Lehigh County Court Records are official documents that detail every legal case filed within the county. These records include criminal trials, civil disputes, family law matters, probate cases, and property liens. Managed by the Clerk of Judicial Records, Andrea E. Naugle, the system ensures public access to transparent and accurate legal information. The office is located in Room 122 of the Lehigh County Courthouse at 455 West Hamilton Street, Allentown, PA 18101-1614. It operates Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Residents, attorneys, researchers, and journalists rely on these records for background checks, legal research, and personal verification.
How to Access Lehigh County Court Records
Anyone can view or request Lehigh County Court Records in person, by mail, or online. The Clerk’s office provides certified copies for legal use, such as employment verification or immigration applications. Requests can be submitted electronically through the county’s official portal. All documents are delivered in PDF format after payment of a standard fee. In-person visits allow immediate access to docket sheets, judgments, and case summaries. Researchers may also schedule appointments for deeper file reviews. The online docket system, active since 1995, lets users search by case number, party name, or filing date. Results show hearing schedules, final rulings, and lien details. This digital access supports remote work and reduces wait times.
Types of Records Available
Lehigh County Court Records cover a wide range of legal matters. Civil cases include contract disputes, landlord-tenant issues, and personal injury claims. Criminal records list felony and misdemeanor charges, arraignments, and sentencing outcomes. Family law files contain divorce decrees, child custody orders, and protection from abuse petitions. The Orphans’ Court handles estate administration, wills, guardianships, and adoptions. Probate inventories and adoption transcripts are available upon request. Property liens, such as tax or mechanic’s liens, are also recorded here. Bankruptcy filings from the Eastern District of Pennsylvania are accessible from 1990 onward. Each record type follows strict retention policies and privacy rules.
Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas
The Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas is the main trial court for the county. It has general jurisdiction over serious criminal and civil cases. The court is divided into three sections: Criminal/Juvenile, Civil/Motion/Family, and Orphans’ Court. All divisions operate from the same courthouse at 455 West Hamilton Street, Allentown. Ten full-time judges and two senior judges preside over cases. Judges are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the state senate. Their terms last six to ten years. Senior judges assist with complex litigation and overflow dockets. Courtrooms use digital systems for evidence display and recording. Every ruling becomes part of the public record unless sealed by law.
Magisterial District Court
The Magisterial District Court handles less serious legal matters. It is located at 3404 Hamilton Boulevard, Allentown, PA 18103. This court deals with misdemeanors, traffic violations, and small-claims cases under $10,000. The phone number is 610-434-2070, and the fax uses the same line. Each case includes a filing date, magistrate name, and final decision. A public terminal lets visitors view scanned warrants, bench warrants, and protection orders from 2002 to today. These records help with background checks and legal research. Certified copies can be ordered for official use.
Online Search Tools and Public Access
Lehigh County offers free online tools to search court records. Users can enter a case number, person’s name, or date to find results. The system returns docket entries, judgments, and recorded liens. It also includes bankruptcy data from the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. All records are downloadable in PDF format. The portal is updated daily to reflect new filings. Researchers can filter results by case type, year, or outcome. This helps with statistical analysis and trend tracking. The system does not show juvenile records or sealed documents. Access is available 24/7 from any device with internet.
Certified Copies and Fees
Certified copies of Lehigh County Court Records cost $5 per page. Requests can be made in person, by mail, or online. Payment is required before processing. Electronic copies are sent via secure email within 48 hours. In-person pickup is also available during office hours. Certified documents carry an official seal and are valid for legal purposes. Examples include adoption transcripts, probate inventories, and appellate briefs. These are often needed for immigration, employment, or property transactions. The fee structure is posted on the county website.
Restricted and Sealed Records
Not all Lehigh County Court Records are public. Juvenile cases, mental health hearings, and certain adoptions are sealed by law. Records may also be restricted if a judge issues a confidentiality order. These protections safeguard privacy and comply with state and federal laws. Researchers cannot access sealed files without court permission. The public portal clearly marks restricted entries. If a record is unavailable, the system explains why. This ensures transparency while respecting individual rights.
Recent Updates and Court Operations
The Pennsylvania Judiciary provides regular updates on Lehigh County court operations. Recent changes include remote video hearings, modified schedules, and new filing procedures. These adjustments respond to public health needs and technology advances. Attorneys can now file motions electronically. Jurors receive digital summons. The court’s FAQ page answers common questions about access, fees, and procedures. Updates are posted weekly on the state judiciary website. This keeps the public informed and reduces confusion.
Role of the Clerk of Judicial Records
Andrea E. Naugle leads the Clerk of Judicial Records office. Her team maintains all court files, processes requests, and ensures data accuracy. The office supports attorneys, citizens, and government agencies. Staff assist with research, certifications, and technical issues. They also train users on the online portal. The clerk’s office follows strict protocols to protect sensitive information. It works closely with judges and the state judiciary. This coordination keeps the legal system running smoothly.
Public Records and Data Transparency
Lehigh County promotes open government through public records. Criminal dockets, civil filings, and appeal summaries are freely available. The Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts hosts a statewide portal at https://ujsportal.pacourts.us/. Users can filter data by year, case type, or disposition. This helps track crime trends and court efficiency. Researchers use the data for reports and policy analysis. The county does not release impounded or juvenile records. All data aligns with Pennsylvania’s Right-to-Know Law.
Related Legal Resources
Residents may need other types of public records. Birth and death certificates are available through the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Arrest records from local police departments can be requested directly. Background checks often combine court, police, and state data. Some third-party sites offer free searches, but official records come from government sources. Always verify information with the issuing agency. This prevents errors in legal or employment matters.
Contact Information and Office Hours
The Clerk of Judicial Records is open Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The office is closed on federal holidays. For questions, call 610-782-3000 or visit Room 122 at 455 West Hamilton Street, Allentown, PA 18101-1614. Email inquiries can be sent through the county’s online contact form. The Magisterial District Court can be reached at 610-434-2070. Both offices provide clear directions and parking information on their websites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people have questions about Lehigh County Court Records. Below are answers to the most common inquiries. These cover access, fees, restrictions, and online tools. Each answer is based on current policies and official sources.
How do I get a certified copy of a court judgment?
To get a certified copy, visit the Clerk of Judicial Records in person or submit a request online. You’ll need the case number and party names. The fee is $5 per page. Payment must be made before processing. Certified copies include an official seal and are valid for legal use. They are often required for employment, immigration, or property transactions. Electronic delivery takes up to 48 hours. In-person pickup is faster during office hours. Always check the case status first to ensure the judgment is final.
Can I search court records for free?
Yes, basic searches are free on the county’s online portal. You can look up cases by name, number, or date. The system shows docket entries, hearing dates, and outcomes. However, downloading full documents may require a fee. Certified copies always cost money. The public terminal at the courthouse also offers free access. No login is needed for basic searches. This makes it easy for anyone to check legal history or research cases.
Are juvenile records available to the public?
No, juvenile records are not public in Lehigh County. They are sealed by state law to protect minors. Only authorized agencies, attorneys, or family members with court approval can access them. The online portal will not display any juvenile case information. If you believe a record should be unsealed, you must file a motion with the court. The judge will review the request and decide based on privacy and public interest.
How far back do online court records go?
Online docket records date back to 1995. This includes criminal, civil, and family cases. Older files may exist in physical archives but are not digitized. Researchers can request these through the Clerk’s office. Some probate and adoption records go back to 1975. Bankruptcy data starts from 1990. The system is updated daily with new filings. Always verify the date range before starting your search.
What if I can’t find a case online?
If a case isn’t online, it may be sealed, archived, or not yet processed. Contact the Clerk of Judicial Records for help. Provide as much detail as possible, like names and dates. Staff can check physical files or explain why access is restricted. Some records are only available in person. Others require a formal request form. Don’t assume the case doesn’t exist—always double-check with the office.
Can I use court records for a background check?
Yes, but only public records can be used. Criminal convictions, civil judgments, and liens are valid for background checks. Juvenile or sealed cases cannot be included. Always verify information with the official source. Employers and landlords should follow federal and state laws when using this data. Misuse can lead to legal penalties. For accurate results, combine court records with police and state databases.
How do I correct an error in a court record?
Errors must be corrected by the court that issued the record. Contact the Clerk of Judicial Records to report the mistake. You may need to file a motion or correction form. Provide proof of the error, such as a birth certificate or prior ruling. The judge will review and approve changes if valid. Do not attempt to alter documents yourself. Only official corrections maintain legal validity.
Official Website: https://www.lehighcounty.org/Departments/Clerk-of-Judicial-Records
Phone: 610-782-3000
Visiting Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.