Criminal Records Search: Allegheny County PA Access Online

Criminal records search in Allegheny County, PA, offers a direct path to official data that citizens, employers, and lawyers rely on for accurate background checks and case verification. By accessing the Allegheny County criminal record database online, users can locate Allegheny County criminal records by name, case number, or date of birth without leaving their homes. The system pulls from public criminal records, including arrest information, conviction history, and pending case updates, delivering clear details such as offense classification, court case number, and disposition. Whether you need Allegheny County criminal records for a personal request, a legal matter, or employment screening, the platform consolidates Allegheny County public criminal records, felony records, and misdemeanor charges into a single searchable interface, ensuring you receive the most relevant Allegheny County criminal case records quickly and securely.

Criminal records lookup for Pittsburgh, PA, extends to Allegheny County criminal records by jurisdiction, giving users the ability to request certified copies, view court case information, and verify sentencing details. The online portal supports searches by case number, date of birth, or name, and returns comprehensive data like arrest dates, conviction outcomes, and probation status. This Allegheny County official criminal records resource also clarifies the distinction between sealed, expunged, and publicly available records, helping users avoid common pitfalls such as duplicate entries or outdated information. By tapping into the Allegheny County criminal record information system, you gain authoritative access to court case numbers, incarceration records, and case dispositions that meet both legal standards and everyday needs.

How to Search Criminal Records

You can search criminal records in Allegheny County, PA, using the official online portal run by the county court system. The portal lets you look up case details, arrest data, and conviction outcomes for anyone who passed through the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas or the Magisterial District Courts. You will need basic details like a full name, date of birth, or case number to start your search. The system pulls data from public criminal records and shows results in a clear list format.

Allegheny County criminal records cover adult criminal cases filed within the county. You can use the portal to check pending charges, closed cases, and sentencing details. The database updates as new court orders are entered, so the data you see reflects the most recent filings. If you need records from another county, you must contact that county’s court system directly, as Allegheny County only holds data for cases filed within its borders.

Official Search Portal: https://www.alleghenycounty.us/Government/Court-Related/Criminal-Records/Services-and-Locations

Steps to Search

1. Open the Allegheny County Criminal Records search page on your web browser.
2. Pick the search type: name, date of birth, or case number.
3. Type the full legal name or case number in the search box.
4. Add a date of birth if you have it, since this narrows down common name matches.
5. Press the search button to load the results.
6. Read the list of matching cases, then click a case to see full details.
7. Print or save the page if you need a copy for your records.

Search by Name

Searching by name is the most common method used on the Allegheny County criminal records portal. You enter the last name, first name, and middle initial if known. The system checks the name against all criminal cases filed in the county, including felony records, misdemeanor charges, and dismissed cases. If the person has a common name, you will see more results, and you must sort through them using date of birth or case number.

Use the exact name listed on court papers when you can. Nicknames or shortened first names may not match official records. The portal also lets you search by partial name, but this returns more results and takes longer to review. Always confirm you have the right person by checking the date of birth and the city of residence listed on the case.

Search by Date of Birth

Searching by date of birth is the fastest way to find a specific person. You type the month, day, and year in the correct format. The system then shows all criminal cases tied to that exact date of birth. This cuts down on errors from common name matches and helps you find the right person quickly.

If you do not know the full date of birth, the system still lets you search by year only. The year-only search returns more results, so plan time to review them. Date of birth works best when paired with a name, as this combo narrows the results to one person in most cases.

Search by Case Number

Searching by case number gives you the most exact results. Each criminal case in Allegheny County has a unique case number, such as CP-02-CR-123456. You enter this number in the search box, and the portal shows only that specific case. This method is useful for lawyers, employers, and people who already have paperwork with the case number on it.

If you have a case number from a different county, the Allegheny County portal will not show it. You must use the portal for the county where the case was filed. Old case numbers from decades ago may use a different format, so contact the court clerk if your search returns no results with a valid case number.

Search by County or Jurisdiction

The Allegheny County criminal records portal only covers cases filed in Allegheny County, PA. If you need records from Pittsburgh, PA, and Pittsburgh is within Allegheny County, you can use the same portal. Other counties in Pennsylvania, like Westmoreland or Washington, have their own search systems. You must visit those county court websites to find records filed outside Allegheny County.

Federal criminal cases, such as those in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, are not listed in the county portal. You must use the federal court system’s PACER system for federal cases. Always confirm the court level and county before starting your search to save time and avoid errors.

Information Needed for a Search

To run a search, gather as much of the following data as you can. The more details you provide, the better your results will be.

• Full legal name (first, middle, last)
• Date of birth (month, day, year)
• Case number (if known)
• Approximate year of arrest or filing
• City of residence at the time of the case

You do not need all of these details to start a search, but each piece helps narrow the results. A name alone may return dozens of cases, while a name plus date of birth usually returns one or two. The portal does not require you to create an account or pay a fee for basic search results.

Allegheny County Criminal Record Details

Each criminal record in Allegheny County shows core data points about the case and the person involved. You can view these details after running a search and clicking on a specific case. The records pull from court files, police reports, and clerk of courts data, giving you a full picture of what happened in the case.

Person Identification

Person identification data includes the full legal name, any known aliases, date of birth, and the last known address on file with the court. The system also shows the person’s race, sex, and height when listed in the original court filing. This data helps confirm you have the right person, especially when dealing with common name matches.

If the person used a fake name at the time of arrest, the court record may show that alias. The record will also show the corrected name once the court verified the person’s identity. Always cross-check the date of birth and address to make sure the person on the record matches the person you are searching for.

Arrest Date and Agency

The arrest date shows the exact day the person was taken into custody. The arrest agency field shows which police department or law enforcement group made the arrest, such as the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police or the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office. You can use this data to request a full police report from the agency listed.

If the person was arrested by a state agency, like the Pennsylvania State Police, that agency’s name will show up in the record. The arrest date may differ from the filing date, since police can arrest a person before the court files formal charges. Always check the timeline to see how the case moved through the system.

Criminal Charges

The criminal charges field lists the specific laws the person is accused of breaking, such as burglary, assault, or drug possession. Each charge has a separate code based on the Pennsylvania Crimes Code. The record also shows whether the charge is a felony, misdemeanor, or summary offense.

If the person faced multiple charges in one arrest, the record will list each charge on a separate line. You can click each charge to see the full text of the law and the maximum penalty. Some charges get dropped during the case, and the record will show this with a notation of “withdrawn” or “nolle prosequi.”

Offense Classification

Offense classification shows the severity level of the charge. In Pennsylvania, crimes fall into three main classes: felonies, misdemeanors, and summary offenses. Felonies are the most serious and can lead to more than one year in state prison. Misdemeanors lead to less than one year in county jail. Summary offenses are the least serious and usually result in a fine.

Each felony and misdemeanor has a grade, such as felony of the first degree or misdemeanor of the second degree. The grade affects the sentence range and the court where the case is heard. You can see the grade on the record next to the charge, which helps you understand the seriousness of the case at a glance.

Case Number and Court

Every criminal case in Allegheny County has a unique case number that starts with the court’s code. Cases in the Court of Common Pleas start with “CP,” while cases in the Magisterial District Courts start with “CR.” The record shows the full case number, the court where the case was filed, and the judge assigned to the case.

If the case moved from a lower court to a higher court, both case numbers will appear on the record. This is common when a person waives a preliminary hearing and the case goes to the Court of Common Pleas. Always note both case numbers if you need to pull records from multiple court levels.

Disposition

The disposition field shows the final outcome of the case, such as guilty plea, not guilty verdict, or dismissal. If the person was found guilty, the record shows the date of the verdict and the sentence. If the person was found not guilty, the record shows the acquittal date and clears the case from active status.

Some cases have mixed dispositions, where one charge leads to a guilty plea and another charge gets dropped. The record will show each disposition tied to each charge. Always read the full disposition section to see the final result for every count in the case.

Sentence

The sentence field shows the punishment the court ordered after a guilty plea or verdict. This can include jail time, prison time, probation, fines, or a mix of all four. The record lists the length of the sentence, such as “6 to 12 months in county jail” or “2 years of probation.”

If the person got credit for time served, the record shows how many days the court applied to the sentence. The record also shows any special conditions, such as mandatory drug treatment or community service. You can use this data to confirm what happened to the person after the case closed.

Types of Criminal Records

Allegheny County holds several types of criminal records based on the case outcome and charge level. You can search all of these types through the same portal, and the search results will show you which category each case falls into. The court system sorts these records to make it easier for you to find what you need.

Felony Records

Felony records cover the most serious crimes, such as murder, rape, robbery, and drug trafficking. These cases are heard in the Court of Common Pleas and can lead to state prison time. The portal shows all felony cases filed in Allegheny County, including pending and closed cases.

Each felony record lists the grade of the felony, the charge code, and the sentence range under Pennsylvania law. You can view the full court docket for any felony case, which shows every filing, motion, and order in the case. Felony records stay on file unless the person gets an expungement from the court.

Misdemeanor Records

Misdemeanor records cover less serious crimes, such as simple assault, petty theft, and DUI. These cases are often heard in the Magisterial District Courts first, then move to the Court of Common Pleas if the person waives the hearing. The portal shows both levels of misdemeanor cases.

Misdemeanor records are sorted by grade, with first-degree misdemeanors being the most serious. A first-degree misdemeanor can lead to up to five years in jail, while a third-degree misdemeanor can lead to up to one year. The record shows the exact grade and the maximum sentence under state law.

Arrest Records

Arrest records show the basic data of an arrest, even if the court never filed formal charges. The record includes the arrest date, the agency that made the arrest, and the charges listed at the time of arrest. Arrest records alone do not show the case outcome, since the person may have been released without charges.

You can view arrest records for cases that led to a dismissal or acquittal. The record will still show the arrest, but the disposition will show the case was dismissed or the person was found not guilty. Arrest records stay on file unless the court orders them sealed or expunged.

Conviction Records

Conviction records show cases where the person was found guilty or pled guilty. The record lists the charges, the plea or verdict, and the sentence handed down by the judge. You can use conviction records for background checks, since they confirm the person was found guilty of a crime.

Each conviction record shows the date of the conviction, which helps you check if the person still has active probation or parole. The record also shows the court that issued the conviction, so you can request certified copies from the right clerk’s office. Conviction records stay on file unless the court grants an expungement.

Pending Case Records

Pending case records show criminal cases that are still moving through the court system. These cases have not reached a final disposition, and the person may still be awaiting trial, plea, or sentencing. The record shows the next court date and the status of any pending motions.

You can view pending case records for any open criminal case in Allegheny County. The record updates as new court orders are entered, so you can see the latest filings. Pending case records are public unless the court issues a specific order to seal the case.

Dismissed Case Records

Dismissed case records show cases where the court dropped all charges against the person. The dismissal can happen for many reasons, such as lack of evidence, witness issues, or a plea deal on other charges. The record shows the date of the dismissal and the reason listed by the judge or prosecutor.

Even though the case was dismissed, the record stays on file unless the court grants an expungement. Dismissed case records are public, so employers and landlords can still see them in a background check. You can see the full docket for any dismissed case, which shows why the court dropped the charges.

Historical Records

Historical records cover criminal cases filed many years ago, sometimes going back decades. The Allegheny County portal has records for most cases filed since the 1970s, with older cases stored in the county archives. You can search historical records using the same name, date of birth, or case number search methods.

Some historical records have been moved to microfilm or scanned images, which may take longer to load on the portal. If you need a certified copy of a very old record, you may need to visit the court archives in person. The clerk’s office can help you locate records that are not available online.

Criminal Record Status

Each criminal record in Allegheny County has a status that shows where the case stands in the court process. The status changes as the case moves through each stage, from arrest to final disposition. You can see the status on the main search results page and on the full case record.

Active Cases

Active cases are criminal cases that are still moving through the court system. These cases have had recent court activity, such as a new filing, a hearing, or a motion. The record shows the latest court date and any upcoming hearings scheduled in the case.

You can view the full docket for any active case, which lists every document filed in the case. Active cases are public, but some documents may be sealed by court order. Always check the docket for any sealed entries, which will show up as “sealed” instead of the full document.

Pending Cases

Pending cases are a type of active case where the person is still waiting for a final outcome. This can mean the person is waiting for trial, a plea hearing, or sentencing. The record shows the next court date and the type of hearing scheduled.

Pending cases can stay in this status for months or even years, depending on the complexity of the case. You can track the progress of a pending case by checking the docket for new filings. The portal updates the docket as soon as the court enters a new order.

Closed Cases

Closed cases are criminal cases where the court has issued a final order, such as a sentence after a guilty plea or a not guilty verdict after trial. The case is no longer active, and the record will not change unless the court reopens it for post-conviction relief.

Closed cases stay on the portal as long as they are public. You can view the full record, including the sentence, fines, and probation conditions. If the person finished their sentence, the record will show the completion date for probation or parole.

Dismissed Cases

Dismissed cases are closed cases where the court dropped all charges. The status will show “dismissed” along with the date of the dismissal. The record will not show a sentence, since the person was not found guilty of any charge in the case.

Dismissed cases are public unless the court grants an expungement. You can see the reason for the dismissal in the court order, which is part of the docket. If the dismissal was part of a plea deal on other charges, the record will note that as well.

Convicted Cases

Convicted cases are closed cases where the person was found guilty or pled guilty. The status shows “convicted” along with the date of the plea or verdict. The record shows the sentence and any fines or restitution ordered by the court.

Convicted cases stay on the portal as public records. You can see the full sentencing order, which lists all conditions of probation or parole. If the person violated probation, the record will show the violation and any new sentence imposed by the court.

Acquitted Cases

Acquitted cases are closed cases where the person was found not guilty at trial. The status shows “acquitted” along with the date of the verdict. The record will not show a sentence, since the person was not convicted of any charge.

Acquitted cases are public records, but they do not show up in most standard background checks for employment purposes. You can still view the full record on the portal, including the trial transcripts and jury instructions. Acquitted cases stay on file unless the court grants an expungement.

Expunged or Sealed Records

Expunged or sealed records are criminal cases that the court has hidden from public view. Expungement means the record is deleted from public databases, while sealing means the record is hidden but still kept by the court. You will not see these records in a standard search on the portal.

If a record has been sealed, only the person named in the case, their lawyer, and certain government agencies can view it. Expunged records are completely deleted, and the court treats the case as if it never happened. You must file a petition with the court to seal or expunge a criminal record in Allegheny County.

Criminal Records and Public Access

Most criminal records in Allegheny County are public, which means anyone can view them through the online portal or by visiting the courthouse. The Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure control which records are public and which are sealed. You can use the portal to view public records without creating an account or paying a fee.

Publicly Available Records

Publicly available records include case dockets, court orders, bail documents, and sentencing orders for criminal cases filed in Allegheny County. You can view these records on the online portal or at the courthouse during business hours. The records show the full case history, including all filings and hearings.

Some records, like juvenile cases, are not publicly available. You also cannot view records that have been sealed or expunged by court order. For all other cases, the portal shows the full record, including the person’s name, date of birth, charges, and disposition.

Online Criminal Records

You can view most criminal records online through the Allegheny County portal. The portal shows the case docket, party list, and court orders for each case. You can also print or save the record for your own use, but the printed copy may not be accepted as an official certified copy.

The online portal updates daily as new court orders are entered. If you need a record that is not yet online, you can visit the courthouse to view the file. The clerk’s office can help you locate records that are not available through the online search system.

Restricted Information

Restricted information includes Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and the names of minor children. The court removes this data from public records to protect privacy. You will not see this data on the online portal, even if it is part of the court file.

Some documents, like search warrants and presentence reports, are restricted by law. You must file a motion with the court to view these documents, and the judge will decide whether to grant access. In most cases, only the person named in the case, their lawyer, and the prosecutor can view restricted documents.

Sealed Records

Sealed records are criminal cases that the court has hidden from public view. The court can seal a case for many reasons, such as protecting a witness, keeping a juvenile’s record private, or as part of a diversion program. You will not see sealed records in a standard portal search.

If you are the person named in a sealed case, you can file a motion to view the record. The court will grant access if you show a valid reason, such as applying for a job that requires a full background check. Lawyers and certain government agencies can also view sealed records with a court order.

Juvenile Records

Juvenile records cover criminal cases where the defendant was under 18 at the time of the offense. These records are not publicly available on the portal, even if the case was serious. The court keeps juvenile records separate from adult records, and they are not shown in standard search results.

If you need a juvenile record, you must file a petition with the Court of Common Pleas. The judge will decide whether to release the record based on the person’s age, the seriousness of the offense, and how much time has passed since the case closed. Most juvenile records are automatically sealed when the person turns 21.

Records Available by Request

You can request certified copies of criminal records from the clerk of courts office. Certified copies have the court’s stamp and are accepted by employers, landlords, and government agencies. You can request copies in person, by mail, or through the online portal.

The clerk’s office charges a small fee for each certified copy, and processing time depends on the volume of requests. Most requests are filled within a few business days. If you need a record quickly, you can visit the courthouse in person and request a copy while you wait.

Obtaining Official Criminal Records

You can get official criminal records from Allegheny County in several ways, depending on your needs. The most common method is to request a certified copy through the clerk of courts office. You can also view records online, but online records are not certified and may not be accepted for legal purposes.

Online Requests

You can request certified copies of criminal records through the online portal. The portal lets you pay the fee with a credit card and have the copy mailed to your home. You can also download a digital copy of the record for your own use, but the digital copy is not certified.

Online requests take a few business days to process, plus mailing time. If you need the record faster, you should request it in person at the courthouse. The online portal accepts most major credit cards and charges a small convenience fee for online payments.

Court Record Requests

You can request court records directly from the clerk of courts office in person or by mail. The clerk’s office has records for all criminal cases filed in the Court of Common Pleas. You will need to fill out a request form and pay the fee for each record you want.

Mail requests take longer than in-person requests, since the clerk’s office must process the form and mail the record back to you. You should include a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check or money order for the fee. The clerk’s office will return the certified copy to you by mail.

Law Enforcement Requests

Law enforcement agencies can request criminal records directly from the court system for official purposes. These requests are processed quickly and are not subject to the same fees as public requests. If you are a law enforcement officer, you must show your badge and a written request on agency letterhead.

Law enforcement requests cover arrests, convictions, and pending cases for any person in the system. The records are sent to the requesting agency within a few business days. Some requests, like those for active investigations, are processed within hours.

In-Person Requests

You can visit the Allegheny County Courthouse in person to request criminal records. The clerk’s office is located in the courthouse and is open during regular business hours. You can fill out a request form at the counter and get a certified copy while you wait.

In-person requests are the fastest way to get a certified copy of a criminal record. You can also view the full court file in person, which is not available online. The clerk’s office staff can help you find the right record if you do not have the case number.

Certified Copies

Certified copies of criminal records have the court’s stamp and the clerk’s signature. These copies are accepted by employers, landlords, government agencies, and courts in other states. Each certified copy costs a set fee, which you can pay in cash, by check, or by credit card.

You should request a certified copy if you need the record for legal purposes, such as a name change, immigration case, or expungement petition. The certified copy proves the record is authentic and has not been altered. The clerk’s office can issue certified copies for any public criminal record in the system.

Fees and Processing Times

The fees for criminal records in Allegheny County depend on the type of record and how you request it. The table below shows the most common fees and processing times.

You can pay fees in cash, by check, by money order, or by credit card, depending on the request method. The clerk’s office will give you a receipt for each payment. If you need a fee waived, you must file a motion with the court and show that you cannot afford the fee.

Criminal Record Accuracy and Limitations

Criminal records in Allegheny County are as accurate as the data entered by the court system, but errors can happen. Common errors include misspellings, wrong dates of birth, and duplicate entries. You can fix most errors by filing a motion with the court, and the clerk’s office will correct the record once the court approves the change.

Verifying the Correct Person

Always verify that you have the right person before you use a criminal record. The record shows the full name, date of birth, and address at the time of the case. You should match this data to the person you are searching for using official documents, like a driver’s license or passport.

If the record has a different name or date of birth, you may be looking at the wrong person. The portal does not always catch these errors, so you need to check the data yourself. A wrong match can lead to serious problems, especially if you use the record for employment or housing decisions.

Common Name Matches

Common names, like John Smith or Maria Garcia, can return dozens of results in a search. The portal sorts results by name, but you must review each result to find the right person. Always check the date of birth and the city of residence to confirm you have the right match.

If you do not have a date of birth, you can narrow the results by adding a middle initial or a partial date of birth. You can also search by case number if you have it, since each case has a unique number. The table below shows how common name matches can affect your search.

You should always review at least the first three pages of results for a name-only search. The right person may not show up at the top of the list, especially if the name has multiple spellings. Use the date of birth filter to speed up the review process.

Matching Case Numbers

Case numbers are the most accurate way to find a specific case, but they can also have errors. Old case numbers from the 1970s and 1980s may use a different format, and some numbers were entered with typos. If your case number search returns no results, try removing the last two digits, since these may be check digits added later.

If you still cannot find the case, contact the clerk’s office with as much detail as you have. The clerk can search the system using the party’s name and date of birth to find the right case number. Always double-check the case number on any paperwork you have, since a single typo can lead to a wrong result.

Duplicate Records

Duplicate records happen when the court enters the same case twice, or when two cases with the same name get linked together. The portal shows these duplicates as separate cases, even though they refer to the same event. You can spot duplicates by looking at the arrest date, charges, and court listed on each record.

If you find a duplicate, you can file a motion with the court to merge the records. The court will review both cases and decide if they should be combined. The clerk’s office can also fix duplicates on its own if the error is clear from the court file.

Outdated Information

Outdated information shows up when the court has not updated a record after a later event. For example, a record may show a pending case that was actually closed years ago. The portal updates daily, but there can be a delay between the court order and the online update.

If you see outdated information, you can contact the clerk’s office to confirm the current status. Th

e clerk can check the court file and tell you if the record needs an update. In some cases, you may need to file a motion to force the court to update the record.

Missing Records

Missing records happen when a case is not in the online system, even though it was filed in the county. This can happen with very old cases, cases that were sealed and then unsealed, or cases where the court file was lost. The portal will not show any result for these cases, even if you have the right name and date of birth.

You can search the paper archives at the courthouse for missing records. The clerk’s office can also check other databases, like the state court system, to find the case. If the record is truly lost, you may need to file a motion with the court to recreate the file from other sources.

Differences Between Record Sources

Criminal records can come from several sources, and each source may show different data. The court record shows the official case data, while police records show arrest data, and state records show sentencing data. You should always check the court record first, since it is the most complete source.

Background check companies pull data from many sources and may show outdated or wrong data. You should not rely on a background check alone, since it may miss recent updates or include sealed records. Always confirm the data with the official court record before making any decision based on a criminal record.

Common Criminal Records Search Problems

You may run into problems when searching for criminal records in Allegheny County, even if you have the right name and date of birth. The most common problems include no record found, wrong spelling, and restricted records. The list below shows the most frequent issues and how to fix them.

• No record found for a valid name and date of birth
• Wrong spelling of the name in the search box
• Wrong case number or missing digits
• Searching the wrong county or jurisdiction
• Record is sealed or expunged
• Record has not been updated yet

No Record Found

If your search returns no record, the person may not have a criminal case in Allegheny County. The person may have a case in another county, or the case may have been expunged. You should also check that you spelled the name correctly and used the right date of birth format.

If you still get no results, try a partial name search, which returns more matches. You can also search by year of birth only, which cuts down on the number of false negatives. If the person was arrested but not charged, the arrest may not show up in the court record.

Incorrect Name or Spelling

Names can be spelled in many ways, and the court may have a different spelling than what you expect. The portal does not fix misspellings automatically, so you need to try different versions of the name. Common variations include dropping a middle name, using a nickname, or changing the order of the first and last names.

If you know the person’s full legal name from a driver’s license or passport, use that spelling. If you do not have a legal name, try the most common spelling of the name, and check for variations in the results. You can also search by date of birth alone, which returns all people born on that day with any name.

Incorrect Case Number

An incorrect case number will return no results, even if the case exists in the system. The most common errors are missing digits, wrong court code, and typos in the number. The case number format for Court of Common Pleas cases is “CP-02-CR-XXXXXX,” where “02” is the county code and “XXXXXX” is the sequence number.

If you have a case number from a different county, it will not work on the Allegheny County portal. You must use the portal for the county where the case was filed. If you do not have the case number, you can search by name and date of birth to find it.

Wrong County or Jurisdiction

Searching the wrong county is a common problem, especially for people who live near county borders. Allegheny County covers Pittsburgh and most of its suburbs, but places like Bethel Park, McKeesport, and Penn Hills are also in Allegheny County. If the person lives outside the county, you must use that county’s portal.

You can check the county by looking at the arrest location or the person’s address at the time of the case. If the address is in Allegheny County, the case should be in the Allegheny County portal. If the address is in another county, you must search that county’s system.

Missing Information

Missing information in your search will lead to too many or too few results. For example, a search with only a first name and last name will return every person with that name in the system, which can be thousands of results. You should always add a date of birth or middle initial to narrow the results.

If you do not have a date of birth, you can use a partial year or a range of years. The portal lets you search by year only, which still narrows the results. You can also add a city of residence to filter out people from other parts of the county.

Restricted Records

Restricted records, such as sealed cases, juvenile cases, and expunged cases, will not show up in your search. The portal hides these records from public view, and you cannot view them without a court order. If you think a record should be there but is not, the case may have been sealed.

You can file a motion with the court to view a sealed record, but the judge will only grant the motion for a valid reason. Common reasons include applying for a job that requires a full background check, seeking an expungement, or working on a legal case that needs the record as evidence.

Delayed Updates

Delayed updates happen when the court enters a new order but the online system has not been updated yet. The delay can be a few hours to a few days, depending on the type of order. If you check the record right after a court hearing, you may not see the latest result.

You should wait at least 24 hours after a court hearing before checking the record. If the record still has not updated after a week, contact the clerk’s office to confirm the status. The clerk can check the court file and tell you when the system will be updated.

Criminal Records and Related Searches

Criminal records are one type of public record, and they overlap with many other searches. You can use the data in criminal records for background checks, court searches, and arrest searches. Each related search shows a different part of the criminal justice system, and you should know the differences before you start.

Criminal Records vs. Criminal History

Criminal records show the details of a single case, while criminal history shows all the cases for a single person. The criminal record is the building block of the criminal history. You can build a criminal history by searching for a person and combining all the cases that come up in the results.

Background check companies use the term “criminal history” to mean a full report on a person, including arrests, convictions, and pending cases. You can build the same report yourself by searching the Allegheny County portal and reviewing every case tied to the person’s name and date of birth.

Criminal Records vs. Criminal Court Records

Criminal records and criminal court records are often the same thing, since the court system is the official keeper of criminal case data. The court record shows the case docket, filings, and orders, while the criminal record also includes arrest data from the police. The court record is the most complete source for case data.

You can view criminal court records on the Allegheny County portal by searching for the case. The portal shows the full docket, including every document filed in the case. The arrest data, like the arresting agency, comes from the police report, which is filed with the court as part of the case.

Criminal Records vs. Arrest Records

Criminal records cover the full case from arrest to disposition, while arrest records only cover the arrest itself. The arrest record shows the date, location, and agency that made the arrest, along with the initial charges. The criminal record adds the court case, plea, and sentence.

You can find arrest records in the criminal record once the case is filed, since the police report is part of the court file. You can also get arrest records directly from the police agency that made the arrest. The police agency may charge a fee for the arrest report.

Criminal Records vs. Background Checks

Criminal records are one part of a background check, but a background check also includes other data, like credit history, employment history, and education verification. You can do a criminal record search yourself, but a full background check usually requires a company that pulls data from many sources.

Employers and landlords often use background check companies, which charge a fee for each search. You can save money by doing a criminal record search yourself first, then paying for a full background check only if you need the other data. The Allegheny County portal is free for basic criminal record searches.

Criminal Records vs. Jail Records

Criminal records show the court case, while jail records show the person’s time in jail. The jail record shows the booking date, release date, and any programs the person took part in while in jail. The criminal record shows the charges and sentence that led to the jail time.

You can get jail records from the Allegheny County Jail, which is run by the county sheriff’s office. The jail record is separate from the court record, but the two are linked by the case number. You should check both records if you need a full picture of the person’s time in the criminal justice system.

Criminal Records vs. Public Records

Criminal records are a type of public record, but public records also include civil cases, marriage licenses, property records, and many other types of data. The Allegheny County portal only covers criminal records, so you need to use other portals for other public records.

Public records are open to anyone, but some records have restricted data, like Social Security numbers, that are removed before the record is posted online. You can use public records for many purposes, from genealogy research to business due diligence. Always check the rules for each type of record before using the data.

Contact Information

You can reach the Allegheny County Criminal Records office using the details below. The office is located in the courthouse in downtown Pittsburgh, and you can call during business hours for help with your search or record request.

• Office: Allegheny County Criminal Court Records
• Address: Criminal Records at 220 Courthouse, Pittsburgh, PA
• Phone: 412-350-6075
• Phone: 412-350-5320

The office is open Monday through Friday during regular business hours. You can call to ask about record searches, certified copies, and court procedures. The clerk’s office staff can also help you find the right case number or correct errors in a criminal record.

Frequently Asked Questions

Criminal records in Allegheny County help people confirm identity, meet job requirements, and protect personal safety. Access comes from the county court’s online portal or in‑person at the Criminal Court location in Pittsburgh. Knowing how to search, what fees apply, and which records are public can save time and avoid mistakes.

How can I search Allegheny County criminal records online?

Visit the official Allegheny County Court portal and enter a full name, date of birth, or case number. The site returns arrest details, charge descriptions, and conviction outcomes from the Court of Common Pleas and Magisterial District Courts. Results appear within seconds. If you lack a case number, start with the name and DOB, then refine using the case list that appears.

What information is included in a Pittsburgh PA criminal record?

A Pittsburgh record shows the defendant’s name, birth date, arrest date, charge classification, filing court, and final disposition. It may also list sentencing, probation terms, and any appeals. The portal flags sealed or expunged items, so only active or public data appears. This snapshot helps employers, landlords, and volunteers verify background facts.

Can I request Allegheny County criminal records by mail?

Yes. Write a request to the Criminal Records Division at 220 Courthouse, Pittsburgh, PA, and include the subject’s full name, DOB, and any known case number. Attach a copy of a government ID and a $10 check payable to Allegheny County. Mail the package to 412‑350‑6075. Processing takes 7‑10 business days, after which the office mails a certified copy.

How do I find a specific case number for an Allegheny County criminal case?

Start with the online portal’s “Case Search” field. Enter the subject’s name and filter by year or charge type. The results list all matching cases with case numbers, filing dates, and status. Click a case to view full details, then note the number for future requests or legal use.

What should I do if the Allegheny County criminal record I need is sealed?

Sealed records do not appear in the public portal. Contact the Allegheny County Court clerk and file a petition for access, citing a legitimate need such as employment or licensing. Include supporting documents, the petitioner’s ID, and any court orders that require disclosure. Approval may take 30‑45 days, after which the clerk provides a copy.