What are Carbon County Public Records?
Public records are defined as information that is maintained by a government agency and is available for public inspection and retrieval. There are many different types of public records, including birth and death certificates, criminal records, property records, and court records. The Pennsylvania Right to Know Law governs the dissemination of public records in the state of Pennsylvania.
The Right to Know Law gives the public the right to access certain government records, subject to certain exceptions. Records that are exempt from disclosure include but are not limited to: confidential law enforcement investigatory documents; medical or health records; personnel files; student educational records; and trade secrets. These records may be accessed through government-run repositories and custodians.
In addition to government agencies, some public records may also be accessible from third-party websites. These non-government platforms come with intuitive tools that allow for expansive searches. Record seekers may either opt to use these tools to search for a specific record or multiple records. However, users will need to provide enough information to assist with the search such as:
- The name of the subject involved in the record (subject must be older than 18 or not juvenile)
- The address of the requestor
- A case number or file number (if known)
- The location of the document or person involved
- The last known or current address of the registrant
Third-party sites are not sponsored by government agencies. Because of this, record availability and results may vary.
Carbon County Crime Statistics
According to statistics collated by the Pennsylvania State Police's Uniform Crime Reporting System, there were 1,931 reported criminal incidents in Carbon County in 2019. Of these, 1,490 were classified as Part I offenses and 441 were Part II offenses.
The most common Part I offense in Carbon County was larceny/theft, with 966 reported incidents. This was followed by burglary (316), motor vehicle theft (206), and aggravated assault (183). There were also 24 reports of homicide and 70 reports of rape.
The most common Part II offense in Carbon County was simple assault, with 296 reported incidents. This was followed by disorderly conduct (131), drug abuse violations (110), and DUI (103).
The overall crime rate in Carbon County was 9.9 incidents per 1,000 residents. The Part I crime rate was 7.4 per 1,000 residents, while the Part II crime rate was 2.5 per 1,000 residents.
There were a total of 593 arrests made in Carbon County in 2019. The most common offense leading to an arrest was larceny/theft, with 195 arrests. This was followed by drug abuse violations (101), burglary (78), and simple assault (71).
The overall arrest rate in Carbon County was 3.1 per 1,000 residents. The Part I arrest rate was 2.0 per 1,000 residents, while the Part II arrest rate was 1.1 per 1,000 residents.
Are Carbon County Criminal Records Public?
Yes, under the provisions of Pennsylvania’s Right to Know Law, Carbon county criminal records are public information unless otherwise prescribed by a judicial order. While the Carbon County Sheriff’s office is the primary law enforcement agency in the jurisdiction, criminal history requests are primarily made through the Pennsylvania State Police Central Repository. The repository typically provides information regarding:
- Convictions of persons within state limits
- Criminal charges that are under three years after the initial arrest (that is, for which the repository is yet to receive a disposition)
- The charges for which an arrest warrant has been issued.
Interested members of the public may request Carbon county criminal records by sending a mail to the Sheriff’s office at:
Sheriff of Carbon County
P.O. Box 147
Jim Thorpe, PA 18229
Phone: (570) 325-2821
Fax: (570) 325-7860
On the Epatch website, requestors will be required to provide information to facilitate the search. This will include the purpose for their request and the name, birth date and relevant personal information of the record-holder. In addition, the requestor will be required to provide their personal and contact information and pay a fee of $22. These must be submitted along with the required photo identification to during the request process. Subsequently, the requesting party will the provided the requested record and may be allowed to print or mail it to their respective addresses. Requests for notarized copies attract an additional fee of $5.
Depending on the nature of the request, the requesting party may download and complete one of the following forms:
- SP 4-164 Form (Request for criminal record check)
- SP 4-164A Form (Request for criminal record check - Volunteer Only)
- SP 4-164 (Request for individual access and review/ Not for employment purposes)
How to Obtain Carbon County Police Reports and Arrest Records?
Interested members of the public may request to obtain Carbon County police reports and Carbon county arrest records by querying the county sheriff’s office.
The office accepts requests in person and via mail, and requestors will be required to pay a nominal fee to cover the cost of producing copies.
To obtain a copy of a police report, the requesting party will need to provide the following information:
- Their name and contact information
- The incident number or case number
- The names of the individuals involved in the incident
- The date of the incident
- The location of the incident
To obtain arrest records, the requestor will be required to furnish the office with:
- The name of the individual who was arrested
- The date of the arrest
- The case number or booking number
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Carbon County
Carbon county residents can find sex offender information on the Pennsylvania Megan’s Law website. The site provides information on offenders who are required to register under Pennsylvania’s Sexual Offender Registration and Notification Law. Users can search for offenders by name, county, municipality, zip code, or within a certain radius of a given address. The site also provides mapping capabilities and allows users to sign up for email notifications when an offender moves into their neighborhood.
The Pennsylvania Megan’s Law website is a valuable resource for Carbon county residents who want to stay informed about sex offenders in their community. By using the site’s search features, users can easily find information on offenders living nearby. The site’s email notification system is also a useful tool for keeping track of sex offenders in the area.
The Carbon county sheriffs office also maintains sex offender information of offenders within county limits.
How to Find Carbon County Inmate Records
Interested members of the public may find county inmate records in Carbon County, by contacting the Carbon County Correctional Facility. To do so, the requesting party may mail or submit a written request to:
Carbon County Correctional Facility
331 Broad Street
Nesquehoning, PA 18240-1801
Phone: (570) 325-2211
Fax: (570) 325-5212
Requestors are typically required to provide the information needed to facilitate the record search including the inmate’s full name and ID number. They may also be required to provide the date of birth of the inmate of interest.
How Do I Visit an Inmate in Carbon County Jail?
To visit an inmate in the Carbon County Correctional Facility, interested individuals must first schedule an appointment with the jail. Appointments can be made by calling the jail or visiting their website. During the appointment, visitors will be required to present a valid form of identification and go through a security screening. Additional inmate visitation guidelines include a dress code and prohibiting items such as food, drinks, weapons, and electronics.
Carbon county inmates are also allowed to receive letters, cards, and photos from friends and family. These items must be sent through the mail and are subject to censorship by jail staff. Inmates are also able to make phone calls, though these calls may be monitored and recorded. Finally, inmates in Carbon County, Pennsylvania may also purchase items from the commissary, including snacks, hygiene products, and other personal items. To send money to an inmate, interested individuals can credit the inmates’ account through the jail’s website or by calling the jail directly.
Requestors may deposit the amount at the deposit kiosk located at the Carbon County Correctional Facility via cash or credit card. For telephone payments, the requesting party may call (814) 949-3303, and for trust deposits, call (888) 988-4768.
Carbon County Court Records
The Carbon County Court system is comprised of three levels: the Court of Common Pleas, which handles felony criminal cases and civil cases involving more than $200; Magisterial District Courts, which handle criminal misdemeanour cases and small claim civil actions; and Orphans' Courts, which handle probate matters, adoptions, and guardianships. There are nine magisterial district judges and two orphans' court judges in Carbon County.
The following are the addresses and contact information of all the courts in the county:
Carbon County Court of Common Pleas - Clerk of Courts (Criminal)
Carbon County Courthouse
4 Broadway,
P.O. Box 107,
Jim Thorpe, PA 18229
Phone: (570) 325-3637
Fax: (570) 325-5705
Carbon County Court of Common Pleas - Prothonotary (Civil)
Carbon County Courthouse
4 Broadway,
P.O. Box 130,
Jim Thorpe, PA 18229
Phone: (570) 325-2481
Fax: (570) 325-8047
Carbon County Orphans' Court
Carbon County Courthouse Annex
2 Hazard Square,
P.O. Box 286,
Jim Thorpe, PA 18229
Phone: (570) 325-2261
Fax: (570) 325-5098
Carbon County Magisterial District Court
340 Center Ave,
P.O. Box 356, ‘
Jim Thorpe, PA 18229
Phone: (570) 325-2751
Fax: (570) 325-5538
Carbon County Magisterial District Court 56-3-02
401 Delaware Ave,
Palmerton, PA 18071
Phone: (610) 826-3707
Fax: (610) 826-6914
Carbon County Magisterial District Court 56-3-03
417 E Ridge St,
P.O. Box 203,
Lansford, PA 18232
Phone: (570) 645-3024
Fax: (570) 645-5544
Carbon County Magisterial District Court 56-3-04
200 Carbon St,
P.O. Box 17,
Weatherly, PA 18255
Phone: (570) 427-4100
Fax: (570) 427-8730
Are Carbon County Court Records Public?
Yes, court records are public in Carbon County, Pennsylvania. However, there may be some restrictions on what information is available and how it can be accessed. For example, juvenile records may not be available to the general public. To get access to court records, interested members of the public may need to contact the county courthouse or clerk of court's office.
How to Obtain Carbon County Civil Court Case Records
Carbon county civil court case records are maintained by the county court of common pleas. To obtain records from the office, requestors may query the office in person or use the Civil Case Search form. To search online, the requesting party will be required to provide the name or case ID of the case participant or the case.
For in-person requests, submit a written request to:
Carbon County Courthouse
4 Broadway,
P.O. Box 107,
Jim Thorpe, PA 18229
How to Obtain Carbon County Criminal Court Records
Interested members of the public may obtain criminal court case records in Carbon county by querying the office of the Clerk of Courts. The county website provides an online records search portal that can be used to locate case information. Alternatively, members of the public may request copies of criminal court records in person or by mail. Fees may apply.
To query criminal court records online, visit the Carbon County website and navigate to the “Online Records” page. On this page, enter the desired search criteria into the provided fields and click “Search”. Results will populate below the search fields. To narrow down the results, additional search criteria can be entered. Once you have located the desired record, click on the hyperlinked case number to view more detailed information about the case. If you are unable to find the desired information online, you may request copies of criminal court records in person or by mail.
To request records in person, visit the office of the Clerk of Courts during business hours. The office is located at:
Carbon County Courthouse
Clerk of Courts Office
30 Broadway Avenue
Jim Thorpe, PA 18229
When requesting records in person, please be prepared to pay any applicable fees and present a government-issued photo ID. To request records by mail, send a written request to the office of the Clerk of Courts at the address listed above. In your written request, please include the desired search criteria and indicate whether you would like copies of the records or if you will be picking them up in person. Please also include a stamped, self-addressed envelope if you would like the records mailed to you. Lastly, please include any applicable fees or indicate that you will be paying in person.
It is important to note that criminal court records in Carbon County are public records and may be accessed by anyone. However, there are some exceptions. For example, juvenile records and certain types of sealed records are not available to the general public.
What are Carbon County Vital Records?
Vital records in Carbon County, Pennsylvania include birth, death, marriage, and divorce records. These records are maintained by the Carbon County Register of Wills and Recorder of Deeds. Birth and death records are available from 1852 to present, while marriage and divorce records are available from 1885 to present. To obtain copies of these records, interested individuals must submit a written request to the office, along with the required fees.
Carbon county vital records are also available through the Pennsylvania Department of Health Vital Records Division. The state Bureau of Health Statistics and Registries serves as the official custodian of Pennsylvania vital records dating back to 1906. Vital record requests may be made in person, via mail or online through the Bureau’s official website.
Where and How to Obtain Carbon County Divorce Records
Carbon County, Pennsylvania offers residents several options for obtaining divorce records. The Carbon County Court of Common Pleas is the best place to start, as they will have a complete record of all divorces that have been finalized in the county.
Alternatively, requestors may contact the Carbon County Recorder of Deeds office. This office keeps track of all public records for the county, including divorce records.
Finally, residents can also request copies of divorce records from the Pennsylvania State Archives. This state agency maintains a large collection of public records, including divorce records. There may be a fee for requesting copies of these records.
To request records from the Carbon county recorder of deeds office, the requesting party will need to fill out a records request form. This form can be obtained from the recorder of deeds office or online at the county website. The form will need to be accompanied by a government-issued photo ID and the appropriate fee. The form may be submitted in person or via mail to:
Carbon County Administration Bldg
2 Hazard Square, 1st Floor
P.O. Box 89
Jim Thorpe, PA 18229
Where and How to Get Public Carbon County Marriage Records
To obtain a copy of a marriage record in Carbon County Pennsylvania, interested persons will need to contact the Carbon County Orphan Court Clerk at:
Carbon County Courthouse
P.O. Box 286
Jim Thorpe, PA 18229
Phone: (570) 325-2261
Fax: (570) 325-5098
To request the record, the requesting party will be required to download and complete the Marriage Certificate Request Form. Marriage licenses from 1885 to present are available at this office, and a valid form of identification is required in order to obtain a copy of a marriage record.
Where and How to Find Carbon County Birth Records
Interested members of the public may obtain copies of birth records in Carbon County, by requesting them from the Pennsylvania Department of Public Health. Requestors will be required to download and complete an Application for Birth Certificate. To be eligible to make birth record requests, the requesting party must either be named on the record, be a direct relative of the subject of the record or they must be authorized by a judicial order. The completed application must be submitted in person or via mail along with the appopriate fee to:
Pennsylvania Department of Health
Division of Vital Records
P.O. Box 1528
New Castle, PA 16103
Where and How to Find Carbon County Death Records
The eligibility requirement to get a hold of death records in Carbon County is that the person requesting for the certificate should have a direct and tangible interest on the deceased individual. The office requires a government-issued photo ID upon request. Fees may also apply.
For those who are eligible to obtain the death certificate of a deceased individual in Carbon County, Pennsylvania, follow these steps:
- Request for the death certificate through mail, fax, or in person at the Vital Records office. Include the necessary information and requirements needed such as the full name of the deceased, the date of death, their relationship to the deceased, and a government-issued photo ID. The required information should be indicated on the completed Application for a Death Certificate.
- Submit payment for the processing fee of $20 per copy of the death certificate. Fees may vary for additional copies.
- Wait for the Vital Records office to process the request. The death certificate will be mailed to the requestor within 10-14 business days.
