Chester County Criminal Records
What Is Chester County Criminal Records
Chester County criminal records are official government documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within Chester County, Pennsylvania. These records serve as the official history of arrests, charges, court proceedings, and case dispositions maintained by various county agencies pursuant to Pennsylvania's Criminal History Record Information Act.
Criminal records in Chester County are categorized by several important distinctions:
- Arrest vs. Conviction Records: Arrest records document when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement, while conviction records indicate that a court has found the person guilty of a criminal offense.
- Felony vs. Misdemeanor: 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.
- Adult vs. Juvenile Records: Records for individuals 18 and older are generally public, while juvenile records (under 18) are typically sealed and confidential under 42 Pa.C.S. § 6308.
- Active Warrants vs. Historical Records: Active warrants indicate current orders for arrest, while historical records document past criminal justice interactions.
Several Chester County agencies maintain criminal records:
Chester County Sheriff's Office
201 W. Market Street, Suite 1201
West Chester, PA 19380
(610) 344-6850
Chester County Sheriff's Office
Chester County Court of Common Pleas
201 W. Market Street
West Chester, PA 19380
(610) 344-6000
Chester County Courts
Chester County District Attorney's Office
201 W. Market Street, Suite 4450
West Chester, PA 19380
(610) 344-6801
Chester County District Attorney
Pennsylvania State Police
1800 Elmerton Avenue
Harrisburg, PA 17110
(717) 783-5599
Pennsylvania State Police
Chester County criminal records typically include documentation of:
- Arrests and booking information
- Criminal charges filed
- Arraignment proceedings
- Plea agreements
- Trial records and transcripts
- Verdict and sentencing information
- Probation and parole status
- Incarceration records
These records are maintained according to Pennsylvania's Criminal History Record Information Act (CHRIA), which establishes guidelines for the collection, maintenance, dissemination, and use of criminal history record information.
Are Criminal Records Public In Chester County
Criminal records in Chester County are generally public documents pursuant to the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law and the Criminal History Record Information Act. The Pennsylvania 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" (65 P.S. § 67.701).
Under current Pennsylvania law, the following criminal record information is publicly accessible:
- Adult conviction records
- Court dockets and case files
- Criminal court proceedings
- Sentencing information
- Incarceration records
- Sex offender registry information
However, certain criminal record information remains restricted from public access:
- Active criminal investigations (18 Pa.C.S. § 9106)
- Sealed or expunged records (18 Pa.C.S. § 9122)
- Juvenile records (42 Pa.C.S. § 6308)
- Records where disclosure would jeopardize personal safety or public security
- Records protected by court order
- Records related to victims of domestic violence or sexual assault
The Pennsylvania Criminal History Record Information Act specifically states 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" (18 Pa.C.S. § 9121). This means that while records are public, formal requests must be made to access them.
The Chester County Court of Common Pleas follows the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania's policy on public access to court records, which balances transparency with privacy concerns. Court administrators may redact certain sensitive information from public records, such as Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and certain personal identifiers.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Chester County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Chester County may utilize several methods to access this information. The following procedures represent the current process for obtaining criminal records:
In-Person Requests at the Chester County Justice Center:
- Visit the Chester County Clerk of Courts Office located at:
Chester County Clerk of Courts
201 W. Market Street, Suite 4400
West Chester, PA 19380
(610) 344-6135
Chester County Clerk of Courts
- Complete a records request form, providing the subject's full name and, if possible, date of birth.
- Present valid government-issued photo identification.
- Pay applicable fees (currently $25.00 for certified copies, $0.25 per page for non-certified copies).
- Records may be provided immediately or within 5-10 business days, depending on the request's complexity.
Mail Requests:
- Download and complete the Criminal Record Request Form.
- Include a check or money order for applicable fees, made payable to "Chester County Clerk of Courts."
- Mail the completed form and payment to the Chester County Clerk of Courts address listed above.
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return delivery.
Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History:
For comprehensive statewide criminal history information:
- Visit the Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History (PATCH) website.
- Create an account or proceed as a guest user.
- Complete the online request form with the subject's information.
- Pay the required fee (currently $22 per request).
- Receive results electronically or by mail, depending on the selected delivery method.
FBI Criminal History Records:
For federal criminal records:
- Submit fingerprints through an approved channeler or directly to the FBI.
- Complete the FBI Identification Record Request Form.
- Pay the required fee (currently $18).
- Allow 3-4 weeks for processing.
Pursuant to 18 Pa.C.S. § 9121, requesters must provide proper identification and may be required to state the purpose of their request when seeking criminal history information.
How To Find Criminal Records in Chester County Online?
Chester County provides several online resources for accessing criminal records electronically. These digital portals offer varying levels of information and search capabilities in accordance with Pennsylvania public records laws.
Chester County Court of Common Pleas Docket Search:
The Chester County Court of Common Pleas E-Services Portal provides access to court docket information:
- Navigate to the Chester County Courts website.
- Select "Court Case Information" from the available options.
- Create a user account or proceed as a guest user.
- Search by name, case number, or filing date.
- View basic case information including charges, court dates, and disposition.
This portal contains information on criminal, civil, family, and orphans' court cases. No registration is required for basic searches, though some features may require user registration.
Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal:
The Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal offers a comprehensive search of court records statewide:
- Visit the UJS Portal website.
- Select "Common Pleas Courts" or "Magisterial District Courts" search options.
- Choose "Chester County" from the jurisdiction dropdown.
- Enter search criteria (name, case number, etc.).
- Review search results showing docket information, charges, and case status.
This system provides access to criminal, civil, and family court dockets. No registration is required for basic searches.
Chester County Prison Inmate Locator:
The Chester County Prison Inmate Locator provides current incarceration information:
- Access the Chester County Prison website.
- Navigate to the Inmate Locator section.
- Enter the individual's name or inmate number.
- View current incarceration status, charges, and bail information.
This database only contains information on currently incarcerated individuals. No registration is required.
Pennsylvania Megan's Law Website:
The Pennsylvania Megan's Law Website provides information on registered sex offenders:
- Visit the PA Megan's Law website.
- Search by name, county, city, zip code, or address.
- View offender information including photograph, address, and offense details.
This database contains information on registered sex offenders pursuant to 42 Pa.C.S. § 9799.28. No registration is required.
Pennsylvania ePATCH System:
The Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History (PATCH) system provides official criminal history information:
- Access the PATCH website.
- Create an account or proceed as a guest.
- Enter the subject's information.
- Pay the required fee (currently $22).
- Receive instant results for "no record" responses or wait for manual review if records exist.
This system provides official criminal history information maintained by the Pennsylvania State Police. Registration is optional but recommended for frequent users.
Can You Search Chester County Criminal Records for Free?
Chester County residents and members of the public may access certain criminal records at no cost, while other records require payment of statutory fees. Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law establishes that "a public record, legislative record or financial record shall be accessible for inspection and duplication" (65 P.S. § 67.701).
Free In-Person Record Inspection:
The following locations offer free public inspection of criminal records:
Chester County Justice Center
201 W. Market Street
West Chester, PA 19380
(610) 344-6000
Chester County Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Chester County Law Library
201 W. Market Street, Suite 2400
West Chester, PA 19380
(610) 344-6000
Chester County Law Library
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
While inspection is free, printing or copying records typically incurs fees (currently $0.25 per page).
Free Online Resources:
Several online portals provide free access to criminal record information:
-
Chester County Court of Common Pleas E-Services Portal - Provides free access to basic court docket information.
-
Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal - Offers free searches of court dockets statewide, including Chester County cases.
-
Chester County Prison Inmate Locator - Provides free access to current inmate information.
-
Pennsylvania Megan's Law Website - Offers free searches for registered sex offenders in Chester County.
Fee-Based Record Searches:
Certain comprehensive criminal record searches require payment:
-
Certified court records from the Chester County Clerk of Courts ($25.00 per certification)
-
Pennsylvania State Police criminal history reports through the PATCH system ($22.00 per search)
-
FBI criminal history reports ($18.00 per request)
-
Expedited or specialized record searches (fees vary)
Under 18 Pa.C.S. § 9152, fees collected for criminal history record information are used to maintain and improve the criminal record systems. Fee waivers may be available for certain governmental or nonprofit organizations upon written request and approval.
What's Included in a Chester County Criminal Record?
Chester County criminal records contain comprehensive information about an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. The content and format of these records are standardized according to Pennsylvania's Criminal History Record Information Act.
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color, distinguishing marks)
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- 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
- Criminal charges filed at arrest
- Bail amount and status
- Detention facility information
- Arresting circumstances (as documented in police reports)
Court Case Information:
- Court case/docket number
- Court of jurisdiction (Magisterial District Court or Court of Common Pleas)
- Filing date and case initiation information
- Criminal charges filed with statutory references
- Classification of charges (felony, misdemeanor, summary offense)
- Plea information
- Attorney information (public defender or private counsel)
- Preliminary hearing details
- Trial information and dates
- Witness and evidence documentation
Disposition Information:
- Verdict (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, nolle prosequi)
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration length and facility
- Probation terms and conditions
- Fines, costs, and restitution ordered
- Community service requirements
- Treatment program mandates
- Appeal information (if applicable)
- Probation/parole status and violations
- Completion of sentence information
Additional Information:
- Active warrants or bench warrants
- Protection from Abuse (PFA) orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/DWI offense details
- Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
- Pending charges in other jurisdictions
- Prior criminal history references
- Specialized court program participation (Drug Court, Veterans Court, etc.)
Criminal records in Chester County are maintained in both physical and electronic formats. Electronic records are stored in the Common Pleas Case Management System (CPCMS) and the Magisterial District Judge System (MDJS), both administered by the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts pursuant to Pa.R.J.A. No. 509.
How Long Does Chester County Keep Criminal Records?
Chester County maintains criminal records according to Pennsylvania's record retention schedules established by the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts and the County Records Act. These schedules determine how long different types of criminal records must be preserved before they may be archived or destroyed.
The retention periods for various criminal record documents in Chester County are as follows:
- Felony Case Files: Permanently retained for homicide cases; 75 years for all other felonies from date of final disposition
- Misdemeanor Case Files: 25 years from date of final disposition
- Summary Offense Records: 7 years from date of final disposition
- Court Dockets and Indices: Permanently retained
- Arrest Records: 75 years from date of arrest for felonies; 25 years for misdemeanors
- Booking Photographs (Mugshots): Retained according to the corresponding case file retention period
- Fingerprint Cards: Permanently retained by the Pennsylvania State Police
- Preliminary Hearing Transcripts: Retained with the corresponding case file
- Trial Transcripts: Permanently retained for homicide cases; retained with corresponding case file for all other cases
- Probation/Parole Records: 10 years after final discharge from supervision
- Protection From Abuse Orders: 10 years after expiration of the order
- Expunged Records: Destroyed pursuant to court order under 18 Pa.C.S. § 9122
- Sealed Records: Maintained but restricted from public access under 18 Pa.C.S. § 9122.1
The Pennsylvania County Records Manual provides comprehensive guidance on record retention requirements. This manual is developed by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission in consultation with the County Records Committee pursuant to the County Records Act.
Electronic criminal records are maintained in the Common Pleas Case Management System (CPCMS) and the Magisterial District Judge System (MDJS). These systems preserve records according to the same retention schedules applied to physical documents.
It is important to note that even after the retention period expires, certain information about criminal cases may remain accessible through court indices, dockets, and other permanently retained records. Additionally, private background check companies may maintain their own databases containing criminal record information obtained from public sources.
Under Pennsylvania's Clean Slate Law (Act 56 of 2018), certain eligible minor criminal records are automatically sealed from public view after specific time periods have elapsed, though they remain accessible to law enforcement agencies.