Criminal records in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, are available through several channels. LackawannaCourt.us allows quick access to publicly available information on criminal cases. Additionally, searches can be conducted through official state court portals, law enforcement agencies, and the Clerk of Judicial Records office. Below are specific methods of searching, types of available data, procedures for obtaining certified copies, and fee amounts.
How to Search Criminal Records in Lackawanna
There are several proven ways to obtain information on criminal cases in the county.
Online Search
- LackawannaCourt.us — enter the first and last name of the individual to view publicly available county court records.
- UJS Web Portal — a free portal of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania. You can search by name, case number, hearing date, or OTN number. The portal displays docket sheets for criminal cases in the Court of Common Pleas and Magisterial District Courts.
- UJS Public Records — a general page with explanations on accessing court documents in Pennsylvania.
- Inmate Locator of the PA Department of Corrections — allows you to find individuals in state facilities, including Lackawanna County Jail. Data is updated daily.
- PA Megan's Law — a registry of individuals convicted of sexual offenses. Search by county, city, or zip code.
What You Need to Start a Search
- Full name (last name required)
- Date of birth (preferred)
- Case number or docket number (if known)
- OTN — Offender Tracking Number (for UJS portal search)
In-Person Visit
The Clerk of Courts of Lackawanna County handles requests for criminal cases in the Court of Common Pleas. Visit the courthouse to use public access terminals or ask a staff member to find the necessary document.
Clerk of Courts — Lackawanna County
Written Request
Send a letter to the Clerk of Courts at the above address. Include the full name of the person, date of birth, and case number (if available). Attach a money order for the appropriate fees. To obtain an official state-level criminal history, submit a request to the Pennsylvania State Police using form SP 4-164 (Request for Criminal Record Check).
Search Lackawanna Criminal Cases by Case Number
Each case in Pennsylvania has a standardized docket number. The format for the Court of Common Pleas looks like this:
CP-35-CR-XXXXXXX-YYYY
- CP — Court of Common Pleas
- 35 — Lackawanna County code (each of the 67 PA counties has a unique two-digit code)
- CR — case type: Criminal
- XXXXXXX — sequential case number
- YYYY — year of filing
For Magisterial District Court cases, the prefix will be MJ instead of CP. Knowing the full number will provide you with a docket sheet listing charges, hearing dates, court decisions, and party information.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Lackawanna
A criminal case docket sheet contains several key data blocks. Here's what each of them means.
Charges
| Element | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Statute code | Reference to a section of the Pennsylvania Crimes Code (Title 18) or other law |
| Grade | Felony (F1, F2, F3), Misdemeanor (M1, M2, M3), or Summary offense |
| Original vs. Amended | The charge may be amended by the prosecutor during proceedings |
| Count | Number of separate incidents for each statute |
Case Status
- Active — the case is open, proceedings are ongoing
- Pending — awaiting a hearing or decision
- Disposed — the case is concluded (verdict, dismissal, etc.)
- Closed — all procedural actions are completed, the case is archived
Types of Hearings
A criminal case typically goes through the following stages:
- Arraignment — initial presentation of charges; the judge sets bail
- Preliminary Hearing — the prosecutor proves there is sufficient cause
- Pre-Trial Conference — parties discuss agreements and procedural issues
- Trial — substantive court hearing
- Sentencing — punishment is imposed after a guilty plea
- Review Hearing — checking compliance with punishment conditions (e.g., probation)
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | The defendant is found guilty |
| Not Guilty | The defendant is acquitted |
| Nolle Prosequi | The prosecutor declined to pursue charges |
| Dismissed | The case is closed by the court |
| ARD (Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition) | Diversion program for first-time offenders in PA |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Lackawanna
Certified copies are officially verified documents suitable for submission to a court, employer, or government agency.
Where to Apply
For court documents of criminal cases, contact the Clerk of Courts. Clerk of Judicial Records is responsible for civil and family cases — do not confuse these offices.
Ways to Submit a Request
- In Person — visit the Lackawanna County Courthouse in Scranton. Present a photo ID.
- By Mail — send a written request including the full name, date of birth, case number, and return address. Attach a money order for the fee amount. Personal checks are not always accepted — confirm by phone.
State-Level Criminal Check
For a comprehensive criminal history check (background check), submit a request to the Pennsylvania State Police. This can be done online through the PATCH system (Pennsylvania Access To Criminal History) at epatch.pa.gov. The full name and date of birth of the individual are required.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Lackawanna
Fee amounts depend on the type of request and the processing agency.
| Service | Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.25 | 42 Pa.C.S. § 1725.1 |
| Document certification | $5.50 – $7.00 | Clerk of Courts fee schedule |
| PATCH — online criminal history check | $22.00 | Pennsylvania State Police |
| PATCH — mail request | $22.00 | Pennsylvania State Police |
| FBI check (fingerprints) | $23.50+ | PA State Police / FBI |
Processing Times
- PATCH online — usually instant or within a few minutes
- Mail request to Clerk of Courts — 5 to 15 business days depending on workload
- FBI background check — 2 to 4 weeks
Copying and certification fees are set according to 42 Pa.C.S. § 1725.1. It is best to confirm the exact amount directly with the Clerk of Courts at 570-963-6723, as individual fees may change.