Bucks County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Bucks County
Arrest records in Bucks County are considered public information under Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law (65 P.S. § 67.101), which establishes the presumption that government records are accessible to the public. The law provides that all records in possession of Commonwealth and local agencies are presumed to be public records available for inspection and copying by any person. However, this presumption does not apply to records that are exempt under Section 708 of the law, protected by privilege, or exempt under other Federal or State law or regulation or judicial order.
The distinction between arrest records and conviction records is significant in Pennsylvania. Arrest records document the apprehension and charging of an individual, while conviction records indicate that a person has been found guilty of a crime through due process. Under Pennsylvania law, both types of records are generally accessible to the public, though certain exceptions apply.
The Pennsylvania Criminal History Record Information Act (CHRIA) (18 Pa.C.S. § 9101 et seq.) governs the collection, maintenance, dissemination, and use of criminal history record information. This act establishes that criminal history record information maintained by criminal justice agencies is public information, with certain limitations on dissemination.
It is important to note that while arrest records are public, access may be restricted in certain circumstances, such as when records pertain to:
- Juvenile offenders
- Sealed or expunged records
- Ongoing investigations
- Records that would compromise public safety if released
What's in Bucks County Arrest Records
Bucks County arrest records typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies within the county. These records serve as official documentation of arrests and include various categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name (first, middle, last)
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
- Address at time of arrest
- Photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Arresting officer's name and badge number
- Reason for arrest
- Use of force information (if applicable)
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statute/code violations
- Charge classification (misdemeanor, felony)
- Charge severity/grade
- Description of alleged criminal activity
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing authority
- Date issued
- Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)
Booking Information:
- Booking date and time
- Booking number/case number
- Processing location
- Property inventory
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bail amount
- Bond type
- Bond conditions
- Release status
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Docket number
- Scheduled court appearances
- Judge assigned to case
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility of incarceration (if applicable)
- Release date (if applicable)
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Probation/parole status
- Immigration status
- Emergency contact information
- Medical alerts or special needs
The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency's policies and the circumstances of the arrest. All information is maintained in accordance with the Pennsylvania Criminal History Record Information Act.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Bucks County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Bucks County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains various systems for record retrieval, each serving different purposes and containing specific types of information.
To obtain arrest records in person, individuals may visit:
Bucks County Clerk of Courts
100 North Main Street
Doylestown, PA 18901
215-348-6191
Bucks County Clerk of Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
For in-person requests, the following steps apply:
- Complete a public records request form, available at the office
- Provide specific information about the record being sought (name, date of birth, case number if known)
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay applicable fees (fees vary based on record type and number of pages)
- Allow processing time as required by law
For written requests by mail:
- Draft a formal written request including:
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Specific information about the record being sought
- Date range of records requested
- Purpose of request (optional)
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope
- Include payment for applicable fees (check or money order)
- Mail to the Clerk of Courts address listed above
For email requests:
- Email the Bucks County Right-to-Know Officer at RTKOfficer@buckscounty.org
- Include all information as would be required in a written request
- Await response with payment instructions and retrieval options
Pursuant to the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law, agencies must respond to requests within five business days, though extensions may apply in certain circumstances.
How To Find Bucks County Arrest Records Online
Bucks County provides several online resources for accessing arrest records and related information through official government portals. These digital services enhance public accessibility while maintaining compliance with Pennsylvania public records laws.
The primary online resources for arrest records in Bucks County include:
-
Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania Web Portal
- Access the PA UJS Portal
- Select "Bucks County" from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Search by name, case number, or other identifiers
- View docket sheets, court schedules, and case status information
- No account required for basic searches
-
Bucks County Criminal Case Search
- Visit the Bucks County Court Records page
- Select "Criminal Case Search and Docket Information"
- Enter search criteria (name, date of birth, case number)
- Review results for arrest information and case progression
- Some information may require creation of a free account
-
Bucks County Sheriff's Office
- Navigate to the Sheriff's Office website
- Check "Most Wanted" listings and recent arrest information
- Review warrant information when publicly available
- Note that not all arrest information is published online
-
Local Police Department Websites
- Many Bucks County police departments maintain online arrest logs
- Visit the Bristol Township Police Department CrimeWatch Portal for example
- Check for recent arrest information, police blotters, and public safety notices
- Information typically limited to recent arrests and may not include historical data
When conducting online searches, users should note that:
- Information may be limited compared to official records obtained directly from the courts
- Some records may require payment of fees to access
- Certain sensitive cases may be restricted from online access
- The most comprehensive information is typically available through in-person requests
Online access to arrest records is governed by the Pennsylvania Criminal History Record Information Act (18 Pa.C.S. § 9121), which establishes guidelines for the dissemination of criminal history information.
How To Search Bucks County Arrest Records for Free?
Bucks County residents and other interested parties have several options for accessing arrest records without incurring fees. These free resources provide varying levels of detail and are subject to certain limitations under Pennsylvania law.
The following methods allow for free access to arrest record information:
-
Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal
- The PA UJS Portal provides free access to basic case information
- Search by name or case number for criminal cases in Bucks County
- View docket sheets showing charges, court dates, and case status
- No registration required for basic searches
-
Bucks County Docket Lookup
- Visit the Docket Lookup Information page on the county website
- Access links to various court record systems
- Search criminal case information through the Clerk of Courts
- Basic information is available without fees
-
Public Access Terminals
- Visit the Bucks County Justice Center Law Library
- Use public access terminals to search court records
- Available during regular business hours at no cost
- Staff assistance may be available for search guidance
Bucks County Law Library
100 North Main Street, 1st Floor
Doylestown, PA 18901
215-348-6190
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM -
Local Newspaper Crime Reports
- Review local publications that report on arrests and criminal proceedings
- Many newspapers maintain searchable online archives
- Information is typically limited to newsworthy cases
-
Police Department Websites
- Many local police departments post recent arrest information
- Check municipal websites for police blotters and press releases
- Information is typically limited to recent arrests
When using free resources, users should be aware of these limitations:
- Free searches may not provide complete criminal history information
- Some records may be excluded from public access systems
- Historical records may not be available through online systems
- Detailed information may require formal requests and associated fees
- Information accuracy should be verified through official channels
The availability of free arrest record information is consistent with Pennsylvania's commitment to government transparency while balancing privacy concerns as outlined in the Right-to-Know Law (65 P.S. § 67.101).
How To Delete Arrest Records in Bucks County
Pennsylvania law provides specific mechanisms for the removal of arrest records from public access through expungement or sealing processes. These legal remedies differ significantly in their effect and eligibility requirements.
Expungement vs. Sealing:
Expungement results in the physical destruction of arrest records, while sealing (known as "Limited Access" in Pennsylvania) restricts public access while maintaining records for law enforcement use. Under 18 Pa.C.S. § 9122, expungement physically removes records from criminal justice agency files, while 18 Pa.C.S. § 9122.1 governs the sealing process.
Eligibility for Expungement:
Arrest records may be eligible for expungement in Bucks County under the following circumstances:
- Cases resulting in no conviction (acquittal, dismissal, nolle prosequi)
- Summary offense convictions after five years with no subsequent arrests
- Successful completion of an Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program
- Individuals over 70 who have been arrest-free for 10 years
- Deceased individuals (upon petition by personal representative)
- Non-conviction data after three years from arrest
- Certain juvenile records
Eligibility for Record Sealing:
Under Pennsylvania's Clean Slate Law and Act 5 of 2016, certain records may be eligible for sealing:
- Misdemeanor convictions after 10 years without subsequent arrests
- Some second and third-degree misdemeanors
- Ungraded offenses carrying penalties of two years or less
- Summary offenses
- Cases not resulting in convictions
Process for Expungement or Sealing:
-
Determine eligibility based on case outcome and applicable waiting periods
-
Obtain certified copies of court records and dispositions from:
Bucks County Clerk of Courts
100 North Main Street
Doylestown, PA 18901
215-348-6191
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM -
Complete petition for expungement or limited access order
-
File petition with filing fee at the Clerk of Courts office
-
Serve copies of petition to District Attorney's Office
-
Attend scheduled hearing if required
-
If granted, ensure orders are distributed to all relevant agencies
Automatic Sealing:
Pennsylvania's Clean Slate law provides for automatic sealing of certain records without petition:
- Non-conviction records
- Summary offense convictions after 10 years
- Some misdemeanor convictions after 10 crime-free years
The automatic process began implementation in June 2019 and continues to seal eligible records on an ongoing basis.
Legal assistance is strongly recommended for navigating expungement or sealing processes. The Bucks County Bar Association offers referral services for qualified attorneys specializing in expungement law.
What Happens After Arrest in Bucks County?
Following an arrest in Bucks County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Pennsylvania law and local court procedures. This process includes several distinct phases from initial custody through case disposition.
Initial Custody and Booking:
Upon arrest, individuals are transported to a local police station or the Bucks County Correctional Facility for processing. The booking procedure includes:
- Recording personal information
- Photographing and fingerprinting
- Property inventory
- Medical screening
- Criminal history check
Preliminary Arraignment:
Within 72 hours of arrest (typically much sooner), defendants appear 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
Bail Determination:
The Magisterial District Judge sets bail based on:
- Nature and severity of charges
- Prior criminal history
- Community ties and flight risk
- Public safety considerations
- Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure 520-536
Defendants may be:
- Released on their own recognizance
- Released with monetary bail conditions
- Held without bail for certain serious offenses
Preliminary Hearing:
Typically held within 3-10 days of preliminary arraignment at the appropriate Magisterial District Court, where:
- Prosecution presents evidence establishing prima facie case
- Defense may challenge evidence but rarely presents its own case
- Judge determines if sufficient evidence exists to proceed
- Cases may be dismissed, withdrawn, or held for court
Formal Arraignment:
If held for court, defendants receive formal arraignment at the Bucks County Justice Center where:
- Official charges are read
- Defendants enter initial plea
- Discovery process begins
- Pretrial conference is scheduled
Pretrial Proceedings:
Before trial, several proceedings may occur:
- Pretrial conferences to discuss case status
- Filing and argument of pretrial motions
- Plea negotiations
- Diversionary program applications
Trial or Plea:
Cases proceed to resolution through:
- Guilty plea agreements
- Bench trials (judge only)
- Jury trials
- Diversionary program placement
Sentencing:
Following conviction by plea or trial:
- Pre-sentence investigation may be conducted
- Sentencing hearing is scheduled
- Judge imposes sentence based on guidelines, aggravating/mitigating factors
- Sentences may include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, or treatment
Post-Conviction:
After case disposition, defendants may:
- File post-sentence motions
- Pursue appeals to higher courts
- Seek modification of sentence
- Apply for parole when eligible
Throughout this process, defendants have constitutional rights including the right to counsel. Those unable to afford an attorney may request representation from:
Bucks County Public Defender's Office
100 North Main Street, 1st Floor
Doylestown, PA 18901
215-348-6473
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Bucks County?
Arrest records in Bucks County are maintained according to retention schedules established by Pennsylvania law and administrative policies. The Pennsylvania County Records Manual, developed by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, provides the framework for records retention at the county level.
Standard Retention Periods:
Criminal case files and arrest records are typically retained according to the following schedule:
- Felony cases: Permanent retention for homicide cases; 75 years for other felonies
- Misdemeanor cases: 25 years after final disposition
- Summary offenses: 7 years after final disposition
- Non-conviction data: 3 years from date of arrest, unless expunged earlier
- Juvenile records: Until individual reaches age 25, or 10 years after final discharge, whichever is later
These retention periods apply to official court and law enforcement records. Different agencies within the criminal justice system maintain separate record systems with potentially different retention requirements:
Court Records: The Bucks County Clerk of Courts maintains criminal court records according to the retention schedule established by the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts under 204 Pa. Code § 213.51.
Law Enforcement Records: Police departments and the Sheriff's Office maintain arrest records according to municipal retention schedules and the Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Records Retention Schedule.
Correctional Facility Records: The Bucks County Department of Corrections maintains inmate records according to county and state retention requirements.
Factors Affecting Retention:
Several factors may modify standard retention periods:
- Court orders for expungement or sealing
- Special provisions for certain offense types
- Administrative policies of individual agencies
- Historical significance of certain cases
- Ongoing legal proceedings
Records retention serves multiple purposes within the criminal justice system:
- Preserves evidence for potential appeals or post-conviction proceedings
- Maintains documentation for background checks and security clearances
- Ensures accountability of criminal justice agencies
- Provides statistical data for policy development
- Preserves historical information
Individuals seeking information about specific record retention policies may contact:
Bucks County Right-to-Know Officer
55 East Court Street
Doylestown, PA 18901
215-348-6000
RTKOfficer@buckscounty.org
How to Find Mugshots in Bucks County
Mugshot photographs, formally known as booking photographs, are created during the arrest booking process and serve as official documentation of an individual's appearance at the time of arrest. In Bucks County, access to these images is governed by Pennsylvania public records laws and agency policies.
What Mugshots Are:
Mugshots are standardized photographs taken by law enforcement during the booking process, typically including:
- Front-facing (frontal) view
- Profile (side) view
- Identifying information board or number
- Date of booking
- Arresting agency information
These photographs serve legitimate law enforcement purposes including:
- Documenting physical appearance at time of arrest
- Aiding in identification of individuals in custody
- Creating permanent record for case files
- Assisting in investigations and apprehensions
Where Mugshots Are Maintained:
In Bucks County, booking photographs are maintained by:
- The arresting police department
- Bucks County Correctional Facility
- Bucks County Sheriff's Office (for certain cases)
- Pennsylvania State Police (for state-level offenses)
Finding Mugshots:
To locate a mugshot in Bucks County, individuals may:
-
Submit a Right-to-Know request to the appropriate law enforcement agency:
- Identify the specific record sought
- Provide name and date of arrest if known
- Complete agency-specific request form
- Pay any applicable fees
-
Contact the Bucks County Correctional Facility:
Bucks County Correctional Facility
1730 South Easton Road
Doylestown, PA 18901
215-345-3700
Hours: 24 hours (administrative office: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday-Friday) -
Check court case files:
- Some mugshots may be included in court records
- Request viewing of case files at the Clerk of Courts office
Online Availability:
Unlike some jurisdictions, Bucks County law enforcement agencies generally do not publish comprehensive databases of mugshots online. Limited exceptions include:
- "Most Wanted" listings on the Sheriff's Office website
- Press releases about significant arrests
- Some police department social media posts about specific cases
The Pennsylvania Inmate Locator provides information about current inmates but does not include mugshot images.
Restrictions on Mugshot Access:
Access to mugshots may be restricted under certain circumstances:
- Active investigations
- Juvenile arrestees (protected under 42 Pa.C.S. § 6308)
- Expunged or sealed records
- Cases where release would endanger public safety
- Privacy concerns as determined by the custodial agency
Pennsylvania law enforcement agencies exercise discretion in releasing mugshots, balancing public information rights with privacy and law enforcement considerations. Agencies may deny requests if they determine release would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy or interfere with law enforcement proceedings.
Lookup Arrest Records in Bucks County
Docket Lookup Information for Bucks County
Bristol Township Police Department CrimeWatch Portal