The Lancaster County Clerk of Courts office is the chief filing office for the Court of Common Pleas of Lancaster County in both criminal and juvenile matters. All records are available to the public unless specifically precluded by law.
The Clerk’s office is primarily responsible for recording, maintaining, and processing criminal and juvenile records for the Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas. Other responsibilities include assessing court-imposed costs and fines, and licensing private detectives. Administrative duties include preparing prison commitments, bail, processing motions and petitions, summary appeals, and appeals to the PA Superior and Supreme Courts.
In addition to being the record keeper of the Criminal Division of the Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas, documents accepted for filing include:
- Warrants
- Name changes
- Summary convictions
- Bonds filed by Tax Collectors and Constables
- Financial statements of Townships and Borough
- Criminal background searches
- Expungements
If you are inquiring about civil proceedings such as passport applications, custody issues, divorce and/or other civil actions, please visit the Lancaster County Prothonotary Office which is also located on the 2nd floor of the courthouse.