Lebanon County Public Records /Lebanon County Criminal Records

Lebanon County Criminal Records

What Is Lebanon County Criminal Records

Criminal records in Lebanon 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 criminal proceedings.

Criminal records in Lebanon County encompass several distinct categories:

Arrest Records: Documentation of when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement, including the Lebanon County Sheriff's Office or local police departments. These records exist whether or not charges are ultimately filed.
Conviction Records: Official documentation of guilty verdicts or pleas, representing the final disposition of criminal cases.
Felony Records: Documentation of more serious offenses punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year.
Misdemeanor Records: Records of less serious offenses typically punishable by less than one year of incarceration.
Adult vs. Juvenile Records: Adult records (18 and older) are generally public, while juvenile records are typically sealed under Pennsylvania's Juvenile Act § 6308, with limited exceptions.
Active Warrants: Current orders for arrest issued by Lebanon County courts.
Historical Records: Documentation of past criminal proceedings, regardless of outcome.

Several agencies maintain criminal records in Lebanon County:

Lebanon County Sheriff's Office
400 S 8th Street, Room 103
Lebanon, PA 17042
(717) 228-4410
Lebanon County Sheriff's Office

Lebanon County Clerk of Courts
400 S 8th Street, Room 104
Lebanon, PA 17042
(717) 228-4434
Lebanon County Clerk of Courts

Pennsylvania State Police
Central Repository
1800 Elmerton Avenue
Harrisburg, PA 17110
(717) 783-5494
Pennsylvania State Police

Lebanon County criminal records typically include documentation of the entire criminal justice process: initial charges, arraignments, plea agreements, trial proceedings, verdicts, sentencing details, and probation or parole information. These records serve as the official history of an individual's involvement with the criminal justice system in Lebanon County.

Are Criminal Records Public In Lebanon County

Criminal records in Lebanon County are generally accessible to the public under Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law § 67.101, which establishes the presumption that government records are public unless specifically exempted by law, regulation, or court order. Additionally, the Criminal History Record Information Act § 9121 governs the dissemination of criminal history information in Pennsylvania.

The statute specifically states: "Criminal history record information shall be disseminated by a State or local police department to any individual or noncriminal justice agency only upon request." This provision establishes the public's right to access certain criminal record information.

Public criminal records in Lebanon County typically include:

Adult conviction records
Court dockets and proceedings
Sentencing information
Incarceration records
Criminal case filings
Arrest records (with some limitations)
Active warrants

However, several categories of criminal records are restricted from public access:

Ongoing criminal investigations, as protected under § 9106(c)(4)
Sealed or expunged records pursuant to court orders
Juvenile records (with limited exceptions) as protected under the Juvenile Act
Records where disclosure would compromise public safety
Records sealed under Pennsylvania's Clean Slate Law
Records related to victims of sexual or domestic violence
Records where disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy

The Lebanon County Clerk of Courts maintains the official criminal court records for the Court of Common Pleas of Lebanon County. As stated on their official website, "All records are available to the public unless specifically precluded by law." This reflects the county's commitment to transparency while acknowledging statutory limitations on disclosure.

Members of the public seeking criminal records in Lebanon County must understand that while most adult criminal records are public, access may be subject to specific procedures, identification requirements, and in some cases, fees for reproduction of documents. Additionally, the use of criminal history information is regulated by state and federal laws to prevent discrimination and protect privacy rights.

How To Look Up Criminal Records In Lebanon County in 2026

Members of the public seeking criminal records in Lebanon County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains a structured process for criminal record searches that balances public access with privacy protections. Individuals may pursue the following options:

In-Person Requests at the Clerk of Courts Office:

Visit the Lebanon County Clerk of Courts during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM).
Complete a public records request form, providing specific information about the records sought.
Present valid government-issued photo identification.
Pay applicable search and copy fees ($5.00 for record search, $0.25 per page for copies).
Records may be reviewed immediately or provided within 5 business days, depending on complexity.

Written Requests by Mail:

Submit a written request to the Lebanon County Clerk of Courts.
Include specific information about the records sought (full name of subject, date of birth, case numbers if known).
Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and check/money order for applicable fees.
Mail to:

Lebanon County Clerk of Courts
400 S 8th Street, Room 104
Lebanon, PA 17042
(717) 228-4434
Lebanon County Clerk of Courts

Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History Records:

For comprehensive criminal history information, individuals may request records through the Pennsylvania State Police:

Submit a request through the Pennsylvania Access To Criminal History (PATCH) system.
Provide required identifying information and pay the statutory fee ($22 for public requests).
Results for name-based searches are often available immediately online.
For fingerprint-based searches, schedule an appointment through an approved fingerprinting location.

Court Docket Searches:

Access the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania Web Portal.
Select "Common Pleas Courts" and then "Lebanon County."
Search by name, case number, or other identifiers.
Review docket sheets showing case status, charges, and disposition information.

Pursuant to Pennsylvania Rule of Judicial Administration 509, the public has the right to access court records with certain exceptions. Requesters should note that some records may be subject to redaction or restricted access based on statutory provisions or court orders.

How To Find Criminal Records in Lebanon County Online?

Lebanon County offers several digital platforms through which members of the public may access criminal records information online. These electronic resources provide convenient alternatives to in-person requests while maintaining compliance with Pennsylvania public records laws.

Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania Web Portal:

The primary online resource for court records in Lebanon County is the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania Web Portal. This comprehensive system provides:

Common Pleas Court docket sheets
Criminal case information
Case status updates
Scheduled court appearances
Case disposition information
Filing dates and document listings

Users may search by name, case number, or filing date without registration for basic information. For detailed document access, users must register for a free account. The portal does not provide access to actual document images for most criminal cases.

Pennsylvania Access To Criminal History (PATCH):

The Pennsylvania Access To Criminal History system, maintained by the Pennsylvania State Police, allows online criminal history record checks. This system:

Provides statewide criminal history information
Offers immediate results for name-based searches
Requires payment of statutory fees ($22 per request)
Provides official certification of results
Includes records from all Pennsylvania counties, including Lebanon

Lebanon County Sheriff's Office Warrant Search:

The Lebanon County Sheriff's Office maintains information about active warrants. While not a comprehensive criminal history database, this resource allows the public to:

View information about individuals with active warrants
Access warrant type and issuing authority
Obtain contact information for reporting warrant subjects

Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System - Criminal Case Search:

The PA UJS Criminal Case Search provides:

Statewide search capabilities across all counties
Criminal docket information
Case status and disposition details
Scheduled hearing dates
Judge assignments

Users should note that online records may not include:

Sealed or expunged records
Juvenile records
Records restricted by court order
Complete case files with all documents
Records predating digital conversion (typically pre-2000)

For comprehensive criminal history information, the Pennsylvania State Police recommend using the Request a Criminal History Background Check service, which provides official record verification through established statutory channels.

Can You Search Lebanon County Criminal Records for Free?

Lebanon County provides several options for free access to criminal records, consistent with Pennsylvania's commitment to government transparency. Under Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law § 67.701, public records must be accessible for inspection without charge, though fees may apply for copies or certified records.

Free In-Person Inspection Options:

Members of the public may inspect criminal records without charge at the following locations:

Lebanon County Clerk of Courts
400 S 8th Street, Room 104
Lebanon, PA 17042
(717) 228-4434
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Lebanon County Clerk of Courts

Visitors may review public criminal case files on-site without payment. Staff will retrieve requested files for inspection at public terminals or designated areas. While inspection is free, identification is required, and certain records may be restricted by statute or court order.

Free Online Resources:

Several digital platforms offer free access to basic criminal record information:

Unified Judicial System Web Portal - The UJS Portal provides free access to docket sheets and case status information for all Lebanon County criminal cases. No registration is required for basic searches.
Lebanon County Sheriff's Office Warrant Search - The public may search for active warrants through the Sheriff's Office website without charge.
Pennsylvania Inmate Locator - The PA Department of Corrections Inmate Locator provides free information about individuals currently incarcerated in state facilities, including those convicted in Lebanon County.

Fee-Based Services:

While inspection is free, certain services do incur statutory fees:

Copies of records: $0.25 per page
Certified copies: $5.00 plus copy fees
Criminal history reports through PATCH: $22.00
Fingerprint-based background checks: $22.00 plus fingerprinting fees

The Lebanon County Clerk of Courts and other agencies accept payment by cash, check, money order, and in some cases, credit cards. Fee waivers are not typically available for criminal record searches unless ordered by the court.

Pursuant to Pennsylvania Rule of Judicial Administration 509(d), fees for court records "shall be reasonable and uniform throughout the Unified Judicial System" and "reasonably related to the cost of providing public access."

What's Included in a Lebanon County Criminal Record?

Lebanon County criminal records contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records, maintained pursuant to Pennsylvania's Criminal History Record Information Act § 9111, typically include the following categories of information:

Identifying Information:

Full legal name and known aliases
Date of birth and age
Physical description (height, weight, eye/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 and officer
Booking number and facility
Initial charges filed
Probable cause statement
Bail/bond amount and status
Detention facility information

Court Case Information:

Court case/docket number
Court of jurisdiction (typically Lebanon County Court of Common Pleas)
Filing date and case initiation information
Formal charges filed with statutory citations
Classification of offenses (felony/misdemeanor grades)
Plea information
Defense attorney information
Prosecuting attorney information
Judge assignment

Disposition Information:

Verdict (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, etc.)
Conviction date (if applicable)
Sentencing details:
- Incarceration terms and location
- Probation/parole conditions and duration
- Fines, costs, and restitution ordered
- Treatment or program requirements
- Community service obligations
Appeal information (if applicable)
Probation/parole status and violations

Additional Information:

Active warrants or detainers
Protection from Abuse (PFA) orders
Sex offender registration requirements
DUI/DWI history and license suspensions
Related traffic violations
Pending charges in other jurisdictions
Prior criminal history summary

The Lebanon County Clerk of Courts maintains the official court records, while arrest and booking information is maintained by the Lebanon County Sheriff's Office and local police departments. The Pennsylvania State Police Central Repository compiles comprehensive criminal history information from all contributing agencies.

Criminal records in Lebanon County are subject to various levels of access depending on the requestor's status, the purpose of the request, and statutory restrictions on certain types of information. Law enforcement agencies have broader access than the general public, particularly to sealed or restricted records.

How Long Does Lebanon County Keep Criminal Records?

Lebanon County maintains criminal records according to Pennsylvania's record retention requirements, which establish minimum timeframes for preserving various categories of criminal justice documents. These retention periods are governed by the County Records Act § 1326 and the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission's County Records Manual.

Court Records Retention:

The Lebanon County Clerk of Courts maintains criminal court records according to the following schedule:

Felony Case Files: Permanent retention for cases involving homicide, permanent retention for other felonies after case closure
Misdemeanor Case Files: 7 years after case closure
Summary Offense Files: 3 years after case closure
Court Dockets and Indices: Permanent retention
Sentencing Orders: Permanent retention
Grand Jury Records: Permanent retention with restricted access
Expunged Records: Destroyed pursuant to court order

Law Enforcement Records Retention:

The Lebanon County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain:

Arrest Records: 75 years from date of arrest
Incident Reports: 5 years from date of incident
Investigation Files: 25 years for felonies, 5 years for misdemeanors
Booking Photos and Fingerprints: 75 years from date of collection
Active Warrants: Until served or recalled by court order

Pennsylvania State Police Central Repository:

The Pennsylvania State Police maintain criminal history record information in the Central Repository according to the following schedule:

Conviction Data: Maintained for the lifetime of the individual
Non-conviction Data: Maintained for 3 years, then automatically expunged if no subsequent arrests
Expunged Records: Removed pursuant to court order
Juvenile Records: Maintained until age 21 unless expunged earlier by court order

It is important to note that under Pennsylvania's Clean Slate Law § 9122.2, certain eligible records are automatically sealed from public view after specified time periods, though they remain accessible to law enforcement agencies. This automated process applies to:

Summary offenses after 10 years
Certain misdemeanors after 10 crime-free years
Cases resulting in non-conviction

While records may be sealed or expunged from public view, historical court indices and dockets are typically maintained permanently as archival records with restricted access. Digital records management systems have largely replaced paper records, allowing for more efficient storage and retrieval while maintaining compliance with statutory retention requirements.

Lookup Criminal Records in Lebanon County

Sheriff's Office - Lebanon County

Clerk of Courts - Lebanon County

Pennsylvania Access To Criminal History

Request a Criminal History Background Check