Criminal records in Adams County, Pennsylvania, can be accessed through several channels. AdamsPACourt.us can help find publicly available criminal case information. Additional access points include the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System web portal, the Adams County Clerk of Courts, law enforcement agencies such as the Adams County Sheriff's Office, and the Pennsylvania State Police criminal history repository.
How to Search Criminal Records in Adams
There are several ways to look up criminal records in Adams County. The method you choose depends on what information you have and whether you need an official certified copy or just case details.
Search Through AdamsPACourt.us
Start at AdamsPACourt.us to search for publicly available court record information related to criminal cases filed in Adams County. You can search using a defendant's name or case number.
Online — State Court Portal
The Adams County Clerk of Courts public records page directs users to the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System (UJS) web portal. The UJS portal provides free access to docket sheets for both Common Pleas and Magisterial District Court cases statewide, including Adams County. To search, you will need at least one of the following:
- Defendant's full name (first and last)
- Date of birth
- Docket number or case number
The UJS portal displays docket information, charges, hearing dates, and case dispositions.
Online — Inmate Search
- The Adams County Sheriff's Office inmate search provides real-time data on individuals currently held at the county facility.
- For individuals in state custody, use the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections Inmate Locator, which is updated daily. You will need the inmate's last name or inmate number.
Online — Statewide Criminal History Check (PATCH)
The Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History (PATCH) system, operated by the Pennsylvania State Police, allows the public to request criminal history record checks by name. Results are based on records maintained by the PSP Bureau of Records and Identification.
In Person
Visit the Adams County Clerk of Courts office at the courthouse. Public access terminals or assistance from staff may be available for searching criminal docket sheets. All criminal records in Adams County are open to the public, per the Clerk of Courts office.
By Mail or Written Request
You can submit a written request for criminal record information to the Adams County Clerk of Courts at the address above. Include the defendant's full name, date of birth if known, and the case number if available. For a statewide criminal history check, submit a request through the PATCH system online or contact the Pennsylvania State Police directly.
Search Adams Criminal Cases by Case Number
Pennsylvania uses a standardized docket number format across all Courts of Common Pleas. An Adams County criminal case number typically follows this pattern:
CP-01-CR-XXXXXXX-YYYY
- CP — Court of Common Pleas
- 01 — Adams County's county code
- CR — Criminal case type ("CR" for criminal; "SA" for summary appeal)
- XXXXXXX — Sequential case number
- YYYY — Year the case was filed
Magisterial District Court cases use a different prefix: MJ followed by the district judge's office number. If you have a docket number, enter it directly into the UJS portal's "Docket Number" search for the fastest results.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Adams
Criminal docket sheets in Adams County contain several key data points. Here is what each one means:
Charges
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | The Pennsylvania title and section number (e.g., 18 Pa.C.S. § 3502 for burglary) |
| Grade | Felony (F1, F2, F3), Misdemeanor (M1, M2, M3), or Summary offense |
| Original vs. Amended | Charges may be amended through plea negotiations or at the discretion of the district attorney |
Case Status
- Active — Case is currently proceeding through the court
- Pending — Awaiting a scheduled hearing or action
- Disposed — All charges have been resolved (by verdict, plea, or dismissal)
- Closed — Case is fully concluded, including sentencing and any post-disposition matters
Hearing Types
- Arraignment — Formal reading of charges; defendant enters an initial plea
- Preliminary Hearing — Held before a Magisterial District Judge to determine if sufficient evidence exists to hold the case for trial
- Pre-Trial Conference — Meeting between prosecution and defense to discuss case status, possible resolution, or trial preparation
- Trial — Bench or jury trial where evidence is presented
- Sentencing — Court imposes penalties after a guilty verdict or plea
- Review Hearing — Follow-up hearing to monitor compliance with probation or other court orders
Court Results (Dispositions)
- Guilty — Defendant convicted by plea or verdict
- Not Guilty — Acquitted at trial
- Dismissed — Charges dropped by the court or prosecution
- Nolle Prossed — Prosecution declined to pursue the charge
- ARD (Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition) — A diversionary program for eligible first-time offenders; successful completion may lead to expungement
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Adams
From the Adams County Clerk of Courts
The Adams County Clerk of Courts is the custodian of all criminal court records for the Adams County Court of Common Pleas. To obtain certified copies:
- Visit the office in person or submit a written request by mail.
- Provide the defendant's full name and docket number. Date of birth is helpful but may not be required.
- Bring a valid government-issued photo ID if requesting in person.
- Pay the applicable certification and copy fees (see below).
From the Pennsylvania State Police
For an official statewide criminal history record, submit a request through the PATCH system. You will need the individual's full name and date of birth. PATCH checks return results from the PSP central repository. Certain employment and volunteer background checks may also require FBI fingerprint-based checks, which are processed separately.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Adams
| Service | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Uncertified copy of docket sheet | $0.25 per page | Standard per-page rate under Pennsylvania court fee schedules |
| Certified copy | $1.00 per page (plus certification fee) | Certification fee is typically added on top of per-page costs |
| Certification fee | Varies; contact Clerk of Courts | Confirm current fee directly with the office |
| PATCH criminal history check (not for personal review) | $22.00 | Submitted online at epatch.pa.gov; fee set by Pennsylvania State Police |
| PATCH criminal history check (for personal review / challenge) | $22.00 | Same fee applies |
Processing times:
- UJS portal searches — Immediate results online
- PATCH requests — Typically processed within minutes for online submissions with no match complications; responses with a record may take longer
- In-person requests at the Clerk of Courts — Usually same-day for simple copy requests
- Mail requests — Allow 5–10 business days for processing and return mailing
Fees are subject to change. Contact the Adams County Clerk of Courts at (717) 337-9846 to confirm current rates before submitting a request. Fee authority derives from 42 Pa.C.S. § 1725.1 and local court fee schedules.