Criminal records in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, are available through several channels. LebanonCourt.us allows you to search publicly accessible information about criminal cases in the county. Additionally, the official state court portal, law enforcement agencies, and the Clerk of Courts office of Lebanon County provide access to records—online, in person, or by mail. Below is a practical guide on searching, understanding, and obtaining criminal records in this county.
How to Search Criminal Records in Lebanon
There are several ways to find criminal records in Lebanon County. Here are the main options:
Through LebanonCourt.us
Start with LebanonCourt.us—this tool helps you find publicly accessible information about court cases. You will need the person's full name or case number to search.
Online through Official Portals
- UJS Web Portal — The Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania provides free access to docket sheets. Go to the case search page and enter the defendant's name, case number, or date of birth.
- PATCH (Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History) — The PATCH system, administered by the Pennsylvania State Police, allows you to order a criminal history check online. The result is provided in the form of an official certificate.
- Inmate Search — If the person is under the supervision of the Department of Corrections, use the Inmate Locator.
In Person
The Clerk of Courts of Lebanon County maintains criminal and juvenile records of the Court of Common Pleas. All records are available to the public unless otherwise provided by law. Visit the office during business hours:
Public access terminals for viewing docket sheets may also be available in the courthouse.
By Mail
To obtain an official criminal history certificate, send a written request to the Pennsylvania State Police via the criminal history check request page. Include the full name, date of birth, and social security number. Requests to the Clerk of Courts can also be mailed to the address above.
What you need to start the search:
- Full name of the person
- Date of birth (preferably)
- Case number (docket number), if known
Search Lebanon Criminal Cases by Case Number
Each criminal case in Pennsylvania is assigned a unique number—docket number. In the Court of Common Pleas of Lebanon County, the format usually looks like this:
CP-38-CR-XXXXXXX-YYYY
- CP — Court of Common Pleas
- 38 — Lebanon County code (each county has its own two-digit number)
- CR — type of case: Criminal. For magistrate judges' cases, MJ may be used instead of CP
- XXXXXXX — sequential case number
- YYYY — year the case was filed
If you have this number, enter it in the "Docket Number" field on the UJS court portal. This is the fastest way to find a specific case—the results appear instantly without the need to filter by name.
Magisterial District Judge cases have a different prefix (MJ instead of CP) and a seven-digit district code instead of the county code. Both types are available through the same portal.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Lebanon
The docket sheet of a criminal case contains detailed information. Here's what each element means:
Charges
| Element | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to the Pennsylvania Criminal Code (e.g., 18 Pa.C.S. § 3502 — Burglary) |
| Severity | Felony, Misdemeanor, or Summary Offense |
| Grade | F1, F2, F3 for felonies; M1, M2, M3 for misdemeanors—from most severe to least severe |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may amend or drop individual charges during proceedings |
Case Status
- Active / Pending — the case is still being considered by the court
- Disposed — the court has made a final decision
- Closed — all obligations have been fulfilled, and the case is closed
Types of Hearings
- Arraignment — first presentation of charges; the defendant pleads guilty or not guilty
- Preliminary Hearing — the judge determines if there is enough evidence to forward the case to the Court of Common Pleas
- Pre-Trial Conference — parties discuss the possibility of a plea deal or prepare for trial
- Trial — court proceedings
- Sentencing — sentencing after a guilty plea
Court Results
| Result | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Found guilty |
| Not Guilty | Acquitted |
| Dismissed | Case closed without a verdict |
| Nolle Prosequi | The prosecutor dropped the charges |
| Acquitted | Acquitted after trial |
| ARD (Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition) | A program for first-time offenders—charges are dismissed after successful completion |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Lebanon
Certified copies are officially authenticated documents with a court seal. They are required for employment, licensing, or legal procedures.
Where to Apply
For Court of Common Pleas records, contact the Clerk of Courts of Lebanon County. This office is the official custodian of the county's criminal cases.
How to Submit a Request
- In Person — Visit the Clerk of Courts office, provide the case number or defendant's name, and request a certified copy. Payment is usually accepted on-site.
- By Mail — Send a written request specifying the case number, party name, and type of document. Include payment (confirm the amount by phone). Necessary forms may be available on the Lebanon County forms and documents page.
- State-Level Criminal History Check — For an official certificate from the Pennsylvania State Police, use the PATCH system online or submit a request by mail via the Records Request page.
Required Documents
- Valid photo ID (for in-person requests)
- Full name and date of birth of the person whose records are requested
- Case number (if known)
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Lebanon
Below are approximate fees. It is recommended to confirm exact amounts directly with the Clerk of Courts office at (717) 228-4419, as they may change.
| Service | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of docket sheet (via UJS Portal) | Free | View and print online at no charge |
| PATCH check (online) | $22.00 | Credit card payment; results usually within minutes |
| PATCH check (by mail) | $22.00 | Payment by check or money order to Commonwealth of Pennsylvania |
| Certified copy of court document | Depends on document | Contact Clerk of Courts for details |
| Regular copy (per page) | $0.25 – $0.50 | Typical rate for PA courts; confirm with the office |
Processing Time
- PATCH online — results are usually available within minutes after payment
- Requests to Clerk of Courts in person — typically the same day or within a few business days for certified copies
- Mail requests — depend on volume and may take from one to several weeks
The fee for the PATCH check is set according to the Criminal History Record Information Act (18 Pa.C.S. § 9101 et seq.). Employers using criminal history for employment decisions must comply with the requirements of this law—violations may lead to civil liability, as noted on the Docket Sheets page of the Unified Judicial System.