Warrant records are considered public records in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, pursuant to the Pennsylvania Right to Know Law (65 P.S. § 67.101 et seq.). This legislation establishes the framework for public access to governmental records throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, including judicial documents such as warrants. The law operates under the presumption that records in possession of state and local agencies are public unless specifically exempted by statute, regulation, or court order.
In Northumberland County, warrant information is maintained as part of the public record system and is generally accessible to members of the public. However, certain warrants may be sealed by judicial order in accordance with Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure Rule 211, particularly in cases involving ongoing investigations, matters of public safety, or situations where disclosure might compromise law enforcement operations. In such instances, these records would not be available for public inspection until the sealing order is lifted.
The public nature of warrant records serves multiple governmental interests, including transparency in judicial proceedings, accountability of law enforcement agencies, and the public's right to information about governmental activities. Citizens seeking information about warrants in Northumberland County may access these records through established procedures at designated county offices.
Warrant records maintained by Northumberland County typically contain specific information as required by Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure. Standard elements included in these official documents are:
Additional information may be included depending on the type of warrant issued. For example, bench warrants may contain information regarding court appearances that were missed, while search warrants will specify the location to be searched and items to be seized in accordance with the Fourth Amendment requirements and Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure Rule 203.
Members of the public seeking to verify warrant status in Northumberland County may utilize several no-cost methods established by county authorities. The following options are available without charge:
Individuals conducting warrant searches should be prepared to provide identifying information such as full name and date of birth to ensure accurate results. The Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System's web portal also provides limited information on active cases that may indicate warrant status.
The Northumberland County Sheriff's Office is the primary agency responsible for the execution of warrants issued within the jurisdiction. Sheriff warrants in Northumberland County are categorized according to their purpose and legal authority as prescribed by Pennsylvania law.
Northumberland County Sheriff's Office
201 Market Street
Sunbury, PA 17801
570-988-4159
Northumberland County Sheriff's Office
The Sheriff's Office maintains records of:
Under Pennsylvania law, specifically 42 Pa.C.S. § 2921-2929, the sheriff and deputies are empowered to execute warrants throughout the county. The Sheriff's Office coordinates with local police departments, the Pennsylvania State Police, and other law enforcement agencies to apprehend individuals with active warrants.
The execution of warrants follows strict procedural requirements as outlined in the Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure, including proper identification of the subject, announcement of authority, and reasonable use of force if necessary for apprehension.
As of 2025, Northumberland County has implemented several methods for individuals to verify their warrant status. Persons seeking to determine if a warrant has been issued for their arrest may:
Individuals should be aware that pursuant to Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure Rule 519, law enforcement officers are authorized to execute warrants immediately upon contact with the named individual. Therefore, persons who believe they may have an outstanding warrant are advised to address the matter promptly through proper legal channels.
For those unable to physically visit county offices, the Northumberland County Court of Common Pleas provides information regarding remote access options and procedural guidance.
Northumberland County provides multiple avenues for conducting searches related to outstanding warrants. These official channels ensure accurate and current information regarding warrant status:
Pursuant to the Pennsylvania Criminal History Record Information Act (18 Pa.C.S. § 9101 et seq.), certain criminal history information, including outstanding warrants, is considered public record. However, requestors should be prepared to provide proper identification when making inquiries to ensure the accuracy of search results.
For individuals concerned about potential warrants stemming from unpaid fines or missed court appearances, the Northumberland County Court Payment System offers information about outstanding financial obligations that may have resulted in bench warrant issuance.