Lancaster County, Pennsylvania Warrant Records
Are Warrants Public Record in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania?
Yes, warrants are public records in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Under the Pennsylvania Right to Know Law (65 P.S. § 67.101 et seq.), certain records, including warrants, are accessible to the public to ensure transparency and accountability within the judicial system. This law allows citizens to request access to various governmental records, including those maintained by law enforcement agencies.
The public nature of warrant records aids in maintaining a transparent legal process, allowing individuals to be informed about legal actions that may affect them or their community. Access to these records is vital for ensuring that the justice system operates openly and fairly, as stipulated in Pennsylvania's public records statutes.
Members of the public seeking warrant information may access these records through the Lancaster County Clerk of Courts, which maintains official court documents including warrants issued by the Court of Common Pleas.
What Is Contents in Warrant Records in Lancaster County?
Warrant records in Lancaster County typically include the following information:
- Name of the individual subject to the warrant
- Date of issuance
- Description of the alleged offense
- Jurisdiction and issuing authority
- Specific terms and conditions of the warrant
- Case number and docket information
- Name of the issuing judge or magistrate
- Bail amount, if applicable
- Status of the warrant (active, served, or recalled)
The District Court Warrant Control Unit oversees the service of all non-criminal docketed Magisterial District Court Warrants in Lancaster County, maintaining records of these documents in accordance with Pennsylvania law.
How to Check For Warrants in Lancaster County For Free
Free searches for warrant records in Lancaster County are available through various methods:
- Visiting the Lancaster County Courthouse at 50 North Duke Street, Lancaster, PA 17602
- Contacting the Lancaster County Sheriff's Office at 717-299-8200
- Utilizing public access terminals available at the courthouse during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM)
- Checking the Lancaster County Sheriff's Most Wanted list for serious outstanding warrants
Pursuant to Pennsylvania's public records laws, individuals may request warrant information without charge when conducting in-person searches at public terminals. However, fees may apply for printed copies of documents in accordance with the fee schedule established under 65 P.S. § 67.1307.
Lancaster County Sheriff Warrants
Sheriff Warrants in Lancaster County are legal documents issued by the court authorizing the sheriff's department to perform specific actions, such as arresting an individual or conducting a search. These warrants contain critical information, including the name of the person involved, the specific charges or reasons for issuance, and any instructions or limitations on the execution of the warrant.
The Lancaster County Sheriff's Office maintains and executes these warrants in accordance with Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure Rule 430, which governs the issuance and service of warrants in the Commonwealth.
Lancaster County Sheriff's Office
50 North Duke Street
Lancaster, PA 17602
Phone: 717-299-8200
Official Website
The Criminal Division of the Lancaster County Court system works in conjunction with the Sheriff's Office to process and maintain warrant records. The Sheriff's Office maintains a publicly accessible database of individuals with active warrants through their "Wanted Persons" portal.
How to Know If You Have a Warrant in Lancaster County in 2025
To determine warrant status in Lancaster County in 2025, individuals have several official channels available:
- Contacting the Lancaster County Sheriff's Office directly at 717-299-8200
- Visiting the Lancaster County Courthouse at 50 North Duke Street, Lancaster, PA 17602
- Checking the county's official warrant search portal
- Utilizing public access terminals at the courthouse during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM)
The Lancaster County Courts maintain records of all warrants issued within their jurisdiction. Individuals may also contact the Clerk of Courts office to inquire about potential warrants:
Lancaster County Clerk of Courts
50 North Duke Street
Lancaster, PA 17602
Phone: 717-299-8295
Official Website
Pursuant to Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure Rule 117, warrant information must be made available to the public except in cases where the court has ordered the information sealed.
How to Check For Outstanding Warrants in Lancaster County
Searching for outstanding warrants in Lancaster County can be conducted through various official channels:
- Visiting the Lancaster County Courthouse at 50 North Duke Street, Lancaster, PA 17602
- Contacting the Lancaster County Sheriff's Office at 717-299-8200
- Using public access terminals available at the courthouse during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM)
- Reviewing the Lancaster County Most Wanted list for serious offenders
- Contacting the District Court Warrant Control Unit at 717-299-8131 for information on non-criminal warrants
The District Court Warrant Control Unit is specifically responsible for overseeing the service of all non-criminal docketed Magisterial District Court Warrants, such as those related to failure to appear for court proceedings or failure to pay fines.
District Court Warrant Control Unit
40 East King Street
Lancaster, PA 17602
Phone: 717-299-8131
Official Website
Under Pennsylvania law (42 Pa.C.S. § 4303), court records, including warrant information, are presumed to be open to the public unless specifically sealed by court order.
Search Warrant Records in Lancaster County
