Lebanon County Public Records / Lebanon County Arrest Records

Lebanon County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Lebanon County

Arrest records in Lebanon County are generally considered public information under Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law (65 P.S. § 67.101 et seq.). This statute establishes the presumption that government records are public unless specifically exempted by law, court order, or privilege. The Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law provides citizens with the legal right to access public records maintained by state and local government agencies, including law enforcement entities within Lebanon County.

It is important to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records. Arrest records document the apprehension and charging of an individual but do not indicate guilt. Conviction records, conversely, document the final disposition of a case resulting in a finding of guilt. Under Pennsylvania law, both types of records are generally accessible to the public, though certain exceptions may apply.

The Criminal History Record Information Act (18 Pa.C.S. § 9101 et seq.) further governs the collection, maintenance, dissemination, and use of criminal history record information in Pennsylvania. This act establishes guidelines for how criminal justice agencies, including those in Lebanon County, must handle arrest records and other criminal history information.

Access to arrest records may be restricted in certain circumstances, such as:

Records pertaining to juvenile offenders
Records sealed by court order
Records subject to ongoing investigations
Records that would compromise personal privacy in ways that outweigh the public interest

The Pennsylvania State Police maintains the central repository for criminal history record information in the Commonwealth and provides guidance on records access policies that apply to Lebanon County law enforcement agencies.

What's in Lebanon County Arrest Records

Lebanon County arrest records typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies within the county. These records generally include the following categories of information:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

Full legal name (including aliases or known nicknames)
Date of birth
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Gender
Race/ethnicity
Home address
Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
Fingerprints
Photograph (mugshot)

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Arresting officer's name and badge number
Circumstances leading to arrest
Whether force was used during arrest

Charge Information:

Criminal charges filed
Statute citations for alleged violations
Charge classification (misdemeanor or felony)
Charge severity (grades or degrees)
Description of alleged criminal activity

Warrant Information (if applicable):

Warrant number
Issuing authority
Date of issuance
Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)

Booking Information:

Booking date and time
Booking facility
Booking number or identification
Processing officer information

Bond/Bail Information:

Bail amount set
Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
Whether bail was posted
Conditions of release (if applicable)

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction
Docket number
Scheduled court appearances
Judge assigned to case

Custody Status:

Current detention status
Facility where detained (if applicable)
Release date (if applicable)

Additional Information May Include:

Prior criminal history
Probation/parole status at time of arrest
Vehicle information (if relevant to arrest)
Property seized during arrest
Victim information (often redacted in public versions)
Witness information (often redacted in public versions)

The Lebanon County Prison System maintains records for individuals who are detained following arrest, while the Lebanon County Sheriff's Office maintains records related to warrants, arrests, and civil processes they execute.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Lebanon County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Lebanon County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for accessing arrest records:

In-Person Requests:

Visit the Lebanon County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours:

Lebanon County Sheriff's Office
400 S 8th Street, Room 103
Lebanon, PA 17042
717-228-4410
Lebanon County Sheriff's Office
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Complete a public records request form, providing specific information about the record being sought, including:
- Full name of the individual
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Date or approximate date of arrest (if known)
- Case number (if known)
Present valid government-issued photo identification.
Pay any applicable fees for record retrieval and copying. Fees are established pursuant to § 67.1307 of the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law.

Written Requests:

Submit a written request to the Lebanon County Right-to-Know Officer:

Lebanon County Right-to-Know Officer
400 S 8th Street, Room 207
Lebanon, PA 17042
717-228-4427
Lebanon County Administration
Include in your written request:
- Requestor's name and contact information
- Clear description of the records being requested
- Format in which you wish to receive the records
- Statement indicating whether the request is for commercial purposes
Allow up to five business days for a response, as stipulated by § 67.901 of the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law. The agency may extend this period by an additional 30 days for complex requests.

State Police Records:

For arrests made by the Pennsylvania State Police in Lebanon County:

Submit a request through the Pennsylvania State Police Records Request system.
Complete the appropriate request form available through the Pennsylvania State Police Records Request portal.
Submit the form with required identification and payment as directed.

How To Find Lebanon County Arrest Records Online

Lebanon County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records electronically. The following online methods are available to the public:

Unified Judicial System Web Portal:

Access the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal.
Select "Public Web Docket Sheets" from the available options.
Choose "Criminal Court Case Information" to search for cases in Lebanon County.
Enter search criteria such as:
- Participant name
- Docket number
- Date range
- Court type
Select "Lebanon County" from the county dropdown menu.
Review search results, which include arrest information, charges, court dates, and case disposition.

Pennsylvania Inmate Locator:

For individuals who have been arrested and are in custody:

Visit the PA Inmate Locator.
Enter the individual's name or inmate number.
Review results to determine current custody status and location.

Lebanon County Prison System:

The Lebanon County Prison System maintains limited online information about current inmates. Visitors to the website can access:

General information about individuals currently in custody
Visitation policies and procedures
Bail and release information

Pennsylvania Access To Criminal History (PATCH):

For official criminal history information:

Visit the Pennsylvania Access To Criminal History website.
Create an account or proceed as a public user.
Select "Submit a New Record Check" and follow the prompts.
Pay the required fee ($22 for general public requests).
Receive results electronically, typically within minutes for name-based searches.

Public Information Release Reports:

The Pennsylvania State Police publishes Public Information Release Reports that include information about significant arrests and incidents in Lebanon County and throughout the Commonwealth.

How To Search Lebanon County Arrest Records for Free?

Members of the public seeking to access Lebanon County arrest records without incurring costs have several options available. The following methods provide free access to arrest record information:

Lebanon County Courthouse Public Access Terminals:

Visit the Lebanon County Courthouse during regular business hours:

Lebanon County Courthouse
400 S 8th Street
Lebanon, PA 17042
717-228-4400
Lebanon County Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Use the public access computer terminals located in the Clerk of Courts office to search court dockets, which include arrest information.
No fee is charged for on-site viewing of records, though printing may incur nominal costs.

Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal:

Access the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal.
Select "Public Web Docket Sheets" from the available options.
Choose "Criminal Court Case Information" to search for cases in Lebanon County.
Enter search criteria and select "Lebanon County" from the county dropdown menu.
Review search results at no cost. This system provides case information including charges, court dates, and disposition.

Local Newspaper Police Blotters:

Access local newspaper websites such as the Lebanon Daily News.
Search for "police blotter" or "crime reports" sections.
Review published arrest information, which typically includes recent arrests and incidents.

Public Library Resources:

Visit the Lebanon Community Library:

Lebanon Community Library
125 N 7th Street
Lebanon, PA 17046
717-273-7624
Lebanon Community Library
Use public computers to access online resources, including newspaper archives and public records databases.
Request assistance from library staff to locate relevant public records resources.

Pennsylvania State Police Public Information:

The Pennsylvania State Police provides Public Information Release Reports that include information about significant arrests and incidents in Lebanon County at no cost to the public.

While these methods provide free access to basic arrest record information, comprehensive criminal history reports typically require payment of statutory fees. Additionally, pursuant to § 67.1307 of the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law, agencies may waive fees if the requester demonstrates financial hardship and the agency determines that the public interest is served by making the record available.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Lebanon County

In Lebanon County, as throughout Pennsylvania, arrest records generally cannot be deleted in the conventional sense. However, under specific circumstances, individuals may petition for expungement (legal erasure) or sealing (restricting public access) of their arrest records. These processes are governed by Pennsylvania's Criminal History Record Information Act (18 Pa.C.S. § 9122).

Expungement vs. Sealing:

Expungement involves the complete removal of criminal record information from public view and most government databases. When a record is expunged, it is as if the arrest or conviction never occurred from a legal perspective.
Record Sealing (Clean Slate) restricts public access to criminal records but maintains them for law enforcement purposes. Sealed records remain visible to criminal justice agencies but are hidden from public view, including most employers and housing providers.

Eligibility for Expungement:

Under 18 Pa.C.S. § 9122, expungement may be available in the following circumstances:

Non-conviction records:
- Charges that resulted in acquittal (not guilty verdict)
- Cases dismissed by the court
- Nolle prosequi (prosecution abandoned the case)
- Arrests with no formal charges filed within 18 months
Summary offense convictions after five years of arrest-free behavior
Certain misdemeanor convictions for individuals over 70 who have been arrest-free for ten years
Records of deceased individuals (upon request by authorized representative)

Eligibility for Record Sealing (Clean Slate):

Under Pennsylvania's Clean Slate Law (Act 56 of 2018):

Eligible misdemeanors after 10 years without subsequent arrests or prosecutions
Summary offenses after 10 years without subsequent arrests or prosecutions
Charges not resulting in convictions

Process for Expungement or Sealing:

Obtain criminal record information from the Pennsylvania Access To Criminal History system.
File a petition for expungement or sealing with the Lebanon County Court of Common Pleas:

Lebanon County Court of Common Pleas
400 S 8th Street
Lebanon, PA 17042
717-228-4440
Lebanon County Courts
Pay the required filing fee (approximately $132 as of current rates).
Attend any scheduled court hearings regarding the petition.
If granted, ensure the expungement or sealing order is properly distributed to all relevant agencies, including:
- Pennsylvania State Police Central Repository
- Lebanon County District Attorney's Office
- Arresting agency
- FBI (for federal database updates)

Individuals seeking expungement or sealing of records are strongly advised to consult with an attorney, as the process can be complex and outcomes depend heavily on specific case details and proper procedure. The Lebanon County Bar Association can provide referrals to attorneys specializing in expungement matters.

What Happens After Arrest in Lebanon County?

Following an arrest in Lebanon County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Pennsylvania law and local court procedures. This process typically progresses through several distinct phases:

1. Arrest and Booking:

When law enforcement officers take an individual into custody, they transport the arrestee to a local police station or the Lebanon County Correctional Facility for processing. During booking, officials:

Record personal information
Take fingerprints and photographs
Conduct a search
Inventory and secure personal property
Check for outstanding warrants
Document the alleged offense
Conduct health screening

2. Preliminary Arraignment:

Within 72 hours of arrest (typically much sooner), the arrestee appears before a Magisterial District Judge for preliminary arraignment, where:

Charges are formally presented
Constitutional rights are explained
Bail determination is made
Preliminary hearing date is set
Public defender may be appointed if the defendant qualifies

3. Bail Determination:

The Magisterial District Judge determines whether the defendant will be:

Released on their own recognizance (ROR)
Released after posting monetary bail
Held without bail (for certain serious offenses)
Released with specific conditions (e.g., electronic monitoring)

4. Preliminary Hearing:

Typically held within 10 days of the preliminary arraignment (if the defendant is in custody) or within 30 days (if released on bail), this hearing:

Determines if sufficient evidence exists to establish that a crime was committed and the defendant is likely responsible
May result in charges being dismissed, modified, or bound over for trial
Provides opportunity for early resolution through plea agreements

5. Formal Arraignment:

If charges are bound over after the preliminary hearing, the case proceeds to the Lebanon County Court of Common Pleas for formal arraignment, where:

Charges are officially presented at the county court level
Defendant enters a plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
Pretrial conference date is set
Discovery process begins

6. Pretrial Proceedings:

During this phase:

Attorneys exchange evidence through discovery
Pretrial motions may be filed (e.g., to suppress evidence)
Plea negotiations may occur
Case management conferences may be held

7. Trial:

If the case is not resolved through dismissal or plea agreement, it proceeds to trial, which may be:

Bench trial (judge decides verdict)
Jury trial (jury determines guilt or innocence)

During trial, both prosecution and defense present evidence, examine witnesses, and make arguments before a verdict is rendered.

8. Sentencing:

If convicted, sentencing follows, typically at a separate hearing where:

Judge imposes penalties based on Pennsylvania sentencing guidelines
Penalties may include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, or treatment programs
Victim impact statements may be presented
Defendant has opportunity to address the court

9. Post-Conviction:

Following conviction and sentencing, defendants may:

File post-sentence motions
Appeal the conviction or sentence
Seek modification of sentence
Apply for parole when eligible

Throughout this process, the Lebanon County Sheriff's Office may be responsible for transporting defendants between facilities and maintaining courtroom security, while the Lebanon County Prison System manages detention for those not released on bail.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Lebanon County?

Arrest records in Lebanon County are maintained according to retention schedules established by Pennsylvania law and administrative policies. The County Records Manual published by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission provides the official retention schedule for county records, including arrest records.

Standard Retention Periods:

Under Pennsylvania law, specifically 65 P.S. § 67.506(a), agencies are required to maintain public records in accordance with established retention schedules. For arrest records in Lebanon County, the following retention periods generally apply:

Arrest Reports and Criminal Complaints: Minimum of 75 years
Fingerprint Records: Permanent retention
Booking Photographs (Mugshots): Minimum of 75 years
Incident Reports: Minimum of 20 years
Investigation Files: 25 years after case closure
Warrant Information: 20 years after execution or expiration
Juvenile Arrest Records: Until the individual reaches age 25 or 10 years after final discharge from commitment, supervision, or probation, whichever is later

Agency-Specific Retention:

Different agencies within Lebanon County maintain arrest records for varying periods:

Lebanon County Sheriff's Office: Maintains arrest records related to warrant service and court security incidents according to the County Records Manual retention schedule.
Lebanon County Prison System: Retains inmate records, including booking information, for a minimum of 75 years from the date of discharge.
Local Police Departments: Municipal police departments within Lebanon County maintain arrest records according to municipal records retention schedules, typically for a minimum of 75 years.
Pennsylvania State Police: As the central repository for criminal history information in Pennsylvania, the State Police maintain criminal history records permanently, unless expunged by court order.

Electronic Records Retention:

With the transition to digital record-keeping, electronic arrest records are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records. The Criminal History Record Information Act (18 Pa.C.S. § 9111) requires that electronic criminal history record information be maintained with appropriate security measures for the designated retention period.

Exceptions to Standard Retention:

Certain circumstances may alter the standard retention periods:

Records subject to expungement orders are removed from public access and, in some cases, destroyed according to court directives.
Records related to homicides and other serious felonies may be retained permanently.
Records with historical significance may be transferred to the Pennsylvania State Archives for permanent preservation after their active retention period.

The retention of arrest records serves multiple purposes, including maintaining evidence for potential future legal proceedings, supporting law enforcement investigations, and ensuring accountability within the criminal justice system.

How to Find Mugshots in Lebanon County

Mugshots, officially known as booking photographs, are created during the arrest booking process and are maintained as part of Lebanon County's criminal justice records. The following information outlines what mugshots are and how they may be accessed in Lebanon County.

What Mugshots Are:

Mugshots are official photographs taken by law enforcement agencies during the booking process following an arrest. These photographs typically include:

Front-facing (frontal) view of the arrestee
Profile (side) view of the arrestee
Identification information (name, date, booking number)
Height measurement scale in the background

The primary purpose of mugshots is to maintain visual identification records of individuals processed through the criminal justice system.

Where Mugshots Are Maintained:

In Lebanon County, booking photographs are maintained by several agencies:

Arresting Police Departments: Local municipal police departments maintain mugshots for individuals they arrest.
Lebanon County Prison System: The Lebanon County Prison System maintains booking photographs as part of inmate records.
Lebanon County Sheriff's Office: The Lebanon County Sheriff's Office may maintain mugshots related to warrant arrests they execute.
Pennsylvania State Police: For arrests made by state troopers, mugshots are maintained in State Police records systems.

Finding Mugshots:

To locate mugshots in Lebanon County, individuals may pursue several avenues:

Submit a Right-to-Know Request: File a formal request with the appropriate law enforcement agency:

Lebanon County Right-to-Know Officer
400 S 8th Street, Room 207
Lebanon, PA 17042
717-228-4427
Lebanon County Administration
Contact the Arresting Agency: Directly contact the police department that made the arrest to inquire about mugshot access procedures.
Check Court Records: In some cases, mugshots may be included in court case files accessible through the Clerk of Courts:

Lebanon County Clerk of Courts
400 S 8th Street, Room 104
Lebanon, PA 17042
717-228-4554
Lebanon County Clerk of Courts

Can Mugshots Be Found Online?

Unlike some jurisdictions, Lebanon County law enforcement agencies do not typically publish mugshots online as a matter of routine practice. However, mugshots may appear online through:

Pennsylvania State Police Public Information: In cases of significant public interest, the Pennsylvania State Police Public Information Release Reports may include mugshots.
Media Publications: Local news outlets may publish mugshots obtained through public records requests, particularly for high-profile cases.
Third-Party Websites: Commercial websites that aggregate mugshots from public records may publish Lebanon County booking photographs. However, the accuracy and currency of such sites vary considerably.

Obtaining Mugshots Officially:

To officially obtain a mugshot from Lebanon County authorities:

Submit a written request specifying:
- Full name of the individual
- Date of arrest (if known)
- Case or booking number (if known)
- Requestor's contact information
- Purpose of the request
Pay any applicable fees for reproduction of the photograph.
Provide identification to verify the requestor's identity.

Restrictions on Mugshot Access:

Access to mugshots may be restricted in certain circumstances:

Juvenile arrest records and photographs are generally confidential
Records that have been expunged or sealed by court order
Records pertaining to ongoing investigations
Records where disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy

Individuals seeking mugshots should be aware that while these images are generally considered public records, their use and distribution may be subject to legal limitations regarding privacy, defamation, and commercial use.

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