Search Erie Court Records

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Erie County, Pennsylvania State Court Records

Erie County court records include documents, case files, forms, and other papers and exhibits the county court maintains for each case or matter instituted in the county court. These court records may be filed in civil, criminal, probate, or family court cases. The Erie County court has jurisdiction over all legal matters arising within the county, and maintains all records and documents filed in cases and all parts of the legal proceedings.

The office of the court clerk files and maintains court records in Erie County. Because court cases involve various subject matters, access to Erie Court Records translates to access to various categories of county records. For example, in a criminal matter, the record of arrest, witness statements, and other documents are filed alongside the charging documents, allowing public access to arrest records through court records. Likewise, access to court records also enables public access to property records, criminal history information, divorce records, warrant information, and others.

Are Erie County Court Records Public?

Yes. The Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law guarantees the right to view and request copies of records filed, owned, or maintained by public bodies. Under the Act, Erie County court records are public records, and anyone can inspect them or request duplicate copies.

When a court record contains information not subject to public disclosure, the court clerk will typically grant access only to the part of the record that is subject to public disclosure. Where the restricted information is an integral part of the record and cannot be separated, that part of the record shall be redacted. Furthermore, when information contained in court records is exempt from public disclosure, the court clerk's office may deny requests to inspect or duplicate such records. Examples of such records exempt from public disclosure under the Right-to-Know Law include:

  • Personal identification information: Social security numbers, driver's license numbers, personal financial information, and other personal contact information.
  • Documents used in negotiation during arbitration proceedings
  • Records that reveal the identity of a confidential informant
  • Records that include the identity of a suspect that has not yet been charged or has been promised confidentiality
  • Records, if disclosed, may jeopardize the safety of a victim of crime
  • Records, if disclosed, may make it more difficult to locate a defendant or co-defendant
  • Where such disclosure may deprive a person of their right to a fair trial and impartial adjudication
  • Where disclosure will prevent a law enforcement agency from carrying out an arrest, or securing prosecution or conviction

What Information is Available in Erie County Court Records?

Residents of Erie County may find the following information available in Erie County court records:

  • Name of the parties and complainants
  • Summary of the facts of the case
  • Issue for determination
  • Case/docket number
  • Docket entries: The chronological log of events and activities that take place during court proceedings.
  • Interlocutory applications: Injunctions, motions
  • Case type: Whether civil, criminal, small claims, family court, or probate.
  • Case schedules and court calendar
  • Transcript, audio recordings of proceedings
  • Disposition, rulings, and sentencing

Erie County Court Records Search

Erie County court records may be accessed either online, in person, or by mail requests. Accessibility of court records is not always uniform. Information available through online case search tools is sometimes just case summaries. In-person visits or requests for copies of court records allow requesters access to more comprehensive case information. Additionally, requests for records that are not subject to disclosure or are completely exempt may either be refused or redacted to the extent of the information that can be furnished to the public.

Online Access

The Erie County Prothonotary CourtPro system record search site provides online access to county court records. Users can navigate the website by searching with a case number. Case type, date of filing, date the case commenced, filing type (name of application filed), and the name of assigned judge. This type of court record search returns information on the case file, including the case number, names of parties, address, names of counsel, docket entries, docket type, and case status.

Next is the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania Case Search Portal. Researchers can select the county of choice (Erie County), case category, and docket type, then search for Erie County court records.

Interested persons may also complete the Request for Transcript or Copy form and send it via email to transcriptrequests@eriecountypa.gov. All of these online request channels are free to use. However, email requests may include possible copying and processing fees.

In-Person Access

More often than not, information available through online case search tools is sometimes just case summaries. In-person visits or requests for copies of court records allow requesters access to more comprehensive case information. Researchers can visit the Erie County Courthouse to inspect court records in person using the terminals available at the office of the Clerk of Courts. At the courthouse, visitors can inspect records or submit a written request to obtain copies of court records. While inspecting or viewing records independently is free(self-service0, the court clerk's office charges fees for assisted record searches, producing copies, and certifying copies of Erie County Court Records.

Mail and Phone Requests

For mail requests, print and complete the Request for Transcript or Copy form and mail it to the Court Reporters Office located at the Erie County Courthouse, 140 West Sixth Street, Room 303, Erie, PA 1650.

Fees for Court Records in Erie County

While independent record searches at the Erie County court clerk's office are free, the office charges a $20.00 general record search fee for searches conducted by staff.

For original transcripts, fees are $2.50 per page for ordinary requests, $3.50 per page for expedited requests, and $6.50 per page for same-day service. For transcript copies. The fee is 0.50 per page for ordinary requests, $0.75 per page for expedited requests, and $1.25 per page for same-day service.

Erie County Courthouse Locations

The Erie County Court is the only courthouse in Erie County with different divisions. These include Civil Court, Criminal Court, Juvenile, Family Court, and Treatment Court. Below is the address and contact information of the Erie County courthouse:

Erie County Courthouse

140 West Sixth Street

Erie, PA 16501

Phone: (814) 451-6000

Criminal Records Access in Erie County

State-level criminal records can be accessed through the Pennsylvania Access To Criminal History (PATCH) website. PATCH helps members of the public obtain criminal history information; however, requests from individuals and non-law enforcement agencies may be revised under the law and public disclosure provisions.

Individuals can also review adult criminal court case records and perform criminal record searches for Erie County by viewing docket sheets on the Pennsylvania Judicial System Case Search website for $10.

Erie County Probate Records

Erie Probate Court records cover proceedings involving the execution of a will or the distribution of a deceased person's assets under intestacy laws (when the deceased dies intestate). They also involve appointing administrators or executors, administering an estate, inventorying assets, and managing trusts, guardianships, and conservatorships.

In Erie County, requesters can access probate court records through the Clerk of the Orphans' Court and online at the Erie County Prothonotary CourtPro system. All records filed in the Register of Wills and Orphans Court are public records except adoption records. Adoption records are sealed by law and are only available by court order.

Erie County Family Court Records

The Erie County Court handles all family law and domestic relations matters. The legal grounds for family law matters are commonly: neglect, child support, child care, protection orders, child custody, visitation rights, divorce, legal separation, termination of parental rights, and others.

Family court records may be available online at the Erie County Prothonotary CourtPro system or the Pennsylvania Judicial System Case Search website. Individuals may also mail requests for transcripts of family law court cases to the Court Reporters Office at the Erie County Courthouse or submit record requests in person.

Federal Court Records in Erie County

The Federal Court for Erie County is the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania. The federal courthouse is located at

U.S. Courthouse

17 South Park Row

Erie, PA 16501

Phone: (814) 464-9600

The Clerk's Office is open to the public from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Federal Court records may be accessed online through the PACER system (Public Access to Court Electronic Records).

Erie County Court