Luzerne County Arrest, Court, and Public Records

What are Luzerne County Public Records?

Per the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law, Luzerne County public records are documents in recording or writing that are in the custody of a public agency. Public agencies are required by law to provide access to public documents in physical or digital format. Thus, public documents may exist as books, charters, maps, symbols, reports, graphs, photographs, audio or video recordings, emails, and SMS. Nonetheless, the Right-to-Know Law exempts certain documents from public view. Exempted documents mostly contain confidential and sensitive information which may violate the privacy or safety of an individual or entity. Under the 65 Pa. Stat. § 67.708, these documents are exempt from public view:

Medical, psychiatric, or psychological records that may violate the privacy of the record subject;
Information about attorney-client privilege;
Law enforcement agencies' investigatory files and procedures;
Government personnel data and similar files, such as salary information and investigations of employee misconduct (if the charges are untrue after due investigations);
Architectural and official building plans of government-owned facilities that exposes vulnerabilities in configuration or security in critical system
Voters' registration information, such as email address, home address, and other identifying information;
Sealed or expunged criminal records;
Minutes of the meeting of public entities closed to the public;
All or part of a document containing information about an individual's social security number, personal financial information, and driver's license;
Trade secrets or negotiations filed with a public agency for licensing purposes;
Public documents containing information about the identity of informants in a law enforcement investigation;
Information security records that may reveal vulnerabilities to a public agency's information technology system;
Preliminary notes, drafts, inter or intra-agency memoranda which are not used or retained by a public agency in decision-making;
Pending litigation that involves a public agency or entity;
Juvenile records and information

Public county records may also be accessible from third-party websites. Record seekers may opt to use these non-governmental platforms to search for a specific record or multiple county records. However, users will need to provide enough information to assist with the search, such as:

The address of the requestor;
A case number or file number (if known);
The location of the document or person involved;
The name of the subject involved in the record (not juvenile);
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.

Luzerne County Crime Statistics

The Luzerne County Sheriff's Department is responsible for keeping records of all arrest events and accidents within the county. Furthermore, it creates an annual crime statistic for all crime reports collated from the county's law enforcement agencies. Per the Pennsylvania Uniform Crime Report, Luzerne County recorded a total of 9,972 index crimes, including 4,558 property crimes and 5,414 violent crimes in 2019. The listed index crimes include 17 murders, 119 rapes, 167 robberies, 518 aggravated assaults, 721 burglaries, 3,619 larceny thefts, 216 motor vehicle thefts, and 35 arson.

Are Luzerne County Criminal Records Public?

Under the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law, not all Luzerne criminal records are accessible to public members. Criminal records are exempt from public view if they contain:

Juvenile criminal records. Only the record subject and authorized persons or entities can request and obtain juvenile records;
Sealed or expunged criminal records;
Identity of crime victims, witnesses, and complainants.

The Luzerne County Clerk of Courts is the primary record custodian for all criminal records generated by the county courts. Thus, interested persons can access Luzerne County court records by contacting the Clerk of Courts at:

200 North River Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711
Phone: (570) 825-1585
Fax: (570) 825-1843

The Luzerne County Clerk of Courts attends to in-person requests on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. At the same time, Luzerne County criminal records are obtainable via the Pennsylvania State Police. As the custodian of criminal records, the PSP enables requesters to get criminal records via mail or online requests.

Record seekers can search for criminal records on the PSP's online platform. There are two search options on the platform: "registered users" and "volunteers/free user" option. The registered user option requires record seekers to create an account. In contrast, volunteers can search for criminal records using the "Volunteer Search" option. However, the volunteer search option does not issue notarized copies of Luzerne County criminal records. Requesters using the volunteer search option must provide this information:

Volunteer organization name and contact details;
Record subject's name and addresses;
Requester's email address and phone number.

To use the mail request option, requesters must follow these steps:

Fill out one of these forms to obtain criminal records from the PSP's database.
1. Criminal History Request Form - SP4-164;
2. Criminal History Request Form: Volunteer Only- SP4-164A.
To include searches for additional criminal records from other law enforcement agencies, requesters may fill out the Criminal History Request Form: Volunteer Only- SP4-164A;
Include a search fee as a certified check or money order payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania;
Send the above listed documents and fees to:

Pennsylvania State Police Central Repository - RCPU
1800 Elmerton Avenue
Harrisburg, PA 17110-9758

It costs $22 for a standard record check. Furthermore, record seekers must pay a $5 notarization fee to notarize the criminal record. However, volunteers can conduct criminal records checks for free. Additional copies of criminal records cost $20.

Furthermore, the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial Branch maintains and issues online copies of Luzerne County criminal records upon request. To view criminal records on the online platform, interested persons may search by docket number, complainant number, OTN, Attorney, incident number, participant name, or SID.

How to Obtain Luzerne County Police Reports and Arrest Records

Luzerne County Sheriff's Office, via the Records Facility, is the custodian of police reports and arrest reports generated by different law enforcement bodies within the county. That said, interested persons or entities can obtain Luzerne County police reports or arrest records from the Records facility at:

85 Young Street
Hanover Township, PA 18706.

Alternatively, the Pennsylvania State Police maintains criminal records and police reports. For instance, interested persons can obtain copies of crash reports via these steps:

Complete a request form;
Attach a $22 certified check or money order payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania;
Send these documents to:

Attention: Crash Reports Unit
1800 Elmerton Avenue
Harrisburg, PA 17110.

How to Find Sex Offender Information in Luzerne County

Pennsylvania Police Department, via the Megan's Law website, maintains and updates information on all sex offenders residing in Luzerne County. Per the 42 Pa.C.S. § 9799.28 and § 9799.63, information on registered and absconded sex offenders are accessible to public members via the website. Through the website, record seekers can search for offenders by county, name, non-compliance, sexually violent delinquent children, sexually violent predators, and transient offenders.

How to Find Luzerne County Inmate Records

The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections maintains an online database for all incarcerated or paroled inmates in Luzerne County. Record seekers can find Luzerne County Inmate Records on the online database by filing out:

The offender's name;
Inmate number;
Birth date;
race/ethnicity;
The county where the crime was recorded;
Current location

How Do I Visit an Inmate in Luzerne County

Professional and non-professional visitors can visit inmates housed at the Luzerne County Prison.

99 Water Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
Phone: (570) 825-1590

Visitors must schedule an appointment before visiting inmates. Furthermore, the Luzerne County Prison provides access to a downloadable visitation schedule list. During visitation, all visitors must follows these guidelines:

Parents or guardians must accompany children less than 18 years old;
Adult visitors must present a valid photo ID, and a birth certificate for children visitors;
Legal guardians visiting with a child must present guardianship papers, the child's birth certificate, and a social security card.

Luzerne Court Records

The Luzerne County Clerk of Courts is the primary custodian of court records generated in the county. Furthermore, the court has jurisdiction over court cases, such as civil, criminal, and juvenile court cases. In addition to this, the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania enables record seekers to view and obtain court documents online.

Location of All Courts in Luzerne County

Luzerne County is home to the following courts:

Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas
Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas - Clerk of Court (Criminal)
Luzerne County Courthouse
200 North River Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711
Phone: (570) 825-1585
Fax: (570) 825-1843

Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas - Prothonotary (Civil)
Luzerne County Courthouse
200 North River Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711
Phone: (570) 825-1745
Fax: (570) 825-1757

Luzerne County Orphans' Court
Physical: 153 North River Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711
Phone: (570) 825-1668
Fax: (570) 970-4580
Mail address:
200 North River Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711

Luzerne County Magisterial District Courts

Luzerne County Magisterial District Court 11-1-01
100 Hazle Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
Phone: (570) 825-7373
Fax: (570) 970-2568

Luzerne County Magisterial District Court 11-1-02
100 Hazle Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
Phone: (570) 825-8488
Fax: (570) 970-2564

Luzerne County Magisterial District Court 11-1-03
615 East Broad Street
Hazleton, PA 18201
Phone: (570) 455-9467
Fax: (70) 501-8981

Luzerne County Magisterial District Court 11-1-04
35 Broad Street
Pittston, PA 18640
Phone: (570) 655-0552
Fax: (570) 602-8297

Luzerne County Magisterial District Court 11-1-05
Kingston Municipal Building
500 Wyoming Avenue
Kingston, PA 18704
Phone: (570) 287-2800
Fax: (570) 714-7568

Luzerne County Magisterial District Court 11-1-06
2009 Wyoming Avenue
Forty Fort, PA 18704
Phone: (570) 287-2341
Fax: (570) 714-7564

Luzerne County Magisterial District Court 11-2-01
Municipal Building
555 Exeter Avenue
West Pittston, PA 18643
Phone: (570) 655-0177
Fax: (570) 602-8296

Luzerne County Magisterial District Court 11-2-03
1460 Sans Souci Parkway
Hanover Township, PA 18706
Phone: (570) 825-8890
Fax: (570) 970-8893

Luzerne County Magisterial District Court 11-3-01
33 West Union Street
Shickshinny, PA 18655
Phone: (570) 542-4349
Fax: (570) 542-5674

Luzerne County Magisterial District Court 11-3-02
15 East Ridge Street
Nanticoke, PA 18634
Phone: (570) 735-7648
Fax: (570) 740-2072

Luzerne County Magisterial District Court 11-3-03
5 S Main Street
#6
Sugarloaf, PA 18249
Phone: (570) 788-1191
Fax: (570) 788-7213

Luzerne County Magisterial District Court 11-3-04
Sunset Beltway Offices
789 Airport Road
#102
Hazle Township, PA 18202
Phone: (570) 455-9191
Fax: (570) 501-8980

Luzerne County Magisterial District Court 11-3-06
Wright Township Municipal Building
321 South Mountain Boulevard
Mountain Top, PA 18707
Phone: (570) 474-6844
Fax: (570) 474-6822

Luzerne County Magisterial District Court 11-3-07
240 Johnson Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
Phone: (570) 825-8671
Fax: (570) 970-2546

Luzerne County Magisterial District Court 11-3-08
90 Maffett Street
Plains, PA 18705
Phone: (570) 826-8708
Fax: (570) 970-2544

Luzerne County Magisterial District Court 11-3-09
11 Carverton Road
Trucksville, PA 18708
Phone: (570) 696-4477
Fax: (570) 696-5467

Are Luzerne County Court Records Public?

Per the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know law, not all court documents are accessible to the public. The state law enables record custodians to withhold or redact court documents containing confidential or sensitive information from public view. For example, juvenile and adoption court cases are mostly redacted from public view.

Can You Look Up a Luzerne County Court Record Online?

Luzerne County court records are available through an online repository maintained by the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania (UJS). The UJS online repository provides access to criminal, traffic, civil, and non-traffic court case information. Record seekers may search for court records using the following options: docket number, complainant number, OTN, Attorney, incident number, participant name, or SID.

How to Obtain Luzerne County Civil Court Case Records

Public members can obtain Luzerne County civil court case records from the Prothonotary/Clerk of Courts' Office. The Prothonotary's Office is responsible for filing and issuing copies of civil court cases to interested requesters. To obtain civil court records, record seekers must visit the Luzerne County Prothonotary's Office at:

200 North River Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711

At the same time, Luzerne County civil court case records are accessible to public member's USJ's online search portal. Record seekers can obtain the court case record by choosing one of these search options: docket number, complainant number, OTN, Attorney, incident number, participant name, or SID.

How to Obtain Luzerne County Criminal Court Case Records

Luzerne County criminal court case records are obtainable through in-person requests to the Prothonotary/Clerk of Court's Office. The Prothonotary is responsible for filing and distributing copies of Luzerne County criminal court documents to interested applicants. Thus, record seekers can obtain criminal court documents in-person at:

The Luzerne County Prothonotary/Clerk of Court's Office
200 North River Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711.

Alternatively, record seekers can access online copies of Luzerne County court documents from the USJ's online search portal. Record seekers can obtain the court case record by choosing one of these search options: docket number, complainant number, OTN, Attorney, incident number, participant name, or SID.

What are Luzerne County Vital Records?

Luzerne County vital records are government-created documents that contain information on all life events within the county. Generally, Luzerne County vital records provide information on birth, death, marriage, and divorce records. Vital records are under the jurisdiction of public agencies, operating at the state and county level. For example, the Luzerne County Clerk of Courts is the record custodian of divorce and marriage records. In contrast, the Pennsylvania Department of Health is the custodian of birth and death records.

Thus, interested persons may request copies of Luzerne County vital records from the designated public agencies. Only persons with a legitimate claim to the vital record can obtain certified copies of vital documents.

Where and How to Obtain Luzerne County Divorce Records

Interested persons or entities can obtain Luzerne County divorce records from the Prothonotary/Clerk of Courts' Office. Record seekers may opt to view documents divorce records on the in-house public viewers located in the Clerk of Courts' Office at:

200 North River Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711

Alternatively, record seekers can find Luzerne County divorce records on the UJS online web portal. Requesters must select the preferred search option and proceed to input the necessary details before obtaining online copies of divorce documents

Where and How to Get Luzerne County Marriage Records

Luzerne County marriage records are under the purview of the Luzerne County Register of Wills and Clerk of the Orphans' Court. As the custodian of marriage documents in the county, the Register of Wills issues copies of marriage records via mail or in-person requests. To use the mail request option, record seekers must send a request containing:

The name of both record subjects, date and place of the marriage event;
A $25 check or money order payable to the Register of Wills;

Send the written request in a self-addressed envelope to:

Where and How to Find Luzerne County Birth Records

The Luzerne County Register of Wills and Orphans' Court maintains records of birth events from 1893 to 1905. Record seekers interested in obtaining birth documents within 1893 to 1905 must contact the Register of Wills and Orphans' Court at:

Luzerne County Courthouse Annex
Corner of River & Jackson Streets
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711
Phone: (570) 825-1668.

Alternatively, the Pennsylvania Department of Health is the state-level record custodian of Luzerne County birth records. Furthermore, it maintains and issues birth documents from 1906 to the present. Interested persons can access birth records from the DOH via online, mail, or in-person requests. Before requesting for birth records, note that the DOH will only issues copies of Luzerne birth records to:

The record bearer;
Parent or step-parent named on the birth certificate;
Record bearer's spouse, sibling, step-sibling, child, grandparent or great-grandparent, grandchild or great-grandchild;
Power of Attorney;
Legal representative of the record subject.

To request and get online copies of birth documents, record seekers must visit the Department of Health's online request platform. Furthermore, requesters must input this information on the online platform:

The birth date;
Purpose of the request;
Record seeker's legal name;
Record seeker's social security number;
Email address and phone number.

In addition, requesters must append their signature on the bottom page of the online request portal. The DOH charges $20 for standard birth certificate check. Furthermore, requesters must pay a $10 processing fee. For mail requests, interested persons must send a completed Application for Birth Certificate, a photocopy of a valid Photo ID, and a certified check or money order to:

Division of Vital Records
Birth Certificate Processing Unit
P.O. Box 1528
New Castle, PA 16103.

Luzerne County birth records are also obtainable through in-person requests. Interested persons must present a completed birth application form, a valid identification, and the required fee at any of these locations:

Erie
1910 West 26th Street
Erie, PA 16508

Harrisburg
Forum Place, 1st Floor
555 Walnut Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101

New Castle
105 Nesbitt Road
New Castle, PA 16105

Philadelphia
110 North 8th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107

Pittsburgh
411 Seventh Avenue, Room 360
Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Scranton
Scranton State Office Building, Room 112
100 Lackawanna Avenue
Scranton, PA 18503.

Where and How to Find Luzerne County Death Records

Interested applicants can request and obtain death records from the Luzerne County Register of Wills and Orphans' Court and the Pennsylvania Department of Health. The Luzerne County Register of Wills and Orphans' Court provides access to birth records from 1893 to 1905. To obtain birth documents within this timeframe, interested persons must visit the:

Luzerne County Courthouse Annex
Corner of River & Jackson Streets
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711
Phone: (570) 825-1668.

At the same time, Luzerne birth records from 1906 are accessible at the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Interested persons can access death records from the DOH via online, mail, or in-person requests. Only the following applicants can request and receive death records from the DOH:

Spouse;
Parent or step-parent of the deceased (a step-parent must provide a marriage certificate as proof of relationship with the deceased.
Ex-spouse (must provide documents to prove direct interest in the death record);
Grandparent or great-grandparent, grandchild or great-grandchild;
Sibling or step-sibling;
Public Agency that has assumed the administration of the deceased's estate;
Legal representative of the deceased's estate.
Persons with a financial interest in the deceased's estate;
Representative of the deceased's estate;

To request Luzerne County death records via an online request portal, requesters must fill out the following data:

The death date;
Reason for the request;
Record seeker's legal name;
Record seeker's social security number;
Email address and phone number.

Furthermore, requesters must include their signature on the request form. The Bureau of Health Statistics and Registries charges $20 for standard records check and $10 as a processing fee.

For mailed requests, record seekers must send a completed Application for Death Certificate, a photocopy of a valid Photo ID, and a certified check or money order to:

Division of Vital Records
Death Certificate Processing Unit
P.O. Box 1528
New Castle, PA 16103

Record seekers may also visit the following locations to obtain Luzerne County death records

Erie
1910 West 26th Street
Erie, PA 16508

Harrisburg
Forum Place
1st Floor
555 Walnut Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101

New Castle
105 Nesbitt Road
New Castle, PA 16105

Philadelphia
110 North 8th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107

Pittsburgh
411 Seventh Avenue
Room 360
Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Scranton
Scranton State Office Building
Room 112
100 Lackawanna Avenue
Scranton PA 18503.