Dauphin County Criminal Records
What Is Dauphin County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Dauphin County are official documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to Pennsylvania's Criminal History Record Information Act (CHRIA), specifically under § 9102, which defines criminal history record information as "information collected by criminal justice agencies concerning individuals, and arising from the initiation of a criminal proceeding."
Criminal records encompass several distinct categories:
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Arrest Records vs. Conviction Records: Arrest records document when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement but do not indicate guilt. Conviction records confirm that a court has found an individual guilty of a criminal offense.
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Felony vs. Misdemeanor Records: Felonies represent more serious crimes punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year, while misdemeanors are less severe offenses typically punishable by less than one year of incarceration.
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Adult vs. Juvenile Records: Adult criminal records (18 and older) are generally accessible to the public, whereas juvenile records (under 18) are sealed and confidential under 42 Pa.C.S. § 6308, with limited exceptions.
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Active Warrants vs. Historical Records: Active warrants indicate current orders for arrest, while historical records document past criminal justice interactions.
Multiple agencies maintain these records in Dauphin County:
Dauphin County Sheriff's Office
Dauphin County Courthouse
101 Market Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101
Phone: (717) 780-6590
Dauphin County Sheriff's Office
Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas
Dauphin County Courthouse
101 Market Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101
Phone: (717) 780-6500
Dauphin County Courts
Pennsylvania State Police
Central Repository
1800 Elmerton Avenue
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Phone: (717) 783-5494
Pennsylvania State Police
Comprehensive criminal records typically include documentation of:
- Arrests and booking information
- Formal charges filed
- Arraignment proceedings
- Plea agreements
- Trial proceedings and outcomes
- Sentencing information
- Probation and parole status
Are Criminal Records Public In Dauphin County
Criminal records in Dauphin County are generally considered public information under Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law (65 P.S. § 67.101 et seq.) and the Criminal History Record Information Act (18 Pa.C.S. § 9101 et seq.). The Right-to-Know Law establishes that "a public record, legislative record or financial record shall be accessible for inspection and duplication in accordance with this act."
The public status of criminal records is subject to specific limitations and exceptions:
Publicly Accessible Records Include:
- Adult conviction records
- Court dockets and case files for completed proceedings
- Sentencing information
- Criminal court calendars
- Inmate custody status
Restricted or Limited Access Records Include:
- Ongoing criminal investigations (exempt under 65 P.S. § 67.708(b)(16))
- Sealed or expunged records
- Juvenile records (confidential under 42 Pa.C.S. § 6308)
- Records that would impair homeland security or public safety
- Records containing personal identification information (partially redacted)
- Mental health evaluations and records
The Criminal History Record Information Act specifically addresses the dissemination of criminal history information, stating in 18 Pa.C.S. § 9121 that "criminal history record information shall be disseminated by a State or local police department to any individual or noncriminal justice agency only upon request."
Dauphin County maintains compliance with these statutes while facilitating public access to criminal records through various means, including in-person requests, online portals, and formal written requests. The county's public docket information system provides access to court records in accordance with these laws.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Dauphin County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Dauphin County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains multiple access points for criminal record searches, each providing different types of information.
In-Person Requests at the Courthouse:
- Visit the Dauphin County Clerk of Courts office during regular business hours:
Dauphin County Clerk of Courts
Dauphin County Courthouse
101 Market Street, Room 104
Harrisburg, PA 17101
Phone: (717) 780-6500
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Dauphin County Clerk of Courts
- Complete a public records request form, providing the subject's full name and, if possible, date of birth.
- Present valid government-issued photo identification.
- Pay applicable fees for copies (currently $0.25 per page for standard copies).
- For certified copies, additional fees apply (currently $10.00 per document).
Written Requests by Mail:
- Submit a written request to the Clerk of Courts office at the address above.
- Include the subject's full name, date of birth (if known), and case numbers (if available).
- Specify the exact records being requested.
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment for applicable fees.
- Allow 7-10 business days for processing.
Sheriff's Office Records:
For arrest records, warrant information, and inmate status:
Dauphin County Sheriff's Office
Dauphin County Courthouse
101 Market Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101
Phone: (717) 780-6590
Dauphin County Sheriff's Office
Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History:
For comprehensive criminal history reports:
- Submit a request through the Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History (PATCH) system.
- Provide required identifying information.
- Pay the statutory fee (currently $22 for public requests).
- Results for name-based searches are typically available immediately if no record exists or within 2-3 business days if records are found.
Court Administration Records:
For court calendars, hearing schedules, and case status:
Dauphin County Court Administration
Dauphin County Courthouse
101 Market Street, Room 211
Harrisburg, PA 17101
Phone: (717) 780-6630
Dauphin County Courts
Requestors should note that certain records may require court orders for access, particularly sealed or expunged cases, juvenile records, or matters involving protected information under Pennsylvania law.
How To Find Criminal Records in Dauphin County Online?
Dauphin County offers several online resources for accessing criminal records electronically. These digital platforms provide convenient alternatives to in-person requests, though the scope of available information may vary by system.
Unified Judicial System Web Portal:
The Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System maintains a comprehensive web portal for accessing court records:
- Visit the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal.
- Select "Dauphin County" from the county dropdown menu.
- Search by name, case number, or other identifiers.
- Access docket sheets, court calendars, and case status information.
- No registration is required for basic searches, though certain detailed information may require user registration.
- The system contains records for the Court of Common Pleas and Magisterial District Courts.
Dauphin County Inmate Locator:
For current inmate status and custody information:
- Access the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections Inmate Locator.
- Enter the individual's name or inmate number.
- Select "Dauphin County" from the facility options if known.
- View current custody status, facility location, and minimum/maximum sentence dates.
- No registration is required for this public service.
Pennsylvania Access To Criminal History (PATCH):
For official criminal history record checks:
- Navigate to the PATCH system maintained by the Pennsylvania State Police.
- Create a user account or proceed as a public user.
- Enter the required identifying information for the subject.
- Pay the statutory fee (currently $22 per search).
- Receive immediate results for "no record" searches or wait 2-3 business days for record verification.
Dauphin County Public Docket Information:
For accessing public court docket information:
- Visit the Dauphin County Public Docket Information page.
- Follow the instructions for accessing the appropriate database.
- Search by name, case number, or filing date.
- View case summaries, charges, and disposition information.
- No registration is required for basic searches.
Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System E-Filing:
For attorneys and registered users:
- Access the PACFile system.
- Log in with registered credentials.
- Search for case information and filed documents.
- Registration is required and limited to attorneys, parties to cases, and authorized users.
Users should note that online systems may not contain complete historical records, particularly for cases prior to digital record-keeping implementation. Additionally, certain sensitive information may be redacted from online records in accordance with Pennsylvania law.
Can You Search Dauphin County Criminal Records for Free?
Pennsylvania law provides for public inspection of criminal records at minimal or no cost under certain circumstances. According to the Right-to-Know Law (65 P.S. § 67.1307), "a public record shall be accessible for inspection by any requester during the regular business hours of an agency." This statutory provision ensures that members of the public may view records without charge, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents.
Free In-Person Record Inspection:
The following locations offer free public inspection of criminal records:
Dauphin County Clerk of Courts
Dauphin County Courthouse
101 Market Street, Room 104
Harrisburg, PA 17101
Phone: (717) 780-6500
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Dauphin County Clerk of Courts
Dauphin County Law Library
Dauphin County Courthouse
101 Market Street, 3rd Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101
Phone: (717) 780-6470
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Dauphin County Law Library
Free Online Resources:
Several online portals provide free access to criminal record information:
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Unified Judicial System Web Portal: The Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal offers free basic searches of court dockets and case information.
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Dauphin County Inmate Locator: The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections Inmate Locator provides free access to current inmate custody information.
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Public Court Calendars: The Dauphin County Court Calendar is available online at no cost.
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Public Docket Information: Accessing public docket information is available through the county's online system without charge.
Fee-Based Services:
While inspection is free, certain services do require payment:
- Document Copies: Standard copies cost $0.25 per page.
- Certified Copies: $10.00 per document.
- Criminal History Reports: The PATCH system charges $22 per search.
- Background Checks: Comprehensive background checks through the Pennsylvania State Police incur statutory fees.
The county also offers public access terminals at the courthouse where visitors may conduct free electronic searches of the case management system. These terminals are available during regular business hours and provide access to non-confidential case information.
What's Included in a Dauphin County Criminal Record?
Criminal records in Dauphin County contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records are maintained in accordance with the Pennsylvania Criminal History Record Information Act (18 Pa.C.S. § 9101-9183) and typically include the following categories of information:
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Mugshot/booking photograph
- Last known address
- State Identification Number (SID)
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information:
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Booking number
- Charges filed at arrest
- Bail/bond amount and status
- Detention facility information
- Arresting officer information
Court Case Information:
- Court case/docket number
- Court of jurisdiction (Magisterial District Court or Court of Common Pleas)
- Filing date
- Statutory charges (including Pennsylvania Criminal Code citations)
- Classification of offenses (felony grades F1-F3, misdemeanor grades M1-M3)
- Preliminary hearing information
- Attorney information (defense counsel and prosecutor)
- Judge assigned to the case
Disposition Information:
- Plea entered
- Verdict (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, nolle prosequi)
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration terms (minimum and maximum)
- Probation terms
- Fines and costs imposed
- Restitution ordered
- Special conditions (treatment programs, community service)
- Appeal information (if applicable)
- Probation/parole status and violations
Additional Information:
- Active warrants
- Protection from Abuse (PFA) orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/DWI history
- Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
- Pending charges in other jurisdictions
- Prior criminal history summary
The completeness of records may vary based on the age of the case, the maintaining agency, and the disposition status. Records maintained by the Dauphin County Sheriff's Office may focus more on arrest and warrant information, while court records maintained by the Clerk of Courts contain more detailed case proceedings and dispositions.
Certain information may be redacted from public versions of criminal records, including Social Security numbers, financial account information, confidential informant details, and information protected by specific court orders.
How Long Does Dauphin County Keep Criminal Records?
Dauphin County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission's Bureau of Archives and History, as mandated by the County Records Act (16 P.S. § 13001-13006). These retention periods vary based on record type, case disposition, and severity of the offense.
Court Records Retention:
- Criminal Case Files (Felonies): Permanent retention for homicide cases; 75 years for other felonies
- Criminal Case Files (Misdemeanors): 25 years after case closure
- Criminal Case Files (Summary Offenses): 7 years after case closure
- Court Dockets and Indices: Permanent retention
- Sentencing Orders: Permanent retention
- Probation/Parole Records: 10 years after supervision completion
- Bail Records: 3 years after case disposition
- Preliminary Hearing Transcripts: 7 years after case closure
Law Enforcement Records Retention:
- Arrest Reports: 75 years for felonies; 25 years for misdemeanors
- Incident Reports: 5 years
- Investigation Files (Major Cases): Permanent retention
- Investigation Files (Other): 5 years after case closure
- Fingerprint Cards: 75 years
- Booking Photographs: 75 years for felonies; 25 years for misdemeanors
- Criminal Complaint Forms: 3 years after case disposition
Correctional Facility Records Retention:
- Inmate Files: 10 years after release
- Commitment Records: 10 years after release
- Visitor Logs: 3 years
It is important to note that while physical records may be destroyed after their retention period expires, electronic indices and basic case information may be maintained indefinitely in the county's case management system and the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System's databases.
Additionally, the Criminal History Record Information Act (18 Pa.C.S. § 9122) provides mechanisms for expungement of certain criminal records under specific circumstances, which may result in the removal of records before their standard retention period expires.
The Pennsylvania State Police maintain criminal history repository information indefinitely unless expungement is ordered by a court. This centralized repository serves as the official state record of criminal history information regardless of local retention schedules.
Lookup Criminal Records in Dauphin County
Dauphin County Sheriff's Office