Delaware County Public Records /Delaware County Criminal Records

Delaware County Criminal Records

How To Look Up Criminal Records In Delaware County in 2026

Members of the public seeking criminal records in Delaware County, Pennsylvania may access publicly available information through official county, state, and court resources. DelawarePARecords.us aggregates publicly available data that may relate to criminal history records maintained by government agencies in Delaware County. Records accessible through official channels may include the following categories:

Arrest records and booking information
Court case filings and criminal dockets
Conviction records and sentencing details
Active warrants and protective orders
Sex offender registration data
Probation and parole status (where publicly disclosed)
Dismissed, acquitted, and expunged case notations (where applicable)

The availability and completeness of any record depends on the originating agency, the nature of the case, and applicable state law. Not all records are available online, and some categories are restricted by statute or court order.

Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following five methods outline the primary avenues available to members of the public under current Pennsylvania law.

1. County Court Records

The Delaware County Court of Common Pleas maintains criminal case files for all matters processed through the county's judicial system. The Office of Judicial Support serves as the official custodian of court records, including criminal dockets, case filings, and disposition records. Members of the public may inspect records in person at the courthouse during regular business hours. A valid government-issued photo ID is required for certain requests. Public access terminals are available on-site for self-service searches.

Delaware County Court of Common Pleas – Office of Judicial Support
201 W. Front Street
Media, PA 19063
Phone: (610) 891-4370
Office of Judicial Support

2. Sheriff's Office

The Delaware County Sheriff's Office maintains records related to civil process, arrests, and related law enforcement activities. Members of the public may submit requests for available records through the Sheriff's administrative office. The Sheriff's Office telephone directory lists direct contact numbers for specific divisions, including the Civil Process Supervisor at (610) 891-4298.

Delaware County Sheriff's Office
201 W. Front Street
Media, PA 19063
Phone: (610) 891-4309 (Administrative)
Sheriff's Office

3. Online Court Search

The Delaware County public access portal provides online access to Court of Common Pleas criminal dockets and other Pennsylvania court records. Users may search by defendant name, case number, or docket number. The portal links to the statewide Pennsylvania court docket search system, which indexes cases across all 67 counties. Searches by case number yield the most precise results. Not all historical records are available in digital format, and sealed or expunged records do not appear in online search results.

4. State Criminal History Repository

The Pennsylvania State Police maintain the Commonwealth's central criminal history repository. Members of the public may submit a formal request through the Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History (PATCH) system, an online portal administered by the Pennsylvania State Police. The PATCH system processes name-based searches for a fee of $22 per request (subject to change). Employers and certain agencies may require fingerprint-based searches, which are processed separately. The Pennsylvania State Police note that "its purpose is to better enable the public to obtain criminal history record information." Processing times vary; online requests are fulfilled more rapidly than mail submissions. Members of the public may also request a criminal history background check directly through the Commonwealth's service portal.

Pennsylvania State Police – Central Repository
1800 Elmerton Avenue
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Phone: (717) 783-5592
Pennsylvania State Police

5. Written/Mail Requests

Members of the public who are unable to submit requests in person or online may submit written requests by mail to the Office of Judicial Support or the Sheriff's Office at 201 W. Front Street, Media, PA 19063. Written requests must include the subject's full legal name, date of birth, and the specific records sought. Under Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law, 65 P.S. § 67.901, agencies are required to respond to written requests within five business days, with the possibility of a 30-day extension upon written notice.

What Is Delaware County Criminal Records

A criminal record in Delaware County is an official compilation of documented interactions between an individual and the criminal justice system, maintained by law enforcement agencies, courts, and state repositories. Under Pennsylvania law, criminal history record information is defined pursuant to 18 Pa. C.S. § 9102 as information collected by criminal justice agencies concerning individuals, arising from the initiation of a criminal proceeding.

The distinction between record types is significant for legal and practical purposes:

Arrest records vs. conviction records: An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody; it does not indicate guilt. A conviction record reflects a formal finding of guilt by plea or verdict.
Felony vs. misdemeanor records: Felonies are the more serious classification and carry greater penalties. Misdemeanors are lesser offenses but remain part of the permanent criminal record unless expunged.
Adult vs. juvenile records: Adult criminal records are subject to public access under state law. Juvenile records are confidential by statute and are not available to the general public.
Active warrants vs. historical records: Active warrants reflect outstanding judicial orders for arrest. Historical records document past proceedings regardless of current warrant status.

The agencies responsible for maintaining criminal records in Delaware County include the Delaware County Sheriff's Office (arrest and jail records), the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas (court case files, dockets, and dispositions), the Pennsylvania State Police central repository (statewide criminal history), and local municipal police departments (incident and arrest reports). Records are created at the point of arrest and updated at each stage of the criminal justice process, including arraignment, preliminary hearing, plea, trial, sentencing, and any subsequent appeals or modifications.

A complete criminal record may include charges filed, arraignment details, plea agreements, trial outcomes, sentencing orders (including type and length of incarceration, fines, restitution, and conditions of supervision), and probation or parole status where publicly disclosed.

Are Criminal Records Public In Delaware County

Criminal records in Delaware County are subject to public access under Pennsylvania's Criminal History Record Information Act, codified at 18 Pa. C.S. § 9121, which governs the dissemination of criminal history record information to the public. Under current law, conviction data — including the offense, disposition, and sentencing information — is available to any requester without a stated purpose. Court proceedings in the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas are public record, and criminal dockets are accessible through the Office of Judicial Support.

Certain categories of records are restricted or exempt from public disclosure:

Juvenile records: Confidential by statute; not available to the general public
Sealed records: Restricted by court order; not accessible without judicial authorization
Expunged records: Removed from public access upon court order; may still exist in law enforcement databases
Ongoing investigations: Exempt from disclosure to protect investigative integrity
Victim and witness identifying information: Protected under state and federal law
Pardoned offenses: May be removed from public criminal history upon gubernatorial pardon

The Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law, 65 P.S. § 67.708, enumerates specific exemptions applicable to criminal justice records, including records that would jeopardize an ongoing investigation or endanger individuals. Federal records maintained by the FBI are governed by separate federal statutes and are not subject to Pennsylvania's open records framework.

How To Find Criminal Records in Delaware County Online

Official County Resources

The Delaware County public access portal provides direct access to Court of Common Pleas criminal dockets and links to the statewide Pennsylvania court docket search. The Office of Judicial Support maintains the county's official case management system. The County Clerk's office also maintains public records accessible to members of the public during regular business hours. No registration is required to search publicly available court dockets through the county portal.

State-Level Resources

The PATCH system administered by the Pennsylvania State Police provides statewide criminal history searches. The Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System's web portal (ujsportal.pacourts.us) indexes criminal dockets from all Pennsylvania courts of common pleas and magisterial district courts. The Pennsylvania State Police also maintains resources for background check requests at the state level.

Search Tips

Search using the subject's full legal name and any known aliases
Case number searches yield the most precise and reliable results
Cross-reference multiple databases, as records may be distributed across county and state systems
Note that records predating digital indexing may not appear in online searches
Sealed and expunged records do not appear in any public online database

Limitations

Online databases may reflect a data lag of several days to weeks following a court event. Historical records predating electronic filing systems may require in-person requests. Online searches do not constitute an official background check and are not a substitute for a certified criminal history report from the Pennsylvania State Police.

Can You Search Delaware County Criminal Records for Free

Free Options

1. In-Person Inspection: Pennsylvania law mandates that members of the public have the right to inspect public records without charge. Copying fees apply to reproductions. Public access terminals at the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas allow free self-service searches of criminal dockets. The Office of Judicial Support at 201 W. Front Street, Media, PA 19063, provides in-person access during regular business hours.

2. Free Online Databases: The Delaware County public access portal and the statewide Pennsylvania court docket search are available at no cost. The criminal dockets page maintained by the Office of Judicial Support provides free access to case filings processed through local District Justices.

3. Sheriff's Logs: The Delaware County Sheriff's Office maintains records related to civil process and law enforcement activities. Members of the public may inquire about the availability of arrest and booking logs through the Sheriff's administrative office.

What Costs Money

Service	Estimated Fee
Certified copy of court record	$5–$10 per document (subject to change)
PATCH criminal history search	$22 per name-based search
Fingerprint-based background check	Varies by processing agency
Staff-assisted record searches	Varies by agency
Expedited processing	Additional fee where available

State Fee Law

Under the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law, 65 P.S. § 67.1307, agencies may charge fees for duplication of records but may not charge for the inspection of records. Fee waivers may be available in limited circumstances as determined by the agency's open records officer.

What's Included in a Delaware County Criminal Record

Identifying Information

A Delaware County criminal record may include the subject's full legal name and known aliases, date of birth, physical description, photograph (mugshot), last known address, State Identification Number (SID), and FBI number where applicable.

Arrest Information

Arrest records document the date and time of arrest, the arresting agency, booking number, charges filed at the time of arrest, bail or bond conditions, and the jail facility where the individual was held.

Court Case Information

Court records maintained by the Office of Judicial Support include the case number, court and jurisdiction, filing date, charges and applicable statutes (with felony or misdemeanor classification), plea entered, and attorney of record.

Disposition

Disposition records reflect the verdict or outcome, conviction date where applicable, sentencing details (type and length of incarceration, fines, restitution, and conditions of supervision), any appeals filed, and probation or parole status where publicly disclosed.

Additional Record Elements

Active or recalled warrants
Protective orders
Sex offender registration status
DUI/DWI adjudications
Traffic violations processed through the criminal court
Pending charges

NOT Included in Public Criminal Records

Juvenile records (confidential by statute)
Expunged or sealed records
Records from other states or jurisdictions
Federal criminal records
Charges resolved through completed diversion programs

Accuracy Note

Members of the public who identify errors in their own criminal record may petition the originating agency or the court for correction. Under 18 Pa. C.S. § 9121, individuals have the right to challenge the accuracy and completeness of their criminal history record information maintained by the Pennsylvania State Police.

How Long Does Delaware County Keep Criminal Records

Legal Requirements

Pennsylvania courts and criminal justice agencies are subject to records retention schedules established by the Pennsylvania State Records Committee and the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts. Retention periods vary by record type and agency.

Retention by Type

Record Type	Retention Period
Felony convictions	Permanent
Misdemeanor convictions	Permanent
Arrest records (no conviction)	Permanent (disposition noted)
Dismissed or acquitted cases	Permanent (disposition noted)
Juvenile records	Sealed at age 18; destruction eligibility varies by offense
Pending cases	Retained until final resolution

Juvenile records are governed by the Pennsylvania Juvenile Act and are not subject to the same public retention rules as adult records. Eligibility for destruction of juvenile records depends on the nature of the offense and the individual's subsequent record.

Agency Differences

County courts: The Delaware County Court of Common Pleas retains criminal case files permanently in accordance with state judicial records retention rules.
Sheriff and jail records: Retention periods for booking and jail records are governed by county policy and state administrative schedules.
State repository: The Pennsylvania State Police retain conviction records permanently. The PATCH system reflects the current state of the central repository.

Physical vs. Electronic Records

Electronic records are retained for longer periods than paper records. Paper documents may be destroyed after scanning and indexing into electronic systems, provided the electronic copy is certified as a true and accurate reproduction.

Destruction vs. Sealing vs. Expungement

Destruction refers to the physical or electronic elimination of a record.
Sealing restricts public access to a record without eliminating it from law enforcement databases.
Expungement is a court-ordered process that removes a record from public access and, in some cases, directs agencies to destroy their copies. Under Pennsylvania law, expungement eligibility is governed by 18 Pa. C.S. § 9122, which sets forth the circumstances under which a petition for expungement may be filed, including summary offense convictions after five years with no subsequent arrests, charges that resulted in acquittal or dismissal, and ARD (Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition) program completions.

Old Records Access

Records predating electronic filing systems may require special in-person requests at the Office of Judicial Support or through the Pennsylvania State Archives. Some older records may be available only in paper format.

Federal Records

Criminal records maintained by the FBI are governed by federal law and are retained separately from state and county records. Federal records are not subject to Pennsylvania's expungement statutes.

Practical Implications

Felony and misdemeanor convictions remain on a subject's criminal record permanently unless expunged by court order. Employment background checks conducted under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) are subject to a seven-year reporting limitation for certain non-conviction records, though convictions may be reported without time limitation. Professional licensing boards in Pennsylvania may require full disclosure of criminal history regardless of the age of the record. Even if a county agency destroys physical records, electronic copies may exist in state databases unless the record has been legally expunged pursuant to a valid court order.