Bucks County Criminal Records
What Is Bucks County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, are official documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county 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 a criminal proceeding."
Criminal records in Bucks County encompass several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of apprehensions by law enforcement agencies, including the Bucks County Sheriff's Office and local police departments, which may not necessarily result in charges or convictions
- Court Records: Official documentation of criminal proceedings handled by the Bucks County Court of Common Pleas and Magisterial District Courts
- Conviction Records: Final judgments resulting in guilty verdicts or pleas
- Incarceration Records: Documentation of time served in the Bucks County Correctional Facility
Important distinctions exist between various types of criminal records:
- Felony vs. Misdemeanor Records: Felonies represent more serious offenses punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year, while misdemeanors carry lesser penalties, typically less than one year of incarceration
- Adult vs. Juvenile Records: Adult records (18 and older) are generally accessible to the public, whereas juvenile records are typically sealed under Pennsylvania law § 6308, with limited exceptions for serious offenses
- Active Warrants vs. Historical Records: Active warrants represent current enforcement actions, while historical records document past proceedings
The primary agencies maintaining criminal records in Bucks County include:
Bucks County Sheriff's Office
55 East Court Street
Doylestown, PA 18901
215-348-6124
Bucks County Sheriff's Office
Bucks County Clerk of Courts
100 North Main Street
Doylestown, PA 18901
215-348-6389
Bucks County Clerk of Courts
Pennsylvania State Police
1800 Elmerton Avenue
Harrisburg, PA 17110
717-783-5599
Pennsylvania State Police
Comprehensive criminal records typically include documentation of arrests, charges, arraignments, preliminary hearings, pre-trial conferences, pleas, trials, verdicts, sentencing, probation, and parole information.
Are Criminal Records Public In Bucks County
Criminal records in Bucks County are generally considered public information in accordance with the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law and the Criminal History Record Information Act (CHRIA). Under § 9121 of CHRIA, court administrators and clerks of courts are required to maintain public court dockets that include criminal case information.
The Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law, enacted in 2008, establishes the presumption that records in possession of state and local agencies are public unless specifically exempted by law, privileged, or protected by court order. This legislation provides the legal framework for public access to criminal records maintained by Bucks County agencies.
Records that are generally accessible to the public include:
- Adult criminal court proceedings and dockets
- Criminal case dispositions and sentencing information
- Conviction records
- Active warrants
- Incarceration records for current inmates
However, certain criminal records remain restricted from public access, including:
- Records pertaining to ongoing investigations, as protected under § 9106(c)(4) of CHRIA
- Juvenile records, which are generally sealed pursuant to § 6308 of the Pennsylvania Juvenile Act, except in cases involving serious felonies committed by juveniles 14 years or older
- Records that have been expunged or sealed by court order
- Information that would compromise personal privacy or public safety
- Records containing confidential informant information
The Pennsylvania Office of Open Records serves as the administrative agency overseeing implementation of the Right-to-Know Law and provides guidance on public records access throughout the Commonwealth, including Bucks County.
It is important to note that while criminal records are generally public, the manner and extent of access may vary depending on the specific record type and the agency maintaining the information. Some records may require formal requests, while others are readily available through online portals maintained by the county.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Bucks County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Bucks County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains multiple access points for criminal record retrieval, each serving different purposes and containing varying levels of detail.
In-Person Requests at the Clerk of Courts Office:
- Visit the Bucks County Clerk of Courts during regular business hours.
- Complete a public records request form, providing specific information about the case or individual.
- Present valid government-issued photo identification.
- Pay applicable fees for document copies (currently $0.25 per page for standard copies).
- For certified copies, additional certification fees apply (currently $5.00 per document).
Bucks County Clerk of Courts
100 North Main Street
Doylestown, PA 18901
215-348-6389
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Bucks County Clerk of Courts
Online Access Through the Unified Judicial System Portal:
- Navigate to the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal.
- Select "Public Web Docket Sheets" from the available options.
- Choose "Bucks County" from the county dropdown menu.
- Select the appropriate court (Common Pleas or Magisterial District).
- Enter search criteria such as participant name, case number, or filing date.
- Review search results and select specific cases for detailed information.
Criminal History Record Checks Through Pennsylvania State Police:
- Access the Pennsylvania Access To Criminal History (PATCH) system.
- Create a user account or proceed as a public user.
- Select "New Record Check" and choose the appropriate request type.
- Enter the required personal information for the subject of the search.
- Pay the required fee (currently $22 for standard requests).
- Receive results electronically or by mail, depending on the request type.
Warrant Information:
For active warrant information, contact the Bucks County Sheriff's Office Warrant Division at 215-348-6126. The Sheriff's Office maintains records of outstanding warrants within the county jurisdiction.
Bucks County Sheriff's Office
55 East Court Street
Doylestown, PA 18901
215-348-6124
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Bucks County Sheriff's Office
For comprehensive criminal background checks that include records from multiple jurisdictions, individuals may need to submit requests to both county and state agencies. The Pennsylvania State Police provides statewide criminal history information through the Request a Criminal History Background Check service.
How To Find Criminal Records in Bucks County Online?
Bucks County offers several online resources for accessing criminal records electronically. These digital platforms provide convenient alternatives to in-person requests, allowing users to search and retrieve information remotely. Each online system contains specific types of criminal record information and may have different search capabilities.
Unified Judicial System Web Portal:
The Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System maintains a comprehensive online docket search that includes Bucks County criminal cases. This system provides:
- Criminal docket information for Court of Common Pleas cases
- Magisterial District Court criminal case information
- Case status, charges, and disposition information
- Scheduling information for upcoming court proceedings
- Historical case records dating back to approximately 2000
Users can search by:
- Participant name (first and last name required)
- Docket number
- Case filing date range
- Court type and location
Bucks County Docket Lookup Information:
The county maintains a dedicated Docket Lookup Information page that provides direct links to various case search tools, including:
- Criminal case search and docket information
- Civil Prothonotary case records
- Magisterial District Court case information
- Family Court docket information
This centralized portal serves as a gateway to the various online record systems maintained by the county court system.
Pennsylvania Access To Criminal History (PATCH):
For comprehensive criminal history information, the Pennsylvania Access To Criminal History system allows users to:
- Request official criminal history record checks
- Search for records using personal identifiers
- Receive instant results for "no record" findings
- Access certified record information for employment, licensing, or personal use
This system requires registration and payment of applicable fees (currently $22 per request) as authorized under § 9152 of the Criminal History Record Information Act.
Bucks County Court Records Portal:
The Court Records section of the Bucks County website provides information about accessing various court documents, including criminal case files. This resource includes contact information for the Open Records Officers responsible for different types of court records.
Registration and Access Requirements:
While some basic case information is available without registration, certain features and detailed records may require:
- User account creation
- Acceptance of terms and conditions
- Payment of access or document fees
- Attorney identification number (for legal professionals)
- Compliance with CHRIA regulations regarding proper use of criminal history information
Users should note that online systems may not contain complete criminal history information, particularly for older cases or sealed/expunged records. For comprehensive background checks, combining online searches with formal requests to the appropriate agencies is recommended.
Can You Search Bucks County Criminal Records for Free?
Bucks County provides several options for accessing criminal records at no cost, in accordance with Pennsylvania's public records laws. The Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law establishes the public's right to inspect and view government records, including certain criminal records, without charge. However, fees may apply for copies, certified documents, or specialized searches.
Free In-Person Record Inspection:
Members of the public may inspect criminal court records at no cost by visiting:
Bucks County Clerk of Courts
100 North Main Street
Doylestown, PA 18901
215-348-6389
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Bucks County Clerk of Courts
During inspection, individuals may:
- Review case files under staff supervision
- Take notes on case information
- Identify specific documents needed for potential copying (fees apply for copies)
Free Online Resources:
Several online platforms provide free access to basic criminal record information:
-
Unified Judicial System Web Portal: The Pennsylvania Courts Web Portal offers free access to criminal docket information, including case status, charges, and court dates for Bucks County cases.
-
Bucks County Docket Lookup: The county's Docket Lookup Information page provides free links to various case search tools without requiring payment for basic searches.
-
Warrant Information: Basic information about active warrants may be available through the Sheriff's Office website, though detailed information may require direct contact with the Warrant Division.
Limitations of Free Access:
While basic record inspection and docket information are available at no cost, users should be aware of these limitations:
- Copy fees apply for document reproduction (currently $0.25 per page)
- Certification fees apply for official certified copies (currently $5.00 per document)
- Comprehensive criminal history checks through PATCH require payment (currently $22)
- Staff assistance for extensive searches may incur research fees
- Some detailed information may only be available through paid services
Under § 1307 of the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law, agencies may charge reasonable fees for duplication of records but cannot charge for the review of a record to determine whether it is subject to access. The law also permits agencies to waive fees when the agency determines that it is in the public interest to do so.
For individuals seeking extensive criminal record information, combining free resources with targeted paid services often provides the most cost-effective approach to comprehensive record searches.
What's Included in a Bucks County Criminal Record?
Criminal records maintained by Bucks County agencies typically contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. The content of these records is governed by the Pennsylvania Criminal History Record Information Act, which establishes standards for collection, maintenance, and dissemination of criminal history information.
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
- Mugshot/booking photograph when available
- Last known address
- State Identification Number (SID)
- FBI number (if applicable)
Arrest Information:
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer information
- Booking number and facility
- Charges filed at time of arrest
- Bail/bond amount and status
- Detention facility information
- Preliminary arraignment details
Court Case Information:
- Court case/docket number
- Court of jurisdiction (Common Pleas or Magisterial District)
- Filing date and case initiation information
- Formal charges filed by the District Attorney
- Statutory citations for alleged violations
- Classification of charges (felony, misdemeanor, summary)
- Attorney information (defense counsel and prosecutor)
- Preliminary hearing outcomes
- Pre-trial conference information
- Motion and discovery documentation
Disposition and Sentencing:
- Trial information or plea details
- Verdict (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, nolle prosequi)
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing information, including:
- Incarceration terms and location
- Probation/parole conditions and duration
- Fines, costs, and restitution ordered
- Community service requirements
- Treatment program mandates
- Appeal information (if applicable)
- Post-conviction relief petitions
Additional Information:
- Active warrant status
- Protection from Abuse (PFA) orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/DWI history
- Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
- Pending charges in other jurisdictions
- Probation/parole violations
- Record of court appearances and compliance
The Bucks County Clerk of Courts maintains the official criminal court records for the county, while arrest and booking information is typically managed by the arresting agency and the Bucks County Sheriff's Office.
It is important to note that the level of detail available in publicly accessible records may vary based on the nature of the case, age of the records, and applicable privacy restrictions. Certain sensitive information, such as social security numbers, financial account details, and information related to victims of certain crimes, may be redacted from public versions of criminal records in accordance with § 9106 of the Criminal History Record Information Act.
How Long Does Bucks County Keep Criminal Records?
Bucks County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by the Pennsylvania Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts (AOPC) and the County Records Committee under the authority of the County Records Act (Act 69 of 1963). These schedules determine how long different types of criminal records must be preserved before they may be destroyed or archived.
Court Records Retention:
The Bucks County Court of Common Pleas and Magisterial District Courts follow these general retention guidelines:
- Felony Case Files: Permanently retained for homicide cases; 75 years for other felonies
- Misdemeanor Case Files: 25 years after final disposition
- Summary Offense Records: 7 years after final disposition
- Court Dockets and Indices: Permanently maintained as historical records
- Sentencing Records: Permanently maintained
- Probation/Parole Records: 10 years after supervision ends
- Preliminary Hearing Transcripts: 7 years after final disposition of case
- Trial Transcripts: Permanently maintained for capital cases; 75 years for non-capital cases
Law Enforcement Records Retention:
The Bucks County Sheriff's Office and local police departments typically follow these retention periods:
- Arrest Records: 75 years from date of arrest for felonies; 25 years for misdemeanors
- Investigative Files: Permanently maintained for homicide and unsolved major crimes; 25 years for other closed investigations
- Booking Information: 75 years for felony arrests; 25 years for misdemeanor arrests
- Fingerprint Records: Maintained indefinitely unless expunged by court order
- Warrant Records: Active until served; then maintained with corresponding case file
Expungement and Sealing:
Under Pennsylvania law § 9122, certain criminal records may be eligible for expungement or sealing, which affects their retention and accessibility:
- Records ordered expunged by the court must be physically destroyed or permanently removed from public access
- Records subject to limited access orders under Pennsylvania's Clean Slate Law (Act 56 of 2018) remain in existence but are shielded from public view
- Juvenile records may be expunged under specific circumstances outlined in § 9123
The Bucks County Clerk of Courts processes court-ordered expungements and implements record sealing directives in accordance with state law.
It is important to note that even when physical records are destroyed according to retention schedules, electronic indices or summary information may be maintained for longer periods. Additionally, records that have been digitized or microfilmed may be preserved indefinitely as archival materials, even after the destruction of original paper documents.
For specific information about the retention status of particular criminal records, individuals should contact the agency that maintains the records directly.
Lookup Criminal Records in Bucks County
Pennsylvania Access To Criminal History