
• PAePay online payments

Secure Services (PACFile and More)
In addition to public information, specialized eServices are available to users with a secure login. These include:
• Secure docket sheets for all court levels
• Secure court calendars
• Statewide warrant information
• Attorney registration


Access to certain secure services must be approved by a county clerk of courts or district court administrator.


Accessing Criminal Records
Defendants are strongly encouraged to use self‑help options when available. Individuals may access and download copies of their own case files directly through their PACFile account, providing a fast, convenient, and secure method to obtain documents without visiting the office.
Records may also be researched and viewed in person during regular business hours at the Clerk of Courts Office.


On‑Site Research (1986–Present)
Two public computers are available for viewing criminal records dating back to 1986. This system also includes criminal matters that originated prior to 1986 but still had an outstanding balance in 1986.


Historical Records (1910–1986)
Records from 1910 through 1986 can be located by reviewing the office’s docket books and corresponding microfiche records.


Older Records
• Records prior to 1800 are held by the York County Historical Society.
• Records from 1800 to 1910 are maintained by the Pennsylvania Historical Museum Commission.


Requesting Copies
Copies or printed docket reports are available for a fee. To receive copies by mail, complete the Request for Access Form and submit it along with the required fee and a self‑addressed stamped envelope.


Record Checks
The Clerk of Courts does not provide certified criminal record checks. To obtain a background check, contact the Pennsylvania State Police. Requests may be submitted through their website: www.psp.pa.gov

Once you register with PACFile, and receive an Access Code from the Clerk of Court, you can file documents with the Court electronically 24/7/365 days a year.  Filing electronically permits a faster and more efficient means to file with the Court.

PACFile will permit all of your court orders and notices to be sent to you via PACFile.  This means you will recieve your orders and notices several days faster than waiting for the post office to deliver your mail. 

In addition, you can view your case(s) online 24/7/365 days a year including your balance, court dates, documents filed, and more.

Payment of any associated fees is also accepted at the time a filing is submitted and may be made with a Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express or ATM card. Upon the completion and payment of a filing, it will be transmitted to the applicable court for processing.

To use this service, you must first register for a secure user account.
• To create a new account or log in, select Create Account at the top right corner of the Pennsylvania Judiciary Web Portal.
• After creating your account, contact the Clerk of Courts Office to request an Access Code at 717‑337‑9806.
 

Guide for Creating a PACFile Account 
Electronic Filing System in the Appellate Courts – Judicial Order
PACFile Guide for Attorneys​
Affiant Disposition Lookup ​ - Officer Searches

 

PACFile is a service that provides the option to file documents with the courts electronically on both new and existing cases. At this time, filings can be submitted to the Supreme, Superior, Commonwealth, and Common Pleas Courts. In Adams County, PACFiling is mandatory for all juvenile delinquency and dependency cases. On July 6, 2020, we implemented PACFiling for all criminal, summary and miscellaneous cases with mandatory efiling in 2022.  
Pro Se defendants, attorneys, crime victims, affiants (police officers), parents in dependency matters, may all enroll in PACFile.  Contact the Clerk of Courts office to request secured access.   

1986 - Present: $12.50  per name
1800 - 1985: $25.50 p/h per name 

A self addressed stamped envelope must be included with request.

Records of crime against juvenile victims of sexual or physical abuse and juvenile records are confidential and are not available unless prior authorization has been obtained from the Court.
Transcripts can be obtained by completing and filing a Request for Transcript with the Clerk of Court along with the deposit required per Order of Court.  A Court Reporter will be in contact with you if the deposit does not cover the costs of preparing the transcript. 

Public Access Policy

Public Records

Pennsylvania's Unified Judicial System provides comprehensive public access to court records online and upon request.