Berks County Court Records
What Is Berks County Court Records
Court records in Berks County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's judicial system. These records constitute the comprehensive documentation of court activities as defined under Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law. Court records typically include case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing records maintained by various courts within the county.
Pursuant to 65 P.S. § 67.102, court records are distinct from other public records such as:
- Property records (deeds, mortgages, liens)
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates)
- Tax records
- Voter registration information
The Berks County Court of Common Pleas, as the 23rd Judicial District of Pennsylvania, maintains the majority of court records within the county. Additional courts that generate and maintain records include:
- Magisterial District Courts
- Orphans' Court
- Domestic Relations Section
- Juvenile Court
These courts collectively handle civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic matters, generating the official documentation that comprises the county's court records.
Are Court Records Public In Berks County
Court records in Berks County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with Pennsylvania's constitutional principle of open courts and the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law. Under Article I, § 11 of the Pennsylvania Constitution, "all courts shall be open," establishing the foundational principle for public access to judicial proceedings and records.
The following court records are typically available for public inspection:
- Civil case files (with certain exceptions)
- Criminal case files (post-charging)
- Judgments and orders
- Docket sheets
- Hearing schedules
It is important to note that federal courts in Pennsylvania operate under separate access rules governed by federal statutes and the policies of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. Berks County court records fall under state jurisdiction and follow Pennsylvania's access policies.
The Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania has established specific rules regarding public access to court records through the Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania. This policy balances the public's right to access with privacy concerns and practical limitations.
While most court records are public, certain exceptions exist, including:
- Juvenile records (unless specifically ordered by the court)
- Records sealed by court order
- Certain family court matters
- Mental health proceedings
- Documents containing sensitive personal information
How To Find Court Records in Berks County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Berks County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The county maintains multiple access points for obtaining court records, depending on the type of record sought and the court of origin.
To obtain court records in person:
- Identify the appropriate court office based on the type of record needed
- Visit the relevant office during regular business hours
- Complete any required request forms
- Provide case identification information (names, case numbers, dates)
- Pay applicable fees for copies or certified documents
For criminal court records, contact:
Berks County Clerk of Courts
633 Court Street, 4th Floor
Reading, PA 19601
610-478-6550
Clerk of Courts
For civil court records, contact:
Berks County Prothonotary
633 Court Street, 2nd Floor
Reading, PA 19601
610-478-6970
Prothonotary
For orphans' court records, contact:
Berks County Register of Wills
633 Court Street, 2nd Floor
Reading, PA 19601
610-478-6600
Register of Wills
Written requests may be submitted by mail to the appropriate office with the following information:
- Requestor's name and contact information
- Specific case information (names, case numbers, filing dates)
- Description of records requested
- Whether copies or certified copies are needed
- Payment for applicable fees
Pursuant to Pennsylvania Rule of Judicial Administration 509, requests for court records must be fulfilled within a reasonable time, typically within 10 business days.
How To Look Up Court Records in Berks County Online?
Berks County provides several online resources for accessing court records electronically. These systems allow for remote searches of various court documents without visiting county offices in person.
For criminal court records, the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System offers the PA ePay/CPCMS Web Portal, which provides access to:
- Criminal docket sheets
- Court calendars
- Case status information
- Criminal court fee payments
To search this system:
- Navigate to the UJS Portal
- Select "Common Pleas Courts" or "Magisterial District Courts"
- Enter search criteria (name, case number, etc.)
- Review search results and select specific cases to view
For civil court records, the Prothonotary's Office provides online access through:
- The Civil Court Case Management System
- The Berks County Records Search portal
To access these records:
- Visit the Prothonotary's website
- Register for an account if required
- Enter search parameters
- Pay any applicable fees for document access
The Pennsylvania State Police maintains the PATCH system (Pennsylvania Access To Criminal History) for criminal background checks, which includes:
- Criminal history information
- Disposition data
- Arrest records
Additional online resources include:
- PAeDocket - For electronic filing information
- PACFile - For electronically filed documents
- Court Calendar Information - For hearing schedules
Users should note that online systems may not contain all court records, particularly older cases or those with special confidentiality provisions.
How To Search Berks County Court Records for Free?
Pennsylvania law guarantees the public's right to inspect court records without charge, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents. Pursuant to Pennsylvania Rule of Judicial Administration 509(d), "a court may not charge a fee for viewing or inspecting official case records that are stored at the court facility."
Free options for accessing Berks County court records include:
- In-person inspection at the appropriate court office during regular business hours
- Public access terminals located at:
- Berks County Courthouse
- Berks County Law Library
- Certain public libraries within the county
The Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania provides several free online search tools:
- Public Web Docket Sheets - Basic case information without fees
- Court Calendars - Hearing schedules accessible without charge
- Case Status searches - Limited information on pending cases
For criminal records, the PA ePay/CPCMS Web Portal offers free searches with the following limitations:
- Detailed documents may require fees
- Only docket information is available without charge
- Historical records may not be included
The Berks County Prothonotary provides limited free access to civil case indices, though document retrieval may incur costs.
Researchers should note that while inspection is free, the following services typically require payment:
- Printed copies (generally $0.25-$0.50 per page)
- Certified copies (additional certification fee)
- Research assistance from court staff
- Expedited service
What's Included in a Berks County Court Record?
Berks County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings, with contents varying by case type and court of origin. These records typically include several standard components as well as case-specific documentation.
Criminal court records maintained by the Clerk of Courts generally contain:
- Criminal complaint and charging documents
- Arraignment information
- Bail and pretrial release documentation
- Motions and responses
- Court orders and judicial decisions
- Trial transcripts (when prepared)
- Verdict or plea information
- Sentencing documents
- Probation/parole conditions
- Appeal documentation (if applicable)
Civil court records maintained by the Prothonotary typically include:
- Initial complaint or petition
- Service of process documentation
- Answers and counterclaims
- Motions and briefs
- Discovery documents (when filed with the court)
- Exhibits admitted into evidence
- Court orders and opinions
- Final judgment
- Post-judgment filings
- Appeal documentation (if applicable)
Family court records may contain:
- Divorce petitions and decrees
- Child custody agreements and orders
- Support calculations and orders
- Protection from abuse documentation
- Adoption records (often sealed)
- Name change petitions
Orphans' Court records typically include:
- Wills and codicils
- Estate inventories
- Guardianship petitions and reports
- Trust documents
- Incapacity determinations
Each court record also contains a docket sheet, which serves as an index of all filings and proceedings in the case, listing chronologically:
- Case caption and number
- Party names and attorney information
- Filing dates
- Document titles
- Hearing dates
- Disposition information
Pursuant to 204 PA Code § 213.81, certain sensitive information may be redacted or filed under seal, including social security numbers, financial account numbers, and information about minors.
How Long Does Berks County Keep Court Records?
Berks County maintains court records according to retention schedules established by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania through the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts. These schedules vary by record type and are governed by Pennsylvania Rule of Judicial Administration 507.
Criminal case records are typically retained as follows:
- 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 retention periods include:
- General civil litigation: 7 years after final disposition
- Judgments: 20 years (renewable)
- Divorce records: Permanent
- Child custody: Until the youngest child reaches age 25
- Protection from abuse: 5 years after expiration of order
Orphans' Court records are generally maintained according to these schedules:
- Probate records: Permanent
- Guardianship: 25 years after termination
- Adoption records: Permanent (with restricted access)
Court administrative records, including dockets and indices, are typically maintained permanently to provide historical reference and case tracking capability.
The County Records Committee of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission provides additional guidance on records retention for county offices, including court-related departments.
Records may be maintained in various formats, including:
- Original paper documents
- Microfilm/microfiche (especially for older records)
- Digital images
- Electronic data in case management systems
After the retention period expires, records may be:
- Transferred to archival storage
- Converted to alternative storage formats
- Destroyed according to approved procedures
Researchers seeking historical court records should contact the Berks County Archives for assistance with documents that may have been transferred from active court offices.
Types of Courts In Berks County
Berks County's judicial system consists of several courts operating within Pennsylvania's unified court structure. Each court has specific jurisdiction and maintains distinct records.
The primary court in Berks County is:
Berks County Court of Common Pleas
633 Court Street
Reading, PA 19601
610-478-6208
Court of Common Pleas
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The Court of Common Pleas includes specialized divisions:
Criminal Division
633 Court Street, 4th Floor
Reading, PA 19601
610-478-6550
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Civil Division
633 Court Street, 2nd Floor
Reading, PA 19601
610-478-6970
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Orphans' Court Division
633 Court Street, 2nd Floor
Reading, PA 19601
610-478-6600
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Family Court
633 Court Street, 6th Floor
Reading, PA 19601
610-478-6208
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Juvenile Court
633 Court Street, 6th Floor
Reading, PA 19601
610-478-6208
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Berks County also has 17 Magisterial District Courts located throughout the county. These courts serve as the entry point for most cases in the judicial system. A complete listing of these courts with addresses and contact information is available through the Berks County Court Administration.
The court hierarchy in Pennsylvania proceeds from:
- Magisterial District Courts (limited jurisdiction)
- Court of Common Pleas (general trial court)
- Pennsylvania Superior Court (intermediate appellate court)
- Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court (specialized appellate court)
- Pennsylvania Supreme Court (highest state court)
Appeals from Berks County courts are heard by:
Pennsylvania Superior Court - Eastern District
530 Walnut Street, Suite 311
Philadelphia, PA 19106
215-560-5800
Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court
Pennsylvania Judicial Center
601 Commonwealth Avenue, Suite 2100
Harrisburg, PA 17106
717-255-1600
What Types of Cases Do Berks County Courts Hear?
Berks County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters according to their jurisdictional authority as established by Pennsylvania law. Each court within the county's judicial system handles specific case types.
The Berks County Court of Common Pleas hears the following case types through its specialized divisions:
Criminal Division:
- Felony criminal prosecutions
- Misdemeanor cases
- Criminal appeals from Magisterial District Courts
- Post-conviction relief petitions
- Probation and parole violations
Civil Division:
- Civil lawsuits exceeding $12,000
- Complex litigation
- Equity actions
- Mortgage foreclosures
- Landlord-tenant appeals
- Civil appeals from Magisterial District Courts
- Tax assessment appeals
Family Court:
- Divorce proceedings
- Child custody disputes
- Child and spousal support matters
- Protection from abuse cases
- Paternity determinations
- Name change petitions
Orphans' Court:
- Probate of wills
- Estate administration
- Guardianships for incapacitated persons
- Guardianships for minors
- Trust administration
- Adoption proceedings
Juvenile Court:
- Delinquency proceedings
- Dependency cases
- Children and youth matters
Magisterial District Courts handle:
- Summary criminal offenses
- Preliminary hearings for felonies and misdemeanors
- Civil claims up to $12,000
- Landlord-tenant disputes
- Traffic violations
- Municipal code violations
- Small claims
The Domestic Relations Section, operating under the Court of Common Pleas, processes:
- Child support establishment and enforcement
- Spousal support cases
- Paternity determinations for support purposes
Pursuant to 42 Pa.C.S. § 931, the Court of Common Pleas has "unlimited original jurisdiction in all cases except those cases where exclusive original jurisdiction is by law vested in another court."
How To Find a Court Docket In Berks County
Court dockets in Berks County provide chronological listings of all filings, proceedings, and actions in court cases. These official records serve as indices to court files and are accessible through several methods.
To locate criminal court dockets:
-
Online through the Unified Judicial System Web Portal:
- Select "Common Pleas Courts" or "Magisterial District Courts"
- Enter search criteria (name, case number, etc.)
- Review search results and select specific cases
- View or download docket sheets
-
In person at the Clerk of Courts Office: Berks County Clerk of Courts
633 Court Street, 4th Floor
Reading, PA 19601
610-478-6550
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
To locate civil court dockets:
-
Online through the Prothonotary's Office:
- Access the Civil Court Case Management System
- Enter search parameters
- Review and select cases of interest
- View docket information
-
In person at the Prothonotary's Office: Berks County Prothonotary
633 Court Street, 2nd Floor
Reading, PA 19601
610-478-6970
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
For family court and orphans' court dockets, visit the respective offices:
Family Court Administration
633 Court Street, 6th Floor
Reading, PA 19601
610-478-6208
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Register of Wills/Orphans' Court
633 Court Street, 2nd Floor
Reading, PA 19601
610-478-6600
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
When searching for dockets, the following information is helpful:
- Full names of parties involved
- Case number (if known)
- Filing date or year
- Case type
- Attorney names (if applicable)
Pursuant to Pennsylvania Rule of Judicial Administration 509, docket information is generally available to the public, though certain sensitive cases may have restricted access.
Which Courts in Berks County Are Not Courts of Record?
In Pennsylvania's judicial system, courts are classified as either "courts of record" or "not of record" based on their procedural requirements and record-keeping practices. This distinction affects how proceedings are documented and the appellate process.
Pursuant to 42 Pa.C.S. § 321, courts of record maintain comprehensive transcripts and documentation of all proceedings, while courts not of record typically maintain only basic case information and outcomes without verbatim transcripts.
In Berks County, the following are courts not of record:
-
Magisterial District Courts - These limited jurisdiction courts handle:
- Summary criminal offenses
- Preliminary hearings
- Civil claims up to $12,000
- Landlord-tenant disputes
- Traffic violations
-
Philadelphia Municipal Court (for cases that originate in Philadelphia but may involve Berks County residents)
The primary characteristics of courts not of record include:
- Proceedings are not routinely transcribed by court reporters
- Judges are not required to be attorneys (though many are)
- Rules of evidence and procedure are applied less formally
- Appeals from these courts result in de novo trials (completely new proceedings) at the Court of Common Pleas
- Documentation is limited to basic case information, dispositions, and orders
All other courts in Berks County are courts of record, including:
- Court of Common Pleas (all divisions)
- Pennsylvania appellate courts
When a case is appealed from a court not of record to the Court of Common Pleas, the case is heard anew, with all evidence and testimony presented again rather than reviewing the record from the lower court.
The distinction between courts of record and courts not of record is significant for:
- Determining appellate procedures
- Establishing precedential value of decisions
- Assessing the formality of proceedings
- Understanding the documentation available for research
Lookup Court Records in Berks County
Clerk of Courts - Berks County
Court of Common Pleas - Berks County