Berks County Criminal Records
What Is Berks County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Berks County, Pennsylvania constitute official documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to Pennsylvania's Criminal History Record Information Act (CHRIA), codified at 18 Pa.C.S. § 9101-9183, which establishes guidelines for the collection, maintenance, dissemination, and use of criminal history record information.
Criminal records in Berks County encompass several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of apprehensions by law enforcement agencies, which may not necessarily result in charges or convictions
- Conviction Records: Official records of guilty verdicts or pleas in criminal cases
- Felony Records: Documentation of serious crimes punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year
- Misdemeanor Records: Records of less serious offenses typically punishable by less than one year of incarceration
- Adult Records: Criminal proceedings for individuals 18 years and older, which are generally accessible to the public
- Juvenile Records: Records for individuals under 18, which are typically sealed and subject to restricted access under 42 Pa.C.S. § 6308
- Active Warrants: Current orders for arrest issued by judicial authorities
- Historical Records: Documentation of past criminal proceedings and their outcomes
Multiple agencies maintain criminal records in Berks County, each responsible for different aspects of the criminal justice process:
Berks County Sheriff's Office
633 Court Street, 3rd Floor
Reading, PA 19601
(610) 478-6240
Berks County Sheriff
The Sheriff's Office maintains records related to arrests, warrants, and certain court-ordered actions within the county.
Clerk of Courts - Berks County
633 Court Street, 4th Floor
Reading, PA 19601
(610) 478-6550
Berks County Clerk of Courts
The Clerk of Courts maintains official records for the Criminal Division of the Court of Common Pleas, including case filings, dispositions, and court proceedings.
Pennsylvania State Police
1800 Elmerton Avenue
Harrisburg, PA 17110
(717) 783-5599
Pennsylvania State Police
The State Police maintain the central repository for criminal history information throughout Pennsylvania, including Berks County.
Comprehensive criminal records typically include documentation of the entire criminal justice process: charges filed, arraignments, plea agreements, trial proceedings, verdicts, sentencing details, and probation or parole information.
Are Criminal Records Public In Berks County
Criminal records in Berks County are generally considered public information in accordance with the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law, which establishes the presumption that government records are accessible to the public. However, this access is subject to specific limitations and exceptions established by state statutes.
The Pennsylvania Criminal History Record Information Act (CHRIA), specifically 18 Pa.C.S. § 9121, governs the dissemination of criminal history record information to individuals and organizations outside the criminal justice system. The statute states:
"General rule.--Criminal history record information shall be disseminated by a State or local police department to any individual or noncriminal justice agency only upon request."
Records that are typically accessible to the public include:
- Adult conviction records
- Court dockets and proceedings
- Sentencing information
- Criminal case filings
- Inmate records for individuals currently incarcerated
Conversely, certain categories of criminal records are subject to restricted access:
- Active criminal investigations
- Sealed or expunged records pursuant to court order
- Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
- Records that would compromise personal privacy or public safety
- Records protected by other state or federal laws
The Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System provides public access to court records through its web portal, which includes criminal case information from Berks County. However, access to certain sensitive information within these records may be redacted in accordance with the Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania.
Members of the public seeking access to criminal records in Berks County must follow established procedures and may be required to submit formal requests. Certain records may require court orders for access, particularly those involving sealed cases or juvenile proceedings.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Berks County in 2026
Members of the public seeking to look up criminal records in Berks County may utilize several established methods to access this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for obtaining criminal record information:
In-Person Requests at the Clerk of Courts Office:
- Visit the Berks County Clerk of Courts office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM).
- Complete a public records request form, providing specific information about the records being sought.
- Present valid government-issued photo identification.
- Pay applicable fees for document retrieval and copying services.
- Records may be reviewed on-site or copies provided as requested.
Berks County Clerk of Courts
633 Court Street, 4th Floor
Reading, PA 19601
(610) 478-6550
Berks County Clerk of Courts
Mail Requests to the Clerk of Courts:
- Prepare a written request clearly identifying the specific records being sought.
- Include a copy of valid government-issued photo identification.
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope for response.
- Include payment for applicable fees (check or money order).
- Mail the complete package to the Clerk of Courts office.
Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Checks:
- Access the Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History (PATCH) website.
- Create a user account if requesting records for the first time.
- Complete the online request form with required information.
- Pay the statutory fee ($22 for general public requests).
- Receive results electronically or by mail as selected.
Pennsylvania State Police Central Repository
1800 Elmerton Avenue
Harrisburg, PA 17110
1-888-783-7972
Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History
Court Records via the Unified Judicial System:
- Visit the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System web portal.
- Select "Common Pleas Courts" and then "Berks County."
- Search by name, case number, or other identifiers.
- Review docket information available online.
- Request complete case files through the Clerk of Courts if needed.
Individuals seeking certified copies of criminal records for official purposes should specify this requirement when making requests, as additional authentication steps and fees may apply.
How To Find Criminal Records in Berks County Online?
Berks County residents and interested parties may access various criminal records through several online portals maintained by county and state agencies. These digital resources provide convenient access to public criminal justice information without requiring in-person visits to government offices.
Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal:
The Unified Judicial System (UJS) Portal serves as the primary online resource for accessing court records throughout Pennsylvania, including Berks County. Users may:
- Search criminal court dockets by name, case number, or filing date
- View case status, charges, and disposition information
- Access court calendars and scheduled proceedings
- Review judgment and sentencing details
- Download publicly available court documents
No registration is required for basic searches, though certain advanced features may require user accounts.
Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History (PATCH):
The PATCH system maintained by the Pennsylvania State Police allows users to:
- Request official criminal history record checks
- Search for criminal records by name and personal identifiers
- Obtain verification of no criminal record (if applicable)
- Access certified record information for employment or licensing purposes
This system requires registration and payment of statutory fees for record checks.
Berks County Inmate Locator:
The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections Inmate Locator provides information about individuals currently incarcerated in county and state facilities, including:
- Current custody status and location
- Minimum and maximum sentence dates
- Basic demographic information
- Commitment information
No registration is required to access this public information.
Berks County Sheriff's Office:
The Berks County Sheriff's Office website provides:
- Active warrant information
- Most wanted listings
- Information about individuals with outstanding legal obligations
Some information may require direct contact with the Sheriff's Office for verification.
Pennsylvania Megan's Law Website:
The Pennsylvania Megan's Law Website provides information about registered sexual offenders residing in Berks County, including:
- Names and physical descriptions
- Current registered addresses
- Offense information
- Compliance status
Users must acknowledge legal terms before accessing this information.
When utilizing these online resources, users should note that:
- Some records may not be available electronically and may require in-person requests
- Certain sensitive information may be redacted from online records
- Official certified copies typically require formal requests through the Clerk of Courts
- Information accuracy should be verified through official sources for legal purposes
Can You Search Berks County Criminal Records for Free?
Pennsylvania law provides for public inspection of certain criminal records without charge, while establishing fee structures for copies and certified documents. The Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law establishes that agencies may waive fees when the agency determines that it is in the public interest to do so.
Free In-Person Record Inspection:
Members of the public may inspect criminal records at no cost at the following locations:
Berks County Clerk of Courts
633 Court Street, 4th Floor
Reading, PA 19601
(610) 478-6550
Berks County Clerk of Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Court dockets and case files may be viewed on public terminals
- Staff assistance is available for locating records
- Personal note-taking is permitted
- Photo identification is required for access
Berks County Law Library
633 Court Street, 2nd Floor
Reading, PA 19601
(610) 478-6551
Berks County Law Library
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
- Public access terminals for legal research
- Access to court opinions and published case decisions
- Reference assistance for locating public records
Free Online Resources:
Several digital platforms provide free access to criminal record information:
- Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal - Provides free access to docket information, case status, and basic court records
- Pennsylvania Inmate Locator - Offers free searches for current inmates in state and county facilities
- Pennsylvania Megan's Law Website - Provides free access to registered sex offender information
Fee-Based Services:
While inspection is often free, fees apply for:
- Copies of documents (typically $0.25 per page)
- Certified copies ($10.00 per document plus copying fees)
- Criminal history record checks through PATCH ($22.00 per request)
- Expedited processing services (variable fees)
Pursuant to 18 Pa.C.S. § 9122.1, certain individuals may qualify for fee waivers for record expungement services based on financial hardship, though standard record access fees typically remain applicable.
What's Included in a Berks County Criminal Record?
Criminal records maintained in Berks County contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records typically include several categories of information as prescribed by Pennsylvania law and county record-keeping practices.
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color)
- Booking photograph ("mugshot")
- Last known address
- State Identification Number (SID)
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information:
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer information
- Booking number and processing details
- Initial charges filed
- Bail amount and status
- Detention facility information
- Preliminary hearing scheduling
Court Case Information:
- Docket number and case identifiers
- Court of jurisdiction (Magisterial District Court or Court of Common Pleas)
- Filing date and procedural timeline
- Formal charges filed with statutory citations
- Classification of offenses (felony/misdemeanor grades)
- Plea information
- Defense attorney information
- Prosecuting attorney details
- Judicial assignment
Disposition and Sentencing:
- Verdict or case outcome
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing details including:
- Incarceration terms (minimum and maximum)
- Probation requirements
- Fines and court costs
- Restitution orders
- Special conditions (treatment, community service)
- Appeal information (if applicable)
- Probation/parole status and conditions
Additional Information:
- Active warrant status
- Protection from Abuse (PFA) orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/DWI history
- Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
- Pending charges in other jurisdictions
- Prior criminal history references
The comprehensiveness of criminal records may vary based on case disposition, age of records, and the maintaining agency. Records maintained by the Berks County Clerk of Courts focus primarily on court proceedings, while records from the Berks County Sheriff's Office may emphasize arrest and warrant information.
Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of criminal records, including Social Security numbers, financial account information, and information related to victims of certain crimes, in accordance with Pennsylvania's Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System.
How Long Does Berks County Keep Criminal Records?
Berks County maintains criminal records in accordance with Pennsylvania's record retention requirements established by the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts (AOPC) and the County Records Act, 16 P.S. § 13001-13006. These regulations establish minimum retention periods for various categories of criminal records.
Court Case Files:
- Felony cases resulting in conviction: Permanent retention
- Felony cases resulting in acquittal: 3 years after final disposition
- Misdemeanor cases resulting in conviction: 7 years after final disposition
- Misdemeanor cases resulting in acquittal: 3 years after final disposition
- Summary offense cases: 3 years after final disposition
Docket Books and Indices:
- Criminal court dockets: Permanent retention
- Indices to criminal cases: Permanent retention
- Sentencing records: Permanent retention
Arrest Records:
- Arrest reports: 5 years from date of arrest
- Fingerprint cards: Permanent retention for convicted individuals
- Booking photographs: 5 years from date of arrest
Warrant Information:
- Executed warrants: 3 years after execution
- Unexecuted warrants: Until execution or expiration
- Bench warrants: Until execution or judicial cancellation
Probation and Parole Records:
- Active supervision files: Duration of supervision plus 5 years
- Closed supervision files: 7 years after termination of supervision
- Presentence investigation reports: 7 years after completion of sentence
Certain records may be eligible for expungement or sealing under specific circumstances as provided by 18 Pa.C.S. § 9122 and 18 Pa.C.S. § 9122.1. These provisions allow for the removal of certain criminal history information from public access when specific criteria are met, such as:
- Cases resulting in non-conviction
- Summary offenses after 5 years without subsequent arrest
- Certain misdemeanors after 10 years without subsequent arrest
- Cases involving successful completion of diversion programs
- Juvenile records upon reaching age 18 (with exceptions)
When records are expunged, physical documents are destroyed and electronic records are removed from public databases. However, limited information may be retained by law enforcement agencies for administrative purposes.
The Pennsylvania State Police maintain a central repository of criminal history information with retention periods that may exceed local county requirements, ensuring long-term availability of records even after local retention periods have expired.
Lookup Criminal Records in Berks County
Pennsylvania Access To Criminal History