Northampton County Criminal Records
What Is Northampton County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Northampton County encompass official documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to Pennsylvania's Criminal History Record Information Act (CHRIA), specifically under § 9102, which defines criminal history record information as "information collected by criminal justice agencies concerning individuals, and arising from the initiation of a criminal proceeding."
Criminal records in Northampton County are categorized by several distinct classifications:
-
Arrest Records vs. Conviction Records: Arrest records document when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement but do not indicate guilt. Conviction records confirm that a court has determined the individual committed the offense.
-
Felony vs. Misdemeanor Records: Felonies represent more serious crimes punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year, while misdemeanors are less severe offenses typically punishable by less than one year of incarceration.
-
Adult vs. Juvenile Records: Adult records (18 and older) are generally accessible to the public, whereas juvenile records are typically sealed under Pennsylvania Juvenile Act § 6308 to protect minors' privacy and future opportunities.
-
Active Warrants vs. Historical Records: Active warrants indicate current orders for arrest, while historical records document past criminal justice interactions.
Multiple agencies maintain criminal records in Northampton County:
Northampton County Sheriff's Department
669 Washington Street
Easton, PA 18042
(610) 829-6500
Northampton County Sheriff's Department
The Sheriff's Department maintains arrest records, warrant information, and jail records.
Northampton County Criminal Court Division
669 Washington Street
Easton, PA 18042
(610) 829-6500
Northampton County Criminal Court Division
The Criminal Court Division maintains case records, dispositions, and sentencing information.
Pennsylvania State Police
1800 Elmerton Avenue
Harrisburg, PA 17110
(717) 783-5599
Pennsylvania State Police
The Pennsylvania State Police maintain the central repository for criminal history information statewide.
Northampton County criminal records typically include documentation of:
- Arrests and charges
- Arraignments and preliminary hearings
- Plea agreements
- Trial proceedings and outcomes
- Sentencing decisions
- Probation and parole information
- Incarceration details
These records serve essential functions in the criminal justice system, providing historical documentation of an individual's interactions with law enforcement and the courts in Northampton County.
Are Criminal Records Public In Northampton County
Criminal records in Northampton County are generally considered public information under Pennsylvania law. The primary legislation governing public access to these records is the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law (RTKL), which establishes the presumption that government records are public unless specifically exempted. Additionally, the Criminal History Record Information Act (CHRIA) under § 9121 specifically addresses the dissemination of criminal history record information.
According to § 9121(b) of CHRIA: "Criminal history record information shall be disseminated by a State or local police department to any individual or noncriminal justice agency only upon request." This provision establishes the public's right to access certain criminal record information.
The following categories of criminal records are generally accessible to the public in Northampton County:
- Adult conviction records
- Court dockets and case files
- Criminal court proceedings
- Sentencing information
- Incarceration records
- Sex offender registry information
However, Pennsylvania law places restrictions on certain types of criminal records:
-
Ongoing investigations: Records pertaining to active criminal investigations are exempt from public disclosure under § 708(b)(16) of the RTKL.
-
Sealed or expunged records: Records that have been sealed or expunged by court order are not available to the public. The Pennsylvania Clean Slate Law provides for automatic sealing of certain eligible records.
-
Juvenile records: Under § 6308 of the Pennsylvania Juvenile Act, juvenile records are generally not public and are accessible only to specific parties with a legitimate interest.
-
Non-conviction data: Information related to arrests that did not result in convictions may have restricted access under certain circumstances.
-
Sensitive personal information: Records containing Social Security numbers, financial information, or other sensitive personal data may be redacted before public release.
The Pennsylvania Office of Open Records oversees the implementation of the RTKL and provides guidance on public records access. Members of the public seeking criminal records in Northampton County must follow established procedures for requesting such information, which may include submitting formal requests to the appropriate agencies and paying any applicable fees.
It is important to note that while criminal records are generally public, their accessibility does not diminish the privacy interests of the individuals to whom they pertain. The law balances the public's right to information with protections for individual privacy and the integrity of the criminal justice system.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Northampton County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Northampton County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county maintains multiple access points for criminal record retrieval, each serving different purposes and containing varying levels of detail.
To conduct an in-person search for criminal records, individuals may follow these steps:
- Visit the Northampton County Criminal Division office:
Northampton County Criminal Division
669 Washington Street
Easton, PA 18042
(610) 829-6500
Northampton County Criminal Division
Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays
-
Complete a records request form, which requires:
- The subject's full name
- Date of birth (if known)
- Case number (if available)
- Requestor's contact information
- Purpose of the request
-
Present valid photo identification such as a driver's license, state ID, or passport.
-
Pay the applicable fees:
- Criminal docket search: $10.00 per name
- Copies of court documents: $0.25 per page
- Certified copies: $10.00 per document
-
Submit the request to the clerk for processing. Simple searches may be completed while you wait, while more complex requests may require additional time.
For mail-in requests, individuals should:
-
Download and complete the Criminal Record Request Form from the Northampton County website.
-
Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return of the requested documents.
-
Enclose a check or money order for the appropriate fees, made payable to "Northampton County Clerk of Courts."
-
Mail the completed package to:
Northampton County Criminal Division
669 Washington Street
Easton, PA 18042
For criminal background checks conducted by the Pennsylvania State Police, individuals must:
-
Submit a request through the Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History (PATCH) system operated by the Pennsylvania State Police.
-
Provide the required information including the subject's name, date of birth, and Social Security number (optional but recommended).
-
Pay the statutory fee of $22 per request as established under 18 Pa.C.S. § 9152.
-
Receive results either immediately for "no record" responses or within 2-4 weeks for requests requiring manual review.
Authorized agencies and individuals may also request criminal records through the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts (AOPC) for official purposes such as employment screening, licensing, or volunteer clearances.
How To Find Criminal Records in Northampton County Online?
Northampton County offers several digital platforms that provide public access to criminal records information. These online resources allow individuals to conduct preliminary searches without visiting county offices in person.
The primary online resources for accessing Northampton County criminal records include:
-
Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal
The Unified Judicial System (UJS) Portal provides access to court docket information for criminal cases throughout Pennsylvania, including Northampton County. Users can search by:- Participant name
- Case number
- Organization name
- Offense tracking number (OTN)
The portal contains information on case status, scheduled hearings, charges filed, and case disposition. No registration is required for basic searches, though advanced features may require user accounts.
-
Pennsylvania Access To Criminal History (PATCH)
The PATCH system allows users to request official criminal history record checks from the Pennsylvania State Police. This system:- Requires payment of a $22 fee per search
- Provides official verification of criminal history
- Returns immediate "no record" results when applicable
- Requires manual processing for positive record matches
- Includes only Pennsylvania state records, not federal offenses
-
Northampton County Inmate Lookup
The Northampton County Department of Corrections maintains an online inmate search that provides:- Current custody status
- Basic booking information
- Scheduled release dates (when available)
- Charges
This resource is updated daily and requires no registration or fees.
-
Northampton County Sheriff's Office Warrant Search
The Sheriff's Office provides a searchable database of active warrants in Northampton County. This resource:- Lists individuals with outstanding warrants
- Provides warrant type and issuing authority
- Includes contact information for reporting warrant subjects
- Is updated regularly as warrants are issued and served
-
Pennsylvania Megan's Law Website
The Pennsylvania State Police Sex Offender Registry includes registered sex offenders residing in Northampton County. This database:- Allows searches by name, location, or non-compliant status
- Provides offender photographs and physical descriptions
- Lists registration requirements and compliance status
- Includes offense information and residential addresses
When using these online resources, users should note several important limitations:
- Online records may not include all available information found in complete court files
- Some case details may be redacted or restricted online
- Recent arrests or court actions may not appear immediately
- Certain sealed or expunged records will not be visible
- Technical errors or system maintenance may occasionally affect availability
For comprehensive criminal history information, individuals may need to combine online searches with in-person requests at the appropriate county offices.
Can You Search Northampton County Criminal Records for Free?
Northampton County provides several options for accessing criminal records without charge, though certain limitations apply to free searches. Pennsylvania law, specifically the Right-to-Know Law § 1307, establishes that "a public record shall be accessible for inspection by any requester during the regular business hours of an agency."
Free in-person inspection of criminal records is available at:
Northampton County Criminal Division
669 Washington Street
Easton, PA 18042
(610) 829-6500
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
While inspection is free, the following conditions apply:
- Valid photo identification must be presented
- Records must be viewed on-site
- Staff assistance may be limited during busy periods
- Appointments are recommended for extensive research
Several online resources also provide free access to criminal record information:
-
Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal
The UJS Portal offers free access to:- Basic case information
- Docket sheets
- Court calendars
- Case status updates
No registration is required for standard searches, though certain advanced features may require user accounts.
-
Northampton County Inmate Lookup
The county's inmate search function provides free access to:- Current inmate population
- Basic booking information
- Custody status
- Scheduled court dates
-
Northampton County Sheriff's Office Warrant Search
The active warrants database is freely accessible and includes:- Names of individuals with outstanding warrants
- Warrant types
- Issuing authorities
-
Pennsylvania Megan's Law Website
The sex offender registry provides free public access to information about registered sex offenders in Northampton County.
While these free resources provide valuable information, they have certain limitations:
- Free searches may not include complete case details
- Historical records may not be available through free online portals
- Document copies typically require payment of duplication fees
- Certified copies always require payment of certification fees
- Complex or extensive searches may require paid professional assistance
For comprehensive criminal background checks, the Pennsylvania Access To Criminal History (PATCH) system charges a statutory fee of $22 per request. This fee is established under 18 Pa.C.S. § 9152 and cannot be waived except for volunteer organizations meeting specific criteria.
The Pennsylvania Office of Open Records provides guidance on fee structures and can assist with questions regarding access to public records throughout the Commonwealth.
What's Included in a Northampton County Criminal Record?
Northampton County criminal records contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records typically include several categories of information as outlined below.
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye and hair color)
- Mugshot or booking photograph
- Last known address
- State Identification (SID) number
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information:
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer
- Booking number and facility
- Charges filed at time of arrest
- Bail or bond information
- Detention facility and status
- Arresting agency case number
Court Case Information:
- Court docket number
- Court of jurisdiction (Magisterial District Court or Court of Common Pleas)
- Filing date
- Charges filed by the District Attorney
- Statutory citations and grading (felony/misdemeanor classification)
- Plea information
- Defense attorney information
- Prosecuting attorney information
- Preliminary hearing details
- Pre-trial conference information
- Trial dates and proceedings
Disposition Information:
- Verdict or case outcome
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration terms
- Probation requirements
- Fines and costs
- Restitution orders
- Special conditions (treatment programs, community service)
- Appeal information
- Probation/parole status and violations
- Completion of sentence information
Additional Information:
- Active warrants
- Protection from Abuse (PFA) orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/DWI history
- Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
- Pending charges
- Bail conditions
- Court-ordered evaluations
- Participation in specialty court programs (Drug Court, Veterans Court, Mental Health Court)
The comprehensiveness of criminal records may vary based on the age of the case, the maintaining agency, and the specific circumstances of the criminal matter. Records maintained by the Northampton County Criminal Court Division typically provide the most complete documentation of case proceedings and outcomes.
It is important to note that certain information may be redacted from public versions of criminal records, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account information
- Names of minor victims
- Information protected by specific court orders
- Medical or mental health information
- Information sealed under the Clean Slate Law
For official purposes such as employment background checks, individuals should request records through authorized channels such as the Pennsylvania Access To Criminal History system to ensure accuracy and completeness.
How Long Does Northampton County Keep Criminal Records?
Northampton County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission's Bureau of Archives and History, as mandated by the County Records Act (16 P.S. § 13001-13006). These schedules specify minimum retention periods for various types of criminal records.
The retention periods for key criminal record documents in Northampton County are as follows:
Court Records:
- Criminal Case Files (Misdemeanors): 7 years after final disposition
- Criminal Case Files (Felonies): Permanent retention
- Criminal Docket Books: Permanent retention
- Sentencing Orders: Permanent retention
- Bench Warrants: Until served or recalled, plus 3 years
- Bail Records: 3 years after final disposition of case
- Preliminary Hearing Transcripts: 7 years after final disposition
Law Enforcement Records:
- Arrest Reports: 5 years after creation
- Incident Reports: 5 years after creation
- Investigation Files (Unsolved): 25 years after creation
- Investigation Files (Solved): 5 years after final disposition
- Fingerprint Cards: 75 years after creation
- Booking Photographs: 75 years after creation
- Criminal Complaint Forms: 3 years after final disposition
Corrections Records:
- Inmate Files: 7 years after release
- Visitor Logs: 3 years after creation
- Inmate Medical Records: 7 years after release
- Disciplinary Reports: 3 years after inmate release
Probation and Parole Records:
- Probation/Parole Case Files: 7 years after discharge
- Pre-Sentence Investigation Reports: 7 years after sentence completion
- Violation Reports: 7 years after final disposition
These retention periods represent minimum requirements, and in practice, many records—particularly those related to serious offenses—are maintained for longer periods or permanently. The advent of digital record-keeping has also expanded the practical retention capabilities of county agencies.
It is important to note that retention does not necessarily equate to public accessibility. Records may be maintained by the county but restricted from public view due to:
- Court-ordered sealing or expungement
- Automatic sealing under the Clean Slate Law
- Juvenile record protections
- Ongoing investigation exemptions
- Privacy protections for certain types of information
The Pennsylvania Office of Open Records provides guidance on records retention and accessibility throughout the Commonwealth. Individuals seeking historical criminal records should be aware that older records may be archived in different formats or locations and might require additional time and resources to retrieve.
Lookup Criminal Records in Northampton County
Northampton County Sheriff's Department
Northampton County Criminal Court Division
Pennsylvania Access To Criminal History