Lycoming County Criminal Records
What Is Lycoming County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Lycoming 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 (18 Pa.C.S. § 9101-9183), which establishes guidelines for the collection, maintenance, and dissemination of criminal history information.
Criminal records encompass several distinct categories of documentation:
- Arrest Records: Documents generated when law enforcement takes an individual into custody based on probable cause that a crime has been committed. These records include booking information, fingerprints, and photographs.
- Conviction Records: Official documentation of guilty verdicts or pleas, representing final judgments in criminal cases.
- Felony Records: Documentation of serious crimes punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year.
- Misdemeanor Records: Records of less serious offenses typically punishable by fines or imprisonment of less than one year.
- Adult vs. Juvenile Records: Adult records (18 and older) are generally accessible to the public, while juvenile records (under 18) are sealed and confidential under Pennsylvania's Juvenile Act (42 Pa.C.S. § 6301-6375).
- Active Warrants: Current orders for arrest issued by judicial authorities.
- Historical Records: Documentation of past criminal proceedings, including dismissed cases and acquittals.
Multiple agencies maintain these records in Lycoming County:
Lycoming County Sheriff's Office
48 West Third Street
Williamsport, PA 17701
(570) 327-2280
Lycoming County Sheriff
Lycoming County Court of Common Pleas
48 West Third Street
Williamsport, PA 17701
(570) 327-2240
Lycoming County Courts
Lycoming County Prison
277 West Third Street
Williamsport, PA 17701
(570) 326-4623
Lycoming County Prison
Pennsylvania State Police
Criminal Records Section
1800 Elmerton Avenue
Harrisburg, PA 17110
(717) 783-5494
Pennsylvania State Police
Comprehensive criminal records typically document the entire criminal justice process, including charges filed, arraignments, plea agreements, trial proceedings, verdicts, sentencing details, and probation or parole information.
Are Criminal Records Public In Lycoming County
Criminal records in Lycoming County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law (65 P.S. §§ 67.101-67.3104) and the Criminal History Record Information Act (18 Pa.C.S. § 9101-9183). These statutes establish the framework for public access to government records, including criminal history information.
The Right-to-Know Law states that "a public record, legislative record or financial record shall be accessible for inspection and duplication by a requester in accordance with this act." This presumption of openness applies to criminal records maintained by county agencies, with specific exceptions.
The following criminal record information is typically available to the public:
- Court dockets and case files for adult criminal proceedings
- Records of criminal convictions
- Sentencing information
- Court calendars and schedules
- Arrest records (with limitations)
- Inmate custody status and basic information
However, certain criminal record information remains restricted or exempt from public disclosure:
- Ongoing criminal investigations (exempt under 65 P.S. § 67.708(b)(16))
- Juvenile records (sealed under 42 Pa.C.S. § 6308)
- Records expunged or sealed by court order
- Information that would jeopardize public safety if disclosed
- Records containing personal identifying information protected by privacy laws
- Information that would impair a fair trial or impartial adjudication
- Intelligence information and national security records
The Pennsylvania Criminal History Record Information Act further specifies that criminal history record information maintained by criminal justice agencies "shall be available for inspection only to persons and governmental entities that have a specific need for such information." However, court records of criminal proceedings are generally accessible to the public through the appropriate court offices or online systems.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Lycoming County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Lycoming County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county maintains multiple access points for criminal record searches, each providing different types of information.
To conduct an in-person search at the courthouse:
- Visit the Lycoming County Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts Office during regular business hours.
- Complete a records request form, specifying the information sought and the purpose of the request.
- Present valid government-issued photo identification.
- Pay applicable search or copying fees as established by the county fee schedule.
- Allow staff sufficient time to process the request and retrieve records.
Lycoming County Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts
48 West Third Street, First Floor
Williamsport, PA 17701
(570) 327-2251
Lycoming County Prothonotary
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
For criminal records related to incarceration or inmate status:
- Contact the Lycoming County Prison Records Department.
- Submit a written request specifying the information needed.
- Provide the full name and, if possible, the date of birth of the individual.
- Pay any applicable fees for record retrieval or copies.
Lycoming County Prison
277 West Third Street
Williamsport, PA 17701
(570) 326-4623
Lycoming County Prison
For criminal records maintained by law enforcement:
- Contact the Lycoming County Sheriff's Office Records Division.
- Complete the required records request form.
- Provide specific information about the record being sought.
- Submit payment for any applicable fees.
- Allow for processing time as determined by the complexity of the request.
Lycoming County Sheriff's Office
48 West Third Street
Williamsport, PA 17701
(570) 327-2280
Lycoming County Sheriff
For statewide criminal history information:
- Submit a request to the Pennsylvania State Police through the Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History (PATCH) system.
- Provide required identifying information and payment.
- Receive results electronically or by mail, depending on the request method.
Pennsylvania State Police Central Repository
1800 Elmerton Avenue
Harrisburg, PA 17110
1-888-783-7972
Pennsylvania State Police
How To Find Criminal Records in Lycoming County Online?
Lycoming County provides several online resources for accessing criminal records electronically. These digital platforms offer convenient alternatives to in-person searches, though the scope of available information may vary by system.
The primary online resources for criminal record searches in Lycoming County include:
-
Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal (UJS Portal)
- Access at Pennsylvania's Unified Judicial System Web Portal
- Search criminal court dockets by name, case number, or organization
- View case information including charges, court dates, and dispositions
- Access both Common Pleas (CP) and Magisterial District Justice (MDJ) records
- Registration is required for certain search functions
- Basic searches are available without registration
-
Lycoming County Inmate Search
- Access through the Lycoming County Prison Inmate Search
- Search current inmates by name
- View basic custody information including booking date and charges
- Information is updated regularly but not in real-time
- No registration required for basic searches
-
Pennsylvania State Police Access to Criminal History (PATCH)
- Access at PATCH Website
- Conduct statewide criminal history background checks
- Requires payment of statutory fee ($22 per request)
- Provides official criminal history record information
- Results available immediately for "no record" responses
- Account registration available for volume users
-
Lycoming County Sheriff's Office Records
- Limited information available through the Sheriff's Office website
- Access information about civil process services
- View information about sheriff's sales and real estate transactions
- Some forms available for download
- Full records require in-person or written requests
When using these online systems, users should note:
- Information accuracy depends on timely updates by the respective agencies
- Not all criminal record information is available online due to privacy restrictions
- Some detailed information may require in-person requests or formal Right-to-Know requests
- Official certified copies of records typically require in-person requests
- Online systems may experience periodic maintenance or downtime
Can You Search Lycoming County Criminal Records for Free?
Lycoming County residents and members of the public may access certain criminal records at no cost, while other searches incur statutory fees. Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law (65 P.S. §§ 67.101-67.3104) establishes that agencies may charge reasonable fees for duplication and certification of records, but in-person inspection of records is generally available without charge.
Free criminal record search options in Lycoming County include:
- In-Person Court Docket Inspection
- Visit the Lycoming County Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts Office
- Request to view publicly available court dockets
- No fee for inspection of records (copying fees may apply)
- Available during regular business hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Lycoming County Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts
48 West Third Street, First Floor
Williamsport, PA 17701
(570) 327-2251
Lycoming County Prothonotary
-
Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal (UJS Portal)
- Basic docket searches available at no cost
- Access case information including charges, court dates, and dispositions
- No registration required for basic searches
- Available at Pennsylvania's Unified Judicial System Web Portal
-
Lycoming County Inmate Search
- Free online access to current inmate information
- Search by name to view custody status and charges
- No registration or fees required
- Available through the Lycoming County Prison Inmate Search
-
Public Access Terminal at Courthouse
- Computer terminals available for public use at the courthouse
- Access to court dockets and case information
- No fee for using the terminals (printing fees may apply)
- Available during regular courthouse hours
Services that require payment include:
- Certified copies of court records ($10.00 per document)
- Complete criminal history background checks through PATCH ($22.00)
- Extensive record searches requiring staff research time
- Copies of documents ($0.25 per page)
- Records requiring redaction or special processing
The fee structure for criminal record searches is established by county ordinance and state law, with fees deposited into the county general fund or state treasury as required by statute.
What's Included in a Lycoming County Criminal Record?
Criminal records maintained by Lycoming County agencies contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's interaction with the criminal justice system. The content of these records is standardized in accordance with Pennsylvania's Criminal History Record Information Act (18 Pa.C.S. § 9101-9183).
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Mugshot or 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
- Charges filed at time of arrest with statutory citations
- Bail amount and status
- Detention facility information
- Preliminary hearing date
Court Case Information:
- Court docket number
- Court of jurisdiction (Magisterial District Court or Court of Common Pleas)
- Case filing date
- Formal charges filed by the District Attorney
- Statutory citations and grading (felony or misdemeanor classification)
- Plea information
- Defense attorney information
- Prosecuting attorney information
- Court dates and continuances
- Pretrial motions and rulings
Disposition Information:
- Verdict (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, withdrawn)
- Conviction date
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration terms (minimum and maximum)
- Probation terms
- Fines and costs
- Restitution ordered
- Special conditions (treatment programs, community service)
- Appeal information (if applicable)
- Probation/parole status and violations
- Completion of sentence information
Additional Information:
- Active warrants
- Protection from Abuse (PFA) orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/DWI history
- Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
- Pending charges in other jurisdictions
- Prior criminal history summary
The Civil Process Division of the Lycoming County Sheriff's Office maintains records related to the service of criminal summonses and warrants. The Firearms Section maintains records related to firearms violations and license denials based on criminal history.
Criminal records in Lycoming County are maintained in both physical and electronic formats, with newer records primarily stored in digital systems. Access to these records is governed by state law and county policies designed to balance public access rights with privacy protections.
How Long Does Lycoming County Keep Criminal Records?
Lycoming County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission's Bureau of Archives and History, as mandated by the County Records Act (16 P.S. § 13001-13006). These schedules specify minimum retention periods for various types of criminal records.
The retention periods for key criminal record documents in Lycoming County are as follows:
-
Criminal Case Files (Court of Common Pleas)
- Homicide cases: Permanent retention
- Felony cases: 75 years after final disposition
- Misdemeanor cases: 25 years after final disposition
- Summary offense cases: 7 years after final disposition
-
Criminal Dockets
- Permanent retention (microfilm or electronic format)
-
Arrest Records (Sheriff and Police)
- Adult arrests: 75 years from date of arrest
- Juvenile arrests: Until subject reaches age 25 or 10 years after last action, whichever is later
-
Booking Records and Photographs
- 75 years from date of creation
-
Fingerprint Cards
- 75 years from date of creation
-
Preliminary Hearing Transcripts
- 7 years after final disposition of case
-
Bail Records
- 7 years after final disposition of case
-
Sentencing Records
- Permanent retention
-
Probation/Parole Records
- 10 years after final discharge from supervision
-
Protection From Abuse (PFA) Records
- 10 years after expiration of order
-
Criminal Complaint Forms
- 7 years after final disposition
-
Search and Arrest Warrants
- Executed warrants: 7 years after execution
- Unexecuted warrants: Until expiration or recall
These retention periods represent minimum requirements. In practice, many records are maintained for longer periods, particularly as Lycoming County has transitioned to electronic record-keeping systems that facilitate long-term storage. Additionally, records of significant historical or legal importance may be preserved permanently in the county archives.
It is important to note that retention of a record does not necessarily mean it remains publicly accessible. Records that have been sealed or expunged by court order are removed from public access, though they may be retained for administrative purposes with highly restricted access.
The Real Estate Division of the Lycoming County Sheriff's Office maintains property records related to criminal forfeitures according to separate retention schedules specific to real property records.