Philadelphia County Criminal Records
What Is Philadelphia County Criminal Records
Philadelphia County criminal records are official documents maintained by various government agencies that detail an individual's criminal history within the jurisdiction of Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania. These records are created and maintained pursuant to Pennsylvania's Criminal History Record Information Act (CHRIA), 18 Pa.C.S. § 9101 et seq., which establishes guidelines for the collection, maintenance, dissemination, and use of criminal history record information.
Criminal records in Philadelphia County typically include:
- Arrest records
- Court dockets and case files
- Charging documents
- Disposition information
- Sentencing records
- Incarceration data
The primary custodians of these records include the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania, which encompasses the Philadelphia County Court System, and the Philadelphia Department of Records, which maintains various public records for the city.
First Judicial District of Pennsylvania
City Hall, Room 336
Philadelphia, PA 19107
215-686-7000
Philadelphia Courts
Philadelphia Department of Records
City Hall, Room 156
Philadelphia, PA 19107
215-686-2260
Department of Records
These records serve multiple purposes, including facilitating background checks for employment, housing, and licensing, as well as supporting law enforcement and judicial functions throughout the county.
Are Criminal Records Public In Philadelphia County
Criminal records in Philadelphia County are generally considered public records in accordance with Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law (65 P.S. §§ 67.101-67.3104) and the Criminal History Record Information Act. Members of the public may access most criminal records, though certain limitations and exceptions apply.
The public status of criminal records includes:
- Court dockets and case information are publicly accessible through the First Judicial District's electronic case management system
- Criminal complaint information filed with the courts
- Disposition and sentencing information
- Records of criminal proceedings in open court
However, the following restrictions may apply:
- Records that have been sealed or expunged pursuant to court order are not publicly accessible
- Juvenile records are generally confidential under 42 Pa.C.S. § 6308, with limited exceptions
- Records related to certain domestic violence cases may have restricted access
- Information protected by federal privacy laws
The City of Philadelphia maintains policies regarding public access to criminal records in compliance with state and federal regulations. Certain sensitive information within criminal records, such as Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and victims' identifying information, may be redacted prior to public disclosure in accordance with 42 Pa.C.S. § 9121.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Philadelphia County in 2025
Philadelphia County offers several methods for accessing criminal records in 2025. Individuals seeking criminal record information may utilize the following official channels:
In-person requests can be submitted at:
Philadelphia County Clerk of Courts
Criminal Justice Center
1301 Filbert Street, Room 310
Philadelphia, PA 19107
215-683-7700
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
For online access, the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania provides electronic access through their web portal, which allows users to search for criminal cases by name, case number, or other identifiers.
Mail requests for criminal record information may be sent to:
First Judicial District of Pennsylvania
Records Department
City Hall, Room 336
Philadelphia, PA 19107
For comprehensive statewide criminal history information, individuals may utilize the Pennsylvania Access To Criminal History (PATCH) system maintained by the Pennsylvania State Police.
Required information for criminal record searches typically includes:
- Full name of the subject (including aliases)
- Date of birth
- Social Security Number (for certain official requests)
- Case numbers (if known)
Requestors should be prepared to pay applicable fees, which vary based on the type of search and requesting entity. As of 2025, standard criminal record search fees range from $10-$25 per search, with additional fees for certified copies.
How To Find Criminal Records in Philadelphia County Online?
Philadelphia County provides several digital platforms for accessing criminal records online. The electronic systems have been enhanced in 2025 to improve public accessibility while maintaining compliance with Pennsylvania's public records laws.
The primary online resources include:
-
First Judicial District Electronic Filing System
The Philadelphia Courts website offers a comprehensive case search function that allows users to access criminal dockets, court calendars, and case status information. Users can search by defendant name, case number, or filing date. -
Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal
This statewide system includes Philadelphia County criminal cases and provides access to docket sheets, court schedules, and case status updates. -
PATCH (Pennsylvania Access To Criminal History)
The Pennsylvania State Police maintain this online system for criminal history record checks. Users can request criminal history information for a fee of $22 per search as of 2025. -
Philadelphia Department of Records E-Records
The Department of Records maintains an electronic database of various public records, including certain criminal case information. -
Incarcerated Person Locator
The Philadelphia Department of Prisons maintains an online system to locate individuals currently in custody within the Philadelphia prison system.
When using these online systems, users should note that:
- Some detailed case documents may require in-person requests
- Certain sensitive information may be redacted from online records
- Records that have been sealed or expunged will not appear in public searches
- Official certified copies generally cannot be obtained online
Can You Search Philadelphia County Criminal Records for Free?
Philadelphia County does provide limited free access to certain criminal record information, though comprehensive searches may incur fees. The availability of free criminal record searches is governed by Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law and the Criminal History Record Information Act.
Free access options include:
- Basic case information through the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania public access portal, which provides docket information and case status
- Public terminals located at the Criminal Justice Center (1301 Filbert Street) and City Hall (Room 156) offer free on-site access to court records during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
- The Philadelphia Department of Records provides limited free access to certain public safety reports
Services that require payment include:
- Certified copies of court records ($10-$25 per document)
- Full criminal history reports through PATCH ($22 per search)
- Background checks for employment or licensing purposes
- Expedited record searches
Pursuant to 42 Pa.C.S. § 9122.1, certain qualifying individuals may be eligible for fee waivers when requesting their own records for purposes of employment, housing, or education. These waivers are available to low-income individuals who meet specific criteria established by the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts.
What's Included in a Philadelphia County Criminal Record?
Philadelphia County criminal records contain comprehensive information about an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the jurisdiction. These records are maintained in accordance with Pennsylvania's Criminal History Record Information Act and include standardized elements.
A typical Philadelphia County criminal record contains:
- Biographical information (name, date of birth, address, identifying characteristics)
- Arrest data (date, location, arresting agency, charges)
- Booking information (photographs, fingerprints)
- Court case information (docket number, assigned court, judge)
- Charging documents (criminal complaints, indictments)
- Plea information
- Trial proceedings and outcomes
- Disposition of charges (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, etc.)
- Sentencing information (incarceration, probation, fines)
- Post-conviction information (appeals, probation violations)
The Office of the Sheriff and other law enforcement agencies contribute to these records through their official documentation of arrests and criminal proceedings.
Philadelphia Sheriff's Office
100 S. Broad Street, 5th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19110
215-686-3530
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Criminal records may also include information about protective orders, restraining orders, and other court-mandated restrictions. Records of completed diversion programs, such as Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD), may appear in criminal records unless specifically expunged pursuant to 234 Pa. Code Rule 320.
What Are the Penalties for a Philadelphia County Criminal Trespass Charge?
Criminal trespass in Philadelphia County is prosecuted under Pennsylvania's Crimes Code, 18 Pa.C.S. § 3503, which establishes various degrees of the offense based on the nature and circumstances of the unlawful entry. The Philadelphia County District Attorney's Office prosecutes these cases through the First Judicial District Court system.
Penalties for criminal trespass in Philadelphia County include:
Felony of the Second Degree (18 Pa.C.S. § 3503(a)(1)):
- Breaking into a building or occupied structure with intent to commit a crime therein
- Maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment
- Fines up to $25,000
Felony of the Third Degree (18 Pa.C.S. § 3503(a)(2)):
- Entering a building or occupied structure knowing one is not licensed or privileged to do so
- Maximum sentence of 7 years imprisonment
- Fines up to $15,000
Misdemeanor of the First Degree (18 Pa.C.S. § 3503(b)(1)(i-v)):
- Entering certain restricted areas such as school grounds or agricultural facilities
- Maximum sentence of 5 years imprisonment
- Fines up to $10,000
Misdemeanor of the Second Degree (18 Pa.C.S. § 3503(b)(1)(vi)):
- Defiant trespasser who enters or remains in a place where notice against trespass is given
- Maximum sentence of 2 years imprisonment
- Fines up to $5,000
Misdemeanor of the Third Degree (18 Pa.C.S. § 3503(b)(2)):
- Simple trespass with lesser circumstances
- Maximum sentence of 1 year imprisonment
- Fines up to $2,500
Additional consequences may include probation, community service, restitution to property owners, and a permanent criminal record. First-time offenders may be eligible for diversionary programs at the discretion of the court and the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office.
How Long Does Philadelphia County Keep Criminal Records?
Philadelphia County maintains criminal records in accordance with Pennsylvania's record retention schedules and the Criminal History Record Information Act. These records are generally kept indefinitely unless specifically ordered to be expunged or sealed by a court.
The retention policies for criminal records in Philadelphia County include:
- Court dockets and case files are maintained permanently by the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania
- Arrest records remain in law enforcement databases indefinitely unless expunged
- Records of minor offenses may be eligible for limited access or expungement after specified waiting periods
- Juvenile records may be automatically expunged under certain conditions pursuant to 18 Pa.C.S. § 9123
Under Pennsylvania's Clean Slate Law (Act 56 of 2018), certain non-violent misdemeanor convictions may be automatically sealed after 10 years if the individual has remained free from conviction for that period and all court-ordered financial obligations have been satisfied. This process does not delete the records but restricts public access to them.
Individuals seeking expungement of criminal records must petition the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas. Eligibility criteria include:
- Cases resulting in non-conviction (dismissal, withdrawal, not guilty verdict)
- Summary offenses after five years without arrest or prosecution
- Certain misdemeanors after specific waiting periods
- Successful completion of ARD or other diversion programs
The Pennsylvania State Police maintain the central repository of criminal history information and adhere to these retention policies for Philadelphia County records in their database.
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