Northampton County Public Records /Northampton County Court Records

Northampton County Court Records

What Is Northampton County Court Records

Court records in Northampton County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records serve as the comprehensive documentation of judicial activities and decisions rendered by the courts serving Northampton County, Pennsylvania. Pursuant to Pennsylvania Rule of Judicial Administration 509, court records include case files, dockets, indices, scheduling information, and other documentation maintained by the courts.

Court records typically contain:

Case dockets (chronological summaries of court proceedings)
Pleadings (complaints, petitions, answers)
Motions and responses
Court orders and judgments
Hearing and trial transcripts
Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
Sentencing information (in criminal cases)
Settlement agreements (when not sealed)

Court records differ from other public records such as property records (deeds, mortgages, liens) maintained by the County Recorder's Office and vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates) maintained by the Department of Health. The distinction lies in their creation through judicial proceedings rather than administrative functions.

In Northampton County, court records are maintained by several courts within the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System, including:

Court of Common Pleas (handling major civil and criminal cases)
Magisterial District Courts (handling minor civil and criminal matters)
Orphans' Court Division (handling estates, guardianships, adoptions)
Domestic Relations Section (handling support and custody matters)

These records encompass civil litigation, criminal proceedings, family law matters, probate cases, and traffic violations. Under Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law § 67.101, court records are generally considered public documents, though with specific exceptions as outlined in court rules and statutes.

Are Court Records Public In Northampton County

Court records in Northampton County are generally accessible to the public under Pennsylvania law. The Pennsylvania Constitution Article V, § 10(c) establishes the judiciary's authority to govern court records, while the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law and Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System provide the framework for public access.

Records generally available to the public include:

Civil case files (with certain confidential information redacted)
Criminal case files (post-charging, with certain exceptions)
Court judgments and orders
Docket sheets and indices
Court calendars and hearing schedules

It is important to note that Northampton County courts operate within the state judicial system, distinct from federal courts. Federal court records in Pennsylvania are governed by different access rules and are available through the federal PACER system.

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court's Public Access Policy establishes uniform standards for public access to court records throughout the Commonwealth. This policy balances transparency with privacy concerns by requiring the redaction of certain confidential information from publicly accessible documents.

While most court records are public, certain categories of information remain confidential under Pennsylvania law, including:

Social Security numbers
Financial account numbers
Minors' names and dates of birth in specific case types
Victim information in certain cases
Records sealed by court order
Adoption records
Juvenile delinquency records (with exceptions)
Mental health proceedings

The public status of court records reflects the judicial system's commitment to transparency while maintaining appropriate privacy protections for sensitive information.

How To Find Court Records in Northampton County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Northampton County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The county maintains multiple access points for court record retrieval, accommodating both in-person and remote requests.

For in-person requests, individuals may visit:

Northampton County Court of Common Pleas
669 Washington Street
Easton, PA 18042
Phone: 610-829-6500
Northampton County Court

Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays

The procedure for obtaining court records in person typically involves:

Completing a records request form specifying the case number, party names, or other identifying information
Presenting valid photo identification
Paying applicable fees for copies (currently $0.25 per page for standard copies)
Waiting for staff to retrieve the requested documents

For criminal records specifically, requests may be directed to:

Northampton County Criminal Division
669 Washington Street
Easton, PA 18042
Phone: 610-829-6600
Northampton County Criminal Court Division

For estate matters, adoption records, and related documents:

Northampton County Register of Wills and Orphans' Court
669 Washington Street
Easton, PA 18042
Phone: 610-829-6190
Northampton County Register of Wills

Written requests may be submitted by mail to the appropriate office with:

A detailed description of records sought
Case number or party names
Contact information for follow-up
Payment for applicable fees (check or money order)

Pursuant to Pennsylvania Rule of Judicial Administration 509(c)(5), the court must respond to requests within a reasonable time, typically within 10 business days.

How To Look Up Court Records in Northampton County Online?

Northampton County provides several digital platforms for accessing court records online. These electronic resources offer convenient alternatives to in-person visits for many record types.

The primary online resources include:

Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal - The Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania
- Contains docket information for criminal, civil, family, and orphans' court cases
- Provides case status, upcoming court dates, and docket entries
- Requires free registration for full access
- Search by case number, participant name, or organization name
Northampton County Court Records Search - Northampton County Public Access
- Offers access to Court of Common Pleas cases
- Includes civil, criminal, and family court dockets
- Provides basic case information and document listings
- Requires acceptance of terms of use before searching
Pennsylvania's Electronic Case Records Public Access System (PACMS) - PACMS Portal
- Provides access to magisterial district court cases
- Includes traffic citations, summary offenses, and minor civil matters
- Allows searches by case number, participant name, or citation number
Pennsylvania Access To Criminal History (PATCH) - PATCH System
- Offers criminal history record checks
- Provides information on criminal cases and dispositions
- Requires payment of statutory fees for official record checks
- Maintained by the Pennsylvania State Police

To conduct an effective online search:

Determine which court system likely holds the records (Common Pleas, Magisterial District, etc.)
Select the appropriate online portal
Enter known information (case number is most efficient; party names may yield multiple results)
Review search results to identify the correct case
Access available documents or docket information
Note that some documents may require in-person requests or additional fees

Under current Pennsylvania court rules, certain documents may not be available online even when they are public records accessible in person. Complete case files, including filed motions and evidence, often require in-person requests at the appropriate court office.

How To Search Northampton County Court Records for Free?

Pennsylvania law provides for free public inspection of court records at courthouse facilities. According to Pennsylvania Rule of Judicial Administration 509(d)(1), "A court may not charge a fee for viewing a case record at the courthouse."

Free access options include:

In-Person Courthouse Inspection
- Visit the Northampton County Courthouse during regular business hours
- Use public access terminals in the Clerk's Office to view electronic records
- Request physical files for review in designated reading areas
- No charge for viewing (copying fees apply if printed copies are requested)
Free Online Resources
- Unified Judicial System Web Portal - Free registration provides access to docket sheets and basic case information
- Pennsylvania Appellate Court Public Access - Free access to appellate court opinions
- Northampton County Court Calendar - Free access to upcoming court schedules
Public Law Libraries
- Northampton County Law Library (located in the courthouse)
- Free public access terminals for legal research and court record searches
- Librarian assistance available for navigating record systems
Pennsylvania Office of Open Records Resources
- Open Records Portal provides guidance on accessing public records
- Free advisory opinions on record access issues
- Educational resources on public record rights

While viewing records is free, fees may apply for:

Printed copies ($0.25 per page standard rate)
Certified copies ($5.00-$10.00 per document)
Research assistance beyond standard record retrieval
Expedited processing of requests
Electronic delivery of certain document types

The Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law § 67.1307 establishes guidelines for reasonable fees related to record reproduction, though judicial records have their own fee schedules established by the courts.

What's Included in a Northampton County Court Record?

Court records in Northampton County contain various documents depending on the case type and stage of proceedings. The content of these records is governed by the Pennsylvania Rules of Court and local rules of procedure.

Civil Case Records typically include:

Case initiation documents (complaints, petitions)
Service of process documentation
Responsive pleadings (answers, preliminary objections)
Motions and supporting briefs
Discovery-related filings (when filed with the court)
Court orders and opinions
Judgment documents
Transcripts of proceedings (when ordered)
Exhibits admitted into evidence
Appeal documentation (if applicable)

Criminal Case Records typically include:

Criminal complaints and charging documents
Bail and pretrial release information
Preliminary hearing documentation
Arraignment records
Pretrial motions and responses
Plea agreements or trial information
Sentencing documents
Probation/parole records
Post-conviction relief petitions
Appeal documentation (if applicable)

Family Court Records typically include:

Divorce complaints and decrees
Child custody petitions and orders
Support calculation worksheets and orders
Protection from abuse petitions and orders
Property division documentation
Name change petitions
Adoption records (generally sealed)

Probate/Orphans' Court Records typically include:

Wills and codicils
Estate inventories
Executor/administrator appointments
Guardianship petitions and appointments
Trust documents
Estate accounting reports
Inheritance tax returns
Estate distribution documentation

Each court record also contains a docket sheet, which serves as a chronological index of all filings and court actions in the case. The docket includes:

Case number and filing date
Party names and attorney information
Chronological listing of all documents filed
Court actions and scheduled events
Financial information (fees, costs, fines)
Case disposition information

Certain sensitive information is redacted or filed under seal pursuant to the Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania, including social security numbers, financial account numbers, and certain information related to minors.

How Long Does Northampton County Keep Court Records?

Northampton County maintains court records according to retention schedules established by the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts. These schedules, authorized under Pennsylvania Rule of Judicial Administration 509, specify minimum retention periods for various document types.

Key retention periods include:

Criminal Case Records:

Capital cases: Permanent retention
Felony cases: 75 years after final disposition
Misdemeanor cases: 25 years after final disposition
Summary offenses: 7 years after final disposition
Expunged records: Destroyed pursuant to court order

Civil Case Records:

Major civil litigation: 25 years after final disposition
Landlord-tenant cases: 7 years after final disposition
Small claims cases: 7 years after final disposition
Domestic relations cases: 25 years after final disposition
Protection from abuse orders: 10 years after expiration

Probate/Orphans' Court Records:

Wills: Permanent retention
Estate administration: Permanent retention
Guardianship records: 25 years after termination
Adoption records: Permanent retention (sealed)

Court Administrative Records:

Court calendars: 3 years
Exhibits: Returned to parties or destroyed after appeal period
Stenographic notes: 7 years (75 years for capital cases)
Juror records: 1 year after service

The County Records Act, 16 P.S. § 13001-13006 establishes the legal framework for county record retention, while specific schedules are developed by the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts.

Records may be maintained in original paper format, microfilm, or electronic format depending on the document type and age. After the mandatory retention period expires, records may be:

Transferred to archival storage
Converted to alternative storage formats
Destroyed according to approved procedures

Historical records of significant value may be preserved beyond mandatory retention periods through cooperation with the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

Types of Courts In Northampton County

Northampton County's court system operates as part of Pennsylvania's Unified Judicial System, with several levels of courts serving different jurisdictional functions.

Northampton County Court of Common Pleas
669 Washington Street
Easton, PA 18042
Phone: 610-829-6500
Northampton County Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM

The Court of Common Pleas is Northampton County's court of general jurisdiction, divided into specialized divisions:

Civil Division
669 Washington Street
Easton, PA 18042
Phone: 610-829-6550
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM

Criminal Division
669 Washington Street
Easton, PA 18042
Phone: 610-829-6600
Criminal Court Division
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM

Family Division
669 Washington Street
Easton, PA 18042
Phone: 610-829-6500
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM

Orphans' Court Division
669 Washington Street
Easton, PA 18042
Phone: 610-829-6190
Register of Wills and Orphans' Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM

Magisterial District Courts Northampton County has multiple Magisterial District Courts serving specific geographic areas:

Magisterial District Court 03-2-01
1404 Walter Street
Bethlehem, PA 18015
Phone: 610-865-4253
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM

Magisterial District Court 03-2-03
4330 Hecktown Road
Bethlehem, PA 18020
Phone: 610-814-0308
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM

Magisterial District Court 03-2-04
6 S. Main Street
Bangor, PA 18013
Phone: 610-588-8390
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM

Magisterial District Court 03-2-05
1214 Main Street
Northampton, PA 18067
Phone: 610-262-7857
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM

Magisterial District Court 03-2-06
1710 Sullivan Trail
Easton, PA 18040
Phone: 610-252-5887
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM

Magisterial District Court 03-2-07
400 Northampton Street
Easton, PA 18042
Phone: 610-258-4640
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM

Magisterial District Court 03-2-08
2906 William Penn Highway
Easton, PA 18045
Phone: 610-253-3940
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM

Magisterial District Court 03-2-09
1097 Howertown Road
Catasauqua, PA 18032
Phone: 610-266-2226
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM

Magisterial District Court 03-2-10
3630 William Penn Highway
Easton, PA 18045
Phone: 610-258-3361
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM

Magisterial District Court 03-2-11
1201 Butztown Road
Bethlehem, PA 18017
Phone: 610-691-3113
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM

The court hierarchy in Pennsylvania proceeds from Magisterial District Courts to the Court of Common Pleas, then to the Superior Court or Commonwealth Court (intermediate appellate courts), and finally to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.

What Types of Cases Do Northampton County Courts Hear?

Northampton County's courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters according to their jurisdictional authority under Pennsylvania law.

Court of Common Pleas - Civil Division handles:

Major civil litigation (claims exceeding $12,000)
Complex contract disputes
Real property matters
Personal injury and tort claims
Professional malpractice cases
Equity actions (injunctions, specific performance)
Appeals from magisterial district courts
Tax assessment appeals
Name change petitions
Civil forfeiture proceedings

Court of Common Pleas - Criminal Division handles:

Felony criminal prosecutions
Serious misdemeanor cases
Criminal jury trials
Preliminary hearings for capital cases
Post-conviction relief petitions
Probation/parole violations
Expungement petitions
Appeals from magisterial district courts
ARD (Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition) program

Court of Common Pleas - Family Division handles:

Divorce proceedings
Child custody determinations
Child and spousal support cases
Protection from abuse matters
Paternity determinations
Domestic relations contempt proceedings
Juvenile dependency cases
Juvenile delinquency proceedings

Court of Common Pleas - Orphans' Court Division handles:

Probate of wills
Estate administration
Trust administration
Guardianships for incapacitated persons
Guardianships for minors
Adoption proceedings
Termination of parental rights
Marriage license issuance
Inheritance tax matters

Magisterial District Courts handle:

Summary criminal offenses
Traffic violations
Preliminary arraignments and hearings in criminal cases
Civil claims up to $12,000
Landlord-tenant disputes
Municipal code violations
Small claims proceedings
Search warrant issuance
Emergency protection from abuse orders

Case assignment within the Northampton County court system follows Pennsylvania Rules of Judicial Administration, with specific procedures outlined in local court rules. Complex or specialized cases may be assigned to judges with particular expertise in the relevant area of law.

How To Find a Court Docket In Northampton County

Court dockets in Northampton County provide chronological summaries of all filings and proceedings in a case. These official records are accessible through multiple channels depending on the court and case type.

To locate a court docket, members of the public may utilize:

Online Docket Search
- Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal
- Select "Northampton County" from the county dropdown menu
- Search by case number, party name, or business name
- Access docket sheets for criminal, civil, family, and orphans' court cases
- View case status, scheduled events, and document listings
In-Person Requests
- Visit the appropriate division of the Northampton County Court of Common Pleas:
  - Civil cases: Civil Division Prothonotary's Office
  - Criminal cases: Clerk of Courts Criminal Division
  - Family cases: Domestic Relations Section
  - Probate/estate cases: Register of Wills Office
- Provide case number or party names to court staff
- Review docket information on public access terminals
- Request printed copies (fees apply)
Magisterial District Court Dockets
- Access through the MDJS Web Portal
- Visit the specific Magisterial District Court office
- Provide citation number, case number, or party information
- Review docket information with court staff assistance
Written Requests
- Submit a written request to the appropriate court office
- Include case number, party names, and filing date if known
- Provide contact information and specify delivery method
- Include payment for any applicable fees

For criminal case dockets, the Pennsylvania Access To Criminal History (PATCH) system provides an additional resource for criminal history information, though fees apply for official record checks.

Pursuant to Pennsylvania Rule of Judicial Administration 509, court dockets are public records with limited exceptions for sealed or confidential cases. Docket information typically includes:

Case caption and number
Party and attorney information
Filing dates of all documents
Hearing and trial dates
Court orders and judgments
Financial information (fees, costs, fines)
Case disposition

Current docket information is generally available within 24-48 hours of filing or court action, though complex proceedings may require additional processing time.

Which Courts in Northampton County Are Not Courts of Record?

In Pennsylvania's judicial system, courts are classified as either "courts of record" or "courts not of record" based on their authority and procedural requirements. This distinction affects how proceedings are documented and the appellate process.

According to 42 Pa.C.S. § 321, courts of record maintain comprehensive verbatim transcripts of proceedings and have the authority to establish binding legal precedent within their jurisdiction. Courts not of record typically handle minor matters with simplified procedures and do not create complete transcripts.

In Northampton County, courts not of record include:

Magisterial District Courts These limited jurisdiction courts handle:

Summary criminal offenses
Traffic violations
Preliminary hearings in criminal cases
Civil claims up to $12,000
Landlord-tenant disputes

Proceedings in Magisterial District Courts are not recorded verbatim. Instead, these courts maintain docket sheets summarizing actions taken and decisions rendered. Any party dissatisfied with a Magisterial District Court decision has the right to appeal to the Court of Common Pleas for a trial de novo (new trial), where the matter is heard as if for the first time.

Philadelphia Municipal Court (for Philadelphia residents with cases in Northampton County) While not physically located in Northampton County, Philadelphia residents may have interactions with this court not of record when dealing with certain matters in Northampton County.

All other courts operating in Northampton County are courts of record, including: