Dauphin County Court Records
What Is Dauphin County Court Records
Court records in Dauphin County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records constitute a comprehensive repository of judicial activities as defined under Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law. Pursuant to 65 P.S. § 67.102, court records include various document types maintained by judicial entities.
Dauphin County court records typically include:
- Case files containing pleadings, motions, and petitions
- Court dockets chronicling case events and proceedings
- Judicial orders and final judgments
- Hearing and trial transcripts
- Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
- Sentencing records in criminal matters
- Settlement agreements in civil cases
These records differ from other public records such as property deeds, vital statistics (birth/death certificates), and tax assessments, which are maintained by separate county departments rather than the court system.
The Dauphin County Courts maintain records for various judicial bodies, including:
- Court of Common Pleas (civil, criminal, family, and orphans' court divisions)
- Magisterial District Courts
- Juvenile Court
- Probation Services
Court records encompass documentation from civil litigation, criminal prosecutions, family law matters, probate proceedings, traffic violations, and small claims cases. The comprehensive nature of these records provides a detailed account of judicial activities within Dauphin County's jurisdiction.
Are Court Records Public In Dauphin County
Court records in Dauphin County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with Pennsylvania's constitutional principle of open courts and the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law. Under 65 P.S. § 67.301, government records, including court records, are presumed to be public unless specifically exempted by law.
The following court records are typically available for public inspection:
- Civil case files (including pleadings, motions, and judgments)
- Criminal case files (post-arraignment)
- Court docket sheets documenting case events
- Final judgments and court orders
- Hearing schedules and court calendars
- Property records related to judgments and liens
It is important to note that Dauphin County courts operate under state jurisdiction, and access policies differ from federal courts. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has established specific rules governing public access to court records through the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania.
Certain records may be restricted from public access, including:
- Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
- Mental health proceedings
- Adoption records
- Records sealed by court order
- Documents containing sensitive personal information as defined in 204 Pa. Code § 213.81
The public access policy for Dauphin County court records balances transparency in judicial proceedings with privacy protections for sensitive information. Requestors seeking court records should be aware of these limitations when submitting requests.
How To Find Court Records in Dauphin County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Dauphin County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The county currently maintains multiple access points for court record retrieval.
For in-person requests, individuals may visit:
Dauphin County Prothonotary's Office
Dauphin County Courthouse
101 Market Street, Room 104
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 780-6700
Dauphin County Prothonotary
Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays
When requesting records in person:
- Complete the public records request form available at the service counter
- Provide specific case information (names, case numbers, filing dates)
- Present valid photo identification
- Pay applicable copying fees ($0.25 per page for standard documents)
- Allow processing time for extensive requests
For remote access, requestors may:
- Submit written requests by mail to the appropriate court office
- Utilize the Dauphin County searchable civil records portal
- Access the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania web portal for statewide case information
For criminal records specifically, individuals may search through the Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History system maintained by the Pennsylvania State Police.
Pursuant to 65 P.S. § 67.901, agencies must respond to records requests within five business days, though complex requests may require additional processing time.
How To Look Up Court Records in Dauphin County Online?
Dauphin County provides several digital platforms for accessing court records online. These electronic resources allow for efficient searching of various case types without requiring physical visits to courthouse facilities.
The primary online resources include:
-
Dauphin County Civil Case Search Portal
- Access via the CountySuite Courts platform
- Search parameters include:
- Case number
- Party name (plaintiff/defendant)
- Filing date range
- Case type
- Results provide docket information, party details, and case status
- Document images may require separate fees for viewing
-
Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal
- Access statewide court records through UJS Portal
- Search options include:
- Criminal docket sheets
- Civil docket sheets
- Magisterial District Court dockets
- Common Pleas Court dockets
- Registration required for certain search functions
- Case information updated daily
-
Criminal History Record Information
- Search criminal history through PATCH (Pennsylvania Access To Criminal History)
- Requires:
- Subject's full name
- Date of birth (if available)
- Payment of applicable fees
- Results include criminal case information from across Pennsylvania
-
Dauphin County Probation Services
- Access public docket information for probation cases
- Search by defendant name
- View probation status and case details
When using these online systems, users should note that:
- Some records may not be available electronically due to age or confidentiality
- Document images often require additional fees for viewing
- System maintenance may temporarily affect availability
- Technical assistance is available through each platform's help resources
These online resources significantly enhance public access to court records while reducing the need for in-person courthouse visits.
How To Search Dauphin County Court Records for Free?
Pennsylvania law provides for free public inspection of court records under certain conditions. Pursuant to 65 P.S. § 67.701, public records must be accessible for examination without charge, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents.
Dauphin County offers several no-cost options for accessing court records:
In-Person Inspection:
- Visit the Dauphin County Courthouse during regular business hours
- Public access terminals are available in the following locations:
- Prothonotary's Office (civil cases)
- Clerk of Courts (criminal cases)
- Register of Wills (probate matters)
- No fee is charged for viewing records on-site
- Staff assistance is available for locating records
Free Online Resources:
- Dauphin County Courts website provides basic case information
- Public Docket Information through Probation Services
- Limited searches through the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System portal
Public Library Access:
- Dauphin County Library System locations offer free internet access
- Library staff can assist with navigating court record websites
- Public computers available during library operating hours
While basic record searches are available without charge, users should be aware of potential fees for:
- Printed copies ($0.25 per page)
- Certified documents ($5.00-$10.00 per document)
- Complete case file reproductions
- Expedited processing
- Research assistance beyond standard lookup services
By utilizing these free access options, members of the public can conduct preliminary research and identify specific records before incurring any costs for copies or certified documents.
What's Included in a Dauphin County Court Record?
Dauphin County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings. The specific contents vary by case type but generally include standardized elements as prescribed by the Pennsylvania Rules of Court.
Civil Case Records typically contain:
- Case caption with party names and docket number
- Complaint or petition initiating the action
- Summons and proof of service documentation
- Responsive pleadings (answers, counterclaims)
- Motions and supporting memoranda
- Discovery documents (when filed with the court)
- Exhibits admitted into evidence
- Transcripts of hearings and trials
- Court orders and opinions
- Final judgment or decree
- Post-judgment filings and satisfaction documents
Criminal Case Records typically contain:
- Criminal complaint and charging documents
- Arrest warrant or summons
- Preliminary hearing documentation
- Arraignment records
- Pre-trial motions and orders
- Plea agreements (if applicable)
- Trial exhibits and transcripts
- Verdict forms
- Sentencing orders
- Post-conviction relief petitions
- Probation/parole documentation
Family Court Records typically contain:
- Petitions for divorce, custody, or support
- Financial disclosure statements
- Parenting plans
- Custody evaluations (may be sealed)
- Support calculations
- Property settlement agreements
- Final divorce decrees
- Protection from abuse orders
- Modification petitions
Probate Records typically contain:
- Wills and codicils
- Petitions for probate
- Letters testamentary or administration
- Inventories of estate assets
- Inheritance tax returns
- Accounts of administration
- Distribution proposals
- Adjudications and decrees
Each court record also includes a docket sheet that chronologically lists all filings, hearings, and actions taken in the case. This serves as an index to the complete case file and provides a procedural history of the litigation.
Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public court records in accordance with 204 Pa. Code § 213.7, including social security numbers, financial account numbers, and minors' names.
How Long Does Dauphin County Keep Court Records?
Dauphin County maintains court records according to retention schedules established by the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts. These schedules, authorized under 42 Pa.C.S. § 4321, prescribe minimum retention periods for various document types.
Civil Case Records:
- General civil litigation files: 7 years after final disposition
- Judgment indices: permanently maintained
- Civil docket sheets: permanently maintained
- Divorce decrees: permanently maintained
- Civil court orders: permanently maintained
- Discontinued cases: 2 years after discontinuance
Criminal Case Records:
- Felony case files: 75 years after final disposition
- Misdemeanor case files: 25 years after final disposition
- Summary offense files: 7 years after final disposition
- Criminal docket sheets: permanently maintained
- Sentencing orders: permanently maintained
- Expunged records: destroyed as directed by court order
Family Court Records:
- Custody orders: permanently maintained
- Support orders: permanently maintained
- Protection from abuse files: 5 years after expiration of order
- Juvenile delinquency records: until subject reaches age 25 (unless expunged)
- Dependency records: until subject reaches age 25
Probate Records:
- Wills: permanently maintained
- Estate administration files: 7 years after estate closing
- Guardianship files: 7 years after termination of guardianship
- Orphans' Court dockets: permanently maintained
Court Administrative Records:
- Court calendars: 3 years
- Exhibits: returned to parties or destroyed after appeal period
- Stenographic notes: 7 years (unless transcribed)
- Jury selection records: 1 year after jury discharge
Records with historical significance may be preserved beyond these minimum retention periods. Additionally, records may be transferred to microfilm or electronic format for permanent retention while original paper documents are destroyed according to schedule.
The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission provides oversight for records of permanent historical value that exceed retention requirements.
Types of Courts In Dauphin County
Dauphin County's judicial system consists of several court levels, each with distinct jurisdictions and functions within Pennsylvania's Unified Judicial System.
Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas
Dauphin County Courthouse
101 Market Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 780-6630
Dauphin County Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:30 PM
The Court of Common Pleas is divided into specialized divisions:
- Civil Division - Handles civil litigation exceeding $12,000, equity matters, and appeals from lower courts
- Criminal Division - Adjudicates misdemeanor and felony criminal cases
- Family Division - Oversees divorce, custody, support, and domestic relations matters
- Orphans' Court Division - Manages estates, guardianships, adoptions, and trust administration
Magisterial District Courts
Dauphin County contains multiple Magisterial District Courts serving specific geographic areas:
Magisterial District Court 12-1-01
1805 North Cameron Street
Harrisburg, PA 17103
(717) 255-2670
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM
Magisterial District Court 12-1-02
901 Gibson Boulevard
Steelton, PA 17113
(717) 939-9179
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM
Additional Magisterial District Courts serve other areas of the county with similar hours and functions.
Dauphin County Juvenile Court
100 Chestnut Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 780-6708
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:30 PM
Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court (Located in Harrisburg)
Pennsylvania Judicial Center
601 Commonwealth Avenue
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 255-1600
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM
The court hierarchy in Pennsylvania proceeds from Magisterial District Courts (lowest level) to the Court of Common Pleas, then to the Superior Court or Commonwealth Court (intermediate appellate courts), and finally to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court (highest state court).
What Types of Cases Do Dauphin County Courts Hear?
Dauphin County's court system adjudicates a diverse range of legal matters, with each court level handling specific case types according to jurisdictional parameters established by Pennsylvania law.
Magisterial District Courts handle:
- Summary criminal offenses (minor crimes)
- Traffic violations
- Preliminary hearings for misdemeanors and felonies
- Civil disputes up to $12,000
- Landlord-tenant matters
- Municipal code violations
- Issuance of search and arrest warrants
- Setting preliminary bail
Court of Common Pleas - Civil Division handles:
- Civil litigation exceeding $12,000
- Equity actions (injunctions, specific performance)
- Real property disputes
- Complex commercial litigation
- Appeals from Magisterial District Court decisions
- Mandamus and quo warranto proceedings
- Declaratory judgment actions
Court of Common Pleas - Criminal Division handles:
- Misdemeanor prosecutions
- Felony prosecutions
- Post-conviction relief petitions
- Probation and parole violations
- Expungement proceedings
- ARD (Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition) cases
- Treatment court programs (Drug Court, Veterans Court)
Court of Common Pleas - Family Division handles:
- Divorce proceedings
- Child custody determinations
- Child and spousal support matters
- Protection from abuse cases
- Paternity determinations
- Name change petitions
- Domestic relations enforcement
Court of Common Pleas - Orphans' Court Division handles:
- Probate of wills
- Estate administration
- Guardianships for incapacitated persons
- Adoptions
- Trust administration
- Marriage licenses
- Inheritance tax matters
Juvenile Court handles:
- Delinquency proceedings for minors
- Dependency cases (child welfare)
- Truancy matters
- Children's fast-track appeals
The Commonwealth Court, while headquartered in Harrisburg (Dauphin County), is a statewide appellate court that hears cases involving state agencies and governmental affairs rather than county-specific matters.
Each court's jurisdiction is defined by 42 Pa.C.S. § 931 for the Court of Common Pleas and 42 Pa.C.S. § 1515 for Magisterial District Courts.
How To Find a Court Docket In Dauphin County
Court dockets in Dauphin County provide chronological listings of all filings, proceedings, and judicial actions in a case. These official records are accessible through multiple channels depending on the case type and user needs.
Online Docket Access:
-
Dauphin County Civil Case Search
- Visit the CountySuite Courts portal
- Search by case number, party name, or filing date
- View docket entries showing filings and court actions
- Access is available 24/7 for public cases
-
Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal
- Access UJS Web Portal
- Select appropriate search type (criminal, civil, etc.)
- Enter search criteria (name, case number)
- View comprehensive docket sheets
- Download or print docket information
-
Criminal Docket Information
- Access through public docket information portal
- Enter Dauphin County as jurisdiction
- Provide defendant name
- Select criminal docket type
- Review chronological case events
In-Person Docket Access:
Individuals may visit the appropriate court office to request docket information:
Prothonotary's Office (Civil Cases)
Dauphin County Courthouse
101 Market Street, Room 104
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 780-6700
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:30 PM
Clerk of Courts (Criminal Cases)
Dauphin County Courthouse
101 Market Street, Room 104
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 780-6640
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:30 PM
Register of Wills (Probate Cases)
Dauphin County Courthouse
101 Market Street, Room 102
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 780-6510
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:30 PM
When requesting docket information, be prepared to provide:
- Case number (if known)
- Names of parties involved
- Approximate filing date
- Case type
- Valid identification
Docket sheets are available for a nominal fee, typically $0.25 per page for printed copies or $5.00 for certified copies. Electronic access to certain dockets may require user registration or subscription fees for advanced features.
Which Courts in Dauphin County Are Not Courts of Record?
In Pennsylvania's judicial system, "courts of record" are those that maintain official transcripts of proceedings and whose decisions may serve as legal precedent. Conversely, "courts not of record" do not routinely create verbatim transcripts and typically handle minor matters with simplified procedures.
Pursuant to 42 Pa.C.S. § 321, the following Dauphin County courts are classified as courts not of record:
Magisterial District Courts
- All Magisterial District Courts throughout Dauphin County
- These courts handle summary offenses, preliminary hearings, small civil claims, and landlord-tenant disputes
- Proceedings are not transcribed unless specifically requested for appeal purposes
- Decisions have no precedential value
- Appeals from these courts are heard de novo (completely new hearing) at the Court of Common Pleas
Characteristics of courts not of record include:
- No court reporter routinely present
- Simplified rules of procedure
- Often presided over by magistrates who may not be attorneys
- Limited jurisdiction over minor matters
- Informal proceedings compared to higher courts
- Records consist primarily of docket entries rather than transcripts
By contrast, the Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas is a court of record, maintaining complete transcripts of proceedings and issuing formal written opinions in significant cases. The distinction between courts of record and courts not of record affects:
- Appeal procedures
- Evidentiary standards
- Procedural formality
- Record-keeping requirements
- Precedential value of decisions
When a case is appealed from a court not of record to a court of record, the entire matter is heard anew rather than reviewing the lower court's decision for legal errors. This de novo review process is established under 42 Pa.C.S. § 932.
Lookup Court Records in Dauphin County
CountySuite Courts Case Search