Lebanon County Public Records /Lebanon County Court Records

Lebanon County Court Records

What Is Lebanon County Court Records

Court records in Lebanon County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records include case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing records maintained by the courts. Pursuant to Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law, court records are distinct from other public records such as property deeds, vital records, and tax documents.

The Lebanon County court system maintains records through several judicial bodies:

Court of Common Pleas
Magisterial District Courts
Orphans' Court Division
Family Court Division
Juvenile Court

These courts generate records for various case types including civil litigation, criminal proceedings, family matters, probate cases, and traffic violations. According to 65 P.S. § 67.102, a judicial record is defined as "a record of a court required by law or rule of court to be made and maintained by a court."

The Lebanon County Prothonotary's Office serves as the chief custodian for civil court records, while the Clerk of Courts maintains criminal court records for the county.

Are Court Records Public In Lebanon County

Court records in Lebanon County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with Pennsylvania's constitutional principle of open courts and the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law (65 P.S. § 67.101-3104). This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including court records, are public unless specifically exempted by law.

The following court records are typically available for public inspection:

Most civil case files
Criminal case files (post-charging)
Judgments and orders
Docket sheets
Hearing schedules
Property records
Marriage licenses

However, certain records may be restricted or sealed pursuant to 204 PA Code § 213.81, which governs public access to case records. These restrictions typically apply to:

Juvenile records
Adoption proceedings
Mental health records
Records sealed by court order
Certain family court matters
Cases involving minors as victims

It is important to note that federal court records for cases involving Lebanon County residents but heard in federal courts are governed by different access rules under the federal Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system.

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has established specific rules regarding public access to court records through the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania, which apply to all courts in Lebanon County.

How To Find Court Records in Lebanon County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Lebanon County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The following procedures are currently in effect:

In-Person Requests:

Identify the appropriate court office based on the type of case:
- Civil cases: Visit the Prothonotary's Office
- Criminal cases: Contact the Clerk of Courts
- Family matters: Inquire at the Family Court Division
- Probate/estate cases: Visit the Register of Wills
Prepare case information:
- Case number (if known)
- Names of parties involved
- Approximate date of filing
- Type of case
Submit a records request form at the appropriate office:

Lebanon County Prothonotary's Office
Room 104, Municipal Building
400 South 8th Street
Lebanon, PA 17042
(717) 228-4434
Lebanon County Prothonotary
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Lebanon County Clerk of Courts
Room 102, Municipal Building
400 South 8th Street
Lebanon, PA 17042
(717) 228-4419
Lebanon County Clerk of Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Online Requests:

Access the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania Web Portal
Select the appropriate court system (Magisterial, Common Pleas, or Appellate)
Enter search criteria (name, case number, etc.)
Review search results and select desired records
Pay any applicable fees for copies or certified documents

Mail Requests:

Submit a written request to the appropriate court office
Include all relevant case information
Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope
Include payment for any applicable fees (check or money order)

Pursuant to Pennsylvania Rule of Judicial Administration 509, requests for court records must be fulfilled within a reasonable time, typically within 10 business days.

How To Look Up Court Records in Lebanon County Online?

Lebanon County residents and interested parties can access various court records through several online portals. Each system provides access to different types of records within the county and state judicial system.

The primary online resources for Lebanon County court records include:

Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania Web Portal
- Access at https://ujsportal.pacourts.us/
- Search for:
  - Common Pleas Court cases (civil, criminal, family)
  - Magisterial District Court cases
  - Traffic citations
- Search by name, case number, or citation number
- View docket sheets, case status, and scheduled hearings
- No registration required for basic searches
Lebanon County Prothonotary Records Search
- Available through the Lebanon County Prothonotary's Office
- Provides access to:
  - Civil case filings
  - Judgment records
  - Protection from abuse orders
  - Family court records
- Requires creation of user account for full access
- Some documents may require in-person viewing
Pennsylvania Criminal History Record Information (PATCH)
- Access through Pennsylvania State Police portal
- Search for criminal history information
- Requires payment of fee for official record checks
- Provides statewide criminal history information
Federal Court Records (PACER)
- For federal cases involving Lebanon County residents
- Access through Eastern District of Pennsylvania
- Registration required with fee per page viewed
- Provides access to federal civil and criminal cases

To conduct an effective online search:

Gather all available information about the case (names, dates, case types)
Select the appropriate portal based on case type
Enter search criteria precisely as they appear in court records
Review search results carefully to identify the correct case
Note that some documents may only be available as summaries online
Follow portal instructions for requesting copies of full documents

Users should be aware that pursuant to 204 PA Code § 213.81, certain sensitive information may be redacted from online records, and some case types may not be available through electronic access.

How To Search Lebanon County Court Records for Free?

Pennsylvania law guarantees the public's right to inspect court records without charge, as established in Pennsylvania Rule of Judicial Administration 509(c)(1), which states that "a court may not charge a fee for viewing a case record at the courthouse." Lebanon County adheres to this provision by offering several no-cost options for accessing court records.

Free access methods include:

In-Person Inspection:

Visit the appropriate court office during regular business hours
Request to view specific case files
No fee for viewing records on-site
Staff will retrieve requested files for public inspection
Note-taking is permitted; however, copying fees may apply

Free Online Resources:

Unified Judicial System Web Portal - Basic docket information is available at no charge
Lebanon County Court of Common Pleas - Court calendars and hearing schedules
Lebanon County Magisterial District Courts - Basic case status information

Public Access Terminals:

Available at the Lebanon County Courthouse
Provide free access to electronic court records
Located in the Prothonotary's Office and Clerk of Courts
May require assistance from court staff to operate

While viewing records is free, fees may apply for:

Printed copies ($0.25 per page)
Certified copies ($5.00-$10.00 per document)
Research assistance ($15.00 per hour after first hour)
Electronic copies on removable media

Pursuant to 65 P.S. § 67.1307, Lebanon County may charge reasonable fees for duplication of records, but these fees must be based on the actual cost of reproduction.

What's Included in a Lebanon County Court Record?

Lebanon County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings. The specific contents vary by case type but generally include the following components:

Case Initiation Documents:

Complaints or petitions
Summonses or warrants
Initial pleadings
Filing date and case number assignment
Court assignment information

Party Information:

Names of all plaintiffs, defendants, petitioners, or respondents
Attorney information and appearances
Contact information (may be partially redacted)
Party type designations

Docket Sheets:

Chronological listing of all case events
Filing dates of all documents
Hearing dates and outcomes
Judicial assignments and reassignments
Service of process information

Legal Documents:

Motions and responses
Briefs and memoranda of law
Affidavits and declarations
Discovery documents (if filed with the court)
Exhibits admitted into evidence

Judicial Actions:

Court orders and opinions
Judgments and decrees
Findings of fact and conclusions of law
Sentencing information (in criminal cases)
Jury verdicts or bench decisions

Financial Information:

Filing fees paid
Costs assessed
Judgment amounts
Payment records
Restitution orders (in criminal cases)

Case Disposition:

Final judgment or order
Settlement agreements (if filed)
Dismissal information
Appeal notices and status
Satisfaction of judgment records

In accordance with 204 PA Code § 213.81, certain sensitive information is redacted from publicly accessible records, including:

Social Security numbers
Financial account numbers
Driver's license numbers
Minor children's names (in many cases)
Victim information in certain cases

The completeness of court records may vary based on case type, with criminal and civil cases typically containing more extensive documentation than traffic or minor offense cases.

How Long Does Lebanon County Keep Court Records?

Lebanon County maintains court records according to retention schedules established by the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts (AOPC) under the authority of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. These retention periods vary by record type and are governed by Pennsylvania Rule of Judicial Administration 509.

Common Pleas Court Records:

Civil case files: 7 years after final disposition
Major criminal cases: 75 years after final disposition
Misdemeanor cases: 25 years after final disposition
Domestic relations cases: 25 years after final disposition
Juvenile delinquency records: Until subject reaches age 25 or 10 years after final disposition, whichever is later
Orphans' Court records: Permanent retention for wills, estate inventories, and adoptions
Protection from Abuse orders: 5 years after expiration

Magisterial District Court Records:

Summary criminal cases: 7 years after final disposition
Civil claims: 7 years after final disposition
Landlord-tenant cases: 7 years after final disposition
Traffic citations: 3 years after final disposition

Court Administrative Records:

Docket books and indices: Permanent retention
Court calendars and schedules: 3 years
Financial records: 7 years
Jury selection records: 3 years

Special Considerations:

Records of historical significance may be preserved permanently
Records subject to ongoing litigation may be retained beyond standard periods
Electronic records follow the same retention schedules as paper records

After the retention period expires, records may be:

Destroyed according to approved methods
Transferred to the Pennsylvania State Archives
Microfilmed or digitized for permanent storage

The Lebanon County Archives maintains certain historical court records dating back to the county's formation in 1813, particularly those with genealogical or historical significance.

Types of Courts In Lebanon County

Lebanon County's judicial system consists of several courts operating within Pennsylvania's Unified Judicial System. Each court has specific jurisdiction and handles different types of cases.

Lebanon County Court of Common Pleas
Lebanon County Courthouse
400 South 8th Street
Lebanon, PA 17042
(717) 228-4427
Lebanon County Court of Common Pleas
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

The Court of Common Pleas is Lebanon County's court of general jurisdiction and includes several divisions:

Civil Division
Handles civil disputes exceeding $12,000, complex litigation, appeals from magisterial district courts Room 104, Municipal Building
400 South 8th Street
Lebanon, PA 17042
(717) 228-4434
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Criminal Division
Processes felonies, misdemeanors, and appeals from summary convictions Room 102, Municipal Building
400 South 8th Street
Lebanon, PA 17042
(717) 228-4419
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Family Division
Handles divorce, custody, support, protection from abuse Room 202, Municipal Building
400 South 8th Street
Lebanon, PA 17042
(717) 228-4430
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Orphans' Court Division
Oversees estates, guardianships, adoptions Room 106, Municipal Building
400 South 8th Street
Lebanon, PA 17042
(717) 228-4415
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Magisterial District Courts
Lebanon County has six magisterial district courts handling minor criminal and civil matters:

Magisterial District Court 52-1-01
Judge Anthony J. Ardo
2 North 8th Street
Lebanon, PA 17046
(717) 274-2961
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Magisterial District Court 52-2-01
Judge Kim R. Wolfe
1 South 8th Street
Lebanon, PA 17042
(717) 273-1754
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Magisterial District Court 52-3-01
Judge John W. Ditzler
121 South 9th Street
Lebanon, PA 17042
(717) 272-3594
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Magisterial District Court 52-3-02
Judge Maria M. Dissinger
1 East Main Street
Palmyra, PA 17078
(717) 838-2810
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Magisterial District Court 52-3-03
Judge Carl R. Garver
2 North Race Street
Myerstown, PA 17067
(717) 866-5908
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Magisterial District Court 52-3-04
Judge Thomas M. Capello
811 Chestnut Street
Lebanon, PA 17042
(717) 273-3734
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

The court hierarchy in Pennsylvania proceeds from Magisterial District Courts to the Court of Common Pleas, then to the Superior Court or Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania, and finally to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court for appeals.

What Types of Cases Do Lebanon County Courts Hear?

Lebanon County's court system adjudicates a wide range of legal matters, with each court having specific jurisdictional authority as defined by Pennsylvania law.

Court of Common Pleas - Civil Division:

Major civil litigation (claims exceeding $12,000)
Contract disputes
Personal injury cases
Property disputes
Professional malpractice claims
Appeals from magisterial district courts
Equity actions (injunctions, specific performance)
Mortgage foreclosures
Quiet title actions
Civil appeals from administrative agencies

Court of Common Pleas - Criminal Division:

Felony offenses
Misdemeanor offenses
Criminal appeals from magisterial district courts
Post-conviction relief petitions
Probation and parole violations
Expungement petitions
ARD (Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition) program cases
Treatment court programs (Drug Court, Veterans Court)

Court of Common Pleas - Family Division:

Divorce proceedings
Child custody disputes
Child and spousal support matters
Protection from abuse cases
Paternity determinations
Name change petitions
Domestic relations enforcement

Court of Common Pleas - Orphans' Court Division:

Probate of wills
Estate administration
Guardianships for incapacitated persons
Guardianships for minors
Adoption proceedings
Trust administration
Marriage license issuance

Magisterial District Courts:

Summary criminal offenses
Traffic violations
Preliminary hearings for criminal cases
Civil claims up to $12,000
Landlord-tenant disputes
Municipal code violations
Small claims proceedings
Search warrant issuance
Preliminary arraignments

The jurisdiction of these courts is established by 42 Pa.C.S. § 931 for the Court of Common Pleas and 42 Pa.C.S. § 1515 for Magisterial District Courts.

Cases involving federal law or constitutional questions may be heard in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, which has jurisdiction over Lebanon County.

How To Find a Court Docket In Lebanon County

Court dockets in Lebanon County provide a chronological listing of all filings, proceedings, and actions in a case. Members of the public can access these important records through several methods.

Online Docket Access:

Unified Judicial System Web Portal
- Visit https://ujsportal.pacourts.us/
- Select "Public Web Docket Sheets"
- Choose the appropriate court system (Common Pleas or Magisterial District)
- Enter search criteria (name, case number, etc.)
- Select Lebanon County from the county dropdown menu
- Review search results and select the desired case
- View or download the docket sheet as a PDF
Lebanon County Prothonotary Online System
- Access through the Lebanon County Prothonotary's Office
- Search for civil case dockets
- Registration may be required for full access
- Follow on-screen instructions for searching

In-Person Docket Access:

Court of Common Pleas Dockets
- Visit the appropriate office based on case type:
  - Civil cases: Prothonotary's Office
  - Criminal cases: Clerk of Courts
  - Family cases: Family Court Administration
  - Probate/estates: Register of Wills
- Provide case information to court staff
- Request to view the docket sheet
- Staff will retrieve the physical docket or provide access to a computer terminal
Magisterial District Court Dockets
- Visit the specific magisterial district court where the case was filed
- Provide the case number or party names to court staff
- Request to view the docket sheet

Telephone Requests:

Limited docket information may be available by phone
Contact the appropriate court office with case details
Basic status information may be provided
For detailed information, in-person or online access is recommended

Mail Requests:

Submit a written request to the appropriate court office
Include all relevant case information
Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope
Include any required fees for copies

Pursuant to Pennsylvania Rule of Judicial Administration 509, court dockets are public records and must be made available for inspection during regular business hours.

Which Courts in Lebanon County Are Not Courts of Record?

In Pennsylvania's judicial system, a "court of record" is defined as a court that creates and maintains a complete, verbatim record of all proceedings, testimony, and evidence presented. Pursuant to 42 Pa.C.S. § 323, courts of record have the power to issue writs and orders necessary for the exercise of their jurisdiction.

Magisterial District Courts in Lebanon County are classified as courts not of record. These include:

Magisterial District Court 52-1-01
Magisterial District Court 52-2-01
Magisterial District Court 52-3-01
Magisterial District Court 52-3-02
Magisterial District Court 52-3-03
Magisterial District Court 52-3-04

As courts not of record, Magisterial District Courts have the following characteristics:

No verbatim transcript of proceedings is created
Proceedings are more informal than in courts of record
Limited record-keeping compared to higher courts
Decisions can be appealed to the Court of Common Pleas for a trial de novo (new trial)
Simplified rules of procedure and evidence

In contrast, the Lebanon County Court of Common Pleas is a court of record, maintaining complete transcripts and detailed documentation of all proceedings. When a case is appealed from a Magisterial District Court to the Court of Common Pleas, it is heard anew rather than reviewed based on the record from the lower court.

The distinction between courts of record and courts not of record is significant for:

Appeal procedures
Evidentiary standards
Precedential value of decisions
Record retention requirements
Procedural formality

This classification system is established by the Pennsylvania Constitution and codified in 42 Pa.C.S. § 1121, which outlines the structure of the minor judiciary in Pennsylvania.