Warrants are considered public records in State College, Pennsylvania, pursuant to the Pennsylvania Right to Know Law (65 P.S. § 67.101 et seq.). This legislation establishes that most government records, including warrants, shall be accessible to members of the public unless specifically exempted by statute. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania maintains this policy of transparency to ensure governmental accountability and to provide citizens with access to information regarding legal proceedings within their jurisdiction.
Warrant documents, which are judicial orders authorizing law enforcement officials to perform specific actions such as arrests or searches of property, are generated through the court system and maintained as official records. These documents become part of the public record upon issuance, unless a judicial officer has ordered them sealed due to sensitive investigative concerns or other statutory exemptions under 65 P.S. § 67.708.
The Centre County Court of Common Pleas maintains custody of warrant records issued within its jurisdiction, including those pertaining to State College. Members of the public seeking access to these records may submit requests to the appropriate records custodian in accordance with established procedures under Pennsylvania law.
Several official resources are available to members of the public seeking to locate warrant information online in State College:
Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal (UJS Portal): This statewide system provides electronic access to court docket information, including active warrants. The portal is maintained by the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts and can be accessed at https://ujsportal.pacourts.us.
Centre County Court of Common Pleas: The court maintains records of warrants issued within its jurisdiction, which includes State College. Limited information may be available through the court's online case management system.
Centre County Sheriff's Office: The Sheriff's Office may publish information regarding outstanding warrants on its official website. The office is located at:
Centre County Sheriff's Office
213 East High Street
Bellefonte, PA 16823
(814) 355-6803
https://centrecountypa.gov/318/Sheriffs-Office
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
State College Police Department: The department may maintain a list of individuals with active warrants within its jurisdiction. The department is located at:
State College Police Department
243 South Allen Street
State College, PA 16801
(814) 234-7150
https://www.statecollegepa.us/police
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Individuals seeking to determine whether a warrant has been issued for their arrest in State College may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. Pursuant to Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure Rule 513, warrant information is generally available through the following methods:
Direct Inquiry to Law Enforcement: Individuals may contact the State College Police Department or Centre County Sheriff's Office directly to inquire about warrant status. It is advisable to provide proper identification when making such inquiries.
Court Records Search: The Centre County Prothonotary's Office maintains records of all warrants issued within the county. Individuals may visit the office in person to conduct a records search:
Centre County Prothonotary's Office
102 South Allegheny Street, Room 102
Bellefonte, PA 16823
(814) 355-6794
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal: This online resource allows for searches of court records, including warrant information, through the public access portal.
Legal Representation: Attorneys licensed to practice in Pennsylvania have access to court records and can determine whether a warrant exists for their clients.
Individuals should be aware that pursuant to 18 Pa.C.S. § 5126, it is unlawful to hinder apprehension or prosecution by concealing oneself to avoid service of a warrant.
Members of the public seeking to verify the existence of outstanding warrants in State College may utilize several authorized methods to access this information. In accordance with the Pennsylvania Rules of Judicial Administration Rule 509, the following procedures are available:
Online Verification: The Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal provides public access to docket information, including warrant status. Users may search by name to determine if warrants have been issued.
In-Person Records Request: Individuals may visit the Centre County Clerk of Courts to request warrant information:
Centre County Clerk of Courts
102 South Allegheny Street, Room 103
Bellefonte, PA 16823
(814) 355-6727
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Law Enforcement Inquiry: Direct contact with the State College Police Department or Centre County Sheriff's Office may provide information regarding active warrants. Identification will be required for such inquiries.
Magisterial District Courts: Local district courts maintain records of warrants issued within their jurisdiction:
Magisterial District Court 49-1-01
121 South Pugh Street
State College, PA 16801
(814) 237-2261
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Pursuant to 234 Pa. Code Rule 513(C), warrant information is considered public record unless sealed by judicial order.
Warrant records maintained by State College authorities contain specific information as required by Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure Rule 513. These records typically include the following elements:
Subject Identification: Full legal name of the individual for whom the warrant is issued, along with identifying information such as date of birth, physical description, and last known address.
Warrant Classification: Designation of the warrant type (e.g., arrest warrant, bench warrant, search warrant) and its current status (active, served, or recalled).
Judicial Authority: Name and title of the issuing judicial officer, court of jurisdiction, and docket number associated with the case.
Issuance Information: Date and time of warrant issuance, expiration date if applicable, and territorial limits of execution.
Criminal Charges: Detailed description of alleged offenses, including Pennsylvania Crimes Code citations (Title 18) and grading of offenses (summary, misdemeanor, or felony).
Bail Information: Pre-determined bail amount if specified by the issuing authority, or notation that the individual must be arraigned before a magistrate for bail determination.
Service Instructions: Specific directives to law enforcement regarding execution of the warrant, including any special considerations or restrictions.
Pursuant to 234 Pa. Code Rule 513(A)(2), all warrants must be supported by written affidavits establishing probable cause, though these affidavits may be sealed under certain circumstances as provided in Rule 513.1.