Lehigh Public Records / Lehigh County Arrest Records

Lehigh County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Lehigh County

Arrest records in Lehigh County are considered public information under Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law (65 P.S. § 67.101), which provides citizens with access to public records maintained by government agencies. The law establishes that arrest records, as documents created and maintained by law enforcement agencies, fall within the definition of public records that may be accessed by members of the public.

It is important to note the distinction between arrest records and conviction records. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement based on probable cause that they committed a crime. A conviction record, by contrast, indicates that the individual was found guilty of the offense in a court of law. Under Pennsylvania law, both types of records are generally accessible to the public, though certain exceptions may apply.

The Pennsylvania Criminal History Record Information Act (18 Pa.C.S. § 9101) further governs the collection, maintenance, dissemination, and use of criminal history record information. This statute establishes that criminal history record information maintained by criminal justice agencies is public information, subject to specific limitations and exceptions.

Law enforcement agencies in Lehigh County, including the Lehigh County Sheriff's Office and local police departments, maintain arrest records in accordance with these state laws. While the records are generally public, certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations, confidential informants, or the privacy of victims in certain cases.

What's in Lehigh County Arrest Records

Arrest records in Lehigh County contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies. These records typically include the following categories of information:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

Full legal name
Date of birth
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Home address
Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
Fingerprints
Photograph (mugshot)

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
Circumstances leading to arrest

Charge Information:

Criminal charges filed
Statute or ordinance citations
Classification of offense (felony, misdemeanor, summary offense)
Description of alleged criminal activity

Warrant Information (if applicable):

Warrant number
Issuing authority
Date of issuance
Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)

Booking Information:

Booking date and time
Processing location
Booking officer information
Property inventory

Bond/Bail Information:

Bail amount
Bond type (cash, surety, ROR)
Bond conditions
Payment status

Court Information:

Preliminary arraignment details
Preliminary hearing date
Assigned court
Docket number
Judge or magistrate name

Custody Status:

Current detention status
Facility of incarceration (if applicable)
Release date (if applicable)

Additional Information May Include:

Prior arrest history
Probation or parole status
Protection orders
Known associates
Vehicle information
Employment information

The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency and the circumstances of the arrest. Records maintained by the Lehigh County Jail or Pennsylvania Department of Corrections may contain additional information related to incarceration.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Lehigh County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Lehigh County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The following procedures are currently in place for accessing arrest records:

Visit the Lehigh County Clerk of Courts Office in person:

Lehigh County Clerk of Courts
Lehigh County Courthouse
455 West Hamilton Street
Allentown, PA 18101
610-782-3077
Lehigh County Clerk of Courts

Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Individuals may request arrest records by providing the name and date of birth of the subject. Photo identification is required, and a search fee may apply.
Submit a written request:

Citizens may submit a written request for arrest records to the appropriate law enforcement agency. The request should include:
- Full name of the subject
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest (if known)
- Requestor's contact information
- Signature and date
Pursuant to the Right-to-Know Law, agencies must respond to requests within five business days.
Contact the arresting agency directly:

If the arresting agency is known, individuals may contact that agency directly. For example:

Lehigh County Sheriff's Office
Lehigh County Courthouse
455 West Hamilton Street, Room 124
Allentown, PA 18101
610-782-3175
Lehigh County Sheriff's Office

Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Pennsylvania State Police Request:

For arrests made by the Pennsylvania State Police, individuals may submit a Request for Criminal Record Check form (SP4-164) along with the required fee to:

Pennsylvania State Police Central Repository
1800 Elmerton Avenue
Harrisburg, PA 17110
1-888-783-7972
Pennsylvania State Police
Court System Records:

The Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania provides access to court records, which may include information about arrests that led to court proceedings:

Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas
Lehigh County Courthouse
455 West Hamilton Street
Allentown, PA 18101
610-782-3000
Lehigh County Courts

When requesting arrest records, requestors should be prepared to pay applicable fees and provide proper identification. Fees vary depending on the agency and the type of record requested.

How To Find Lehigh County Arrest Records Online

Lehigh County arrest records can be accessed through several online platforms maintained by government agencies. The following resources are available for conducting online searches:

Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal:

The Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania maintains a comprehensive online database of court records, which includes information about criminal cases resulting from arrests. Users may search by name, case number, or other identifiers at Pennsylvania's Unified Judicial System Web Portal. This system provides access to docket sheets, court schedules, and case status information.
Lehigh County Inmate Locator:

For individuals currently in custody, the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections Inmate Locator provides information about inmates housed in state correctional facilities, including those arrested in Lehigh County. This database includes basic information such as current location, minimum and maximum release dates, and physical descriptions.
Pennsylvania State Police Public Information Release Reports:

The Pennsylvania State Police publishes Public Information Release Reports that may contain information about significant arrests and incidents in Lehigh County. These reports are organized by Troop and station location.
Lehigh County Sheriff's Office Website:

The Lehigh County Sheriff's Office website provides information about wanted persons and may include details about recent arrests. The site is updated regularly with current information.
Municipal Police Department Websites:

Local police departments within Lehigh County may maintain their own websites with information about recent arrests. For example, the Salisbury Township Police Department provides public safety information and may include arrest data.

When using online resources to search for arrest records, users should note that:

Information may be limited compared to official records obtained directly from the courts or law enforcement agencies
Some online systems may require creation of a user account
Certain records may not be available online due to privacy restrictions or ongoing investigations
Fees may apply for accessing certain detailed records
The most current and complete information is typically available through direct contact with the relevant agency

Users should verify any information obtained through online searches with the official record-keeping agency before taking any action based on that information.

How To Search Lehigh County Arrest Records for Free?

Members of the public have several options for accessing Lehigh County arrest records without incurring fees. The following methods provide free access to arrest record information:

Visit the Lehigh County Courthouse Law Library:

Lehigh County Law Library
Lehigh County Courthouse
455 West Hamilton Street, Room 105
Allentown, PA 18101
610-782-3114
Lehigh County Law Library

Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

The law library provides public access terminals where visitors can search court dockets and case information at no charge. Library staff can assist with navigating the system, though they cannot provide legal advice.
Use the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal:

The UJS Portal provides free access to basic case information, including criminal cases resulting from arrests. While some detailed documents may require payment, the docket sheets and basic case information are available at no cost.
Review Public Police Blotters:

Many local police departments in Lehigh County maintain public police blotters that list recent arrests. These may be available for review at the police station or published in local newspapers. For example:

Allentown Police Department
425 Hamilton Street
Allentown, PA 18101
610-437-7751
Allentown Police Department
Attend Public Court Proceedings:

Court proceedings are generally open to the public. Attending arraignments, preliminary hearings, or trials provides information about arrests and subsequent legal proceedings at no cost.

Lehigh County Central Court
Lehigh County Courthouse
455 West Hamilton Street
Allentown, PA 18101
610-782-3100
Review Local News Sources:

Local newspapers and news websites often report on significant arrests in Lehigh County. Many public libraries provide free access to newspaper archives:

Allentown Public Library
1210 Hamilton Street
Allentown, PA 18102
610-820-2400
Allentown Public Library

When searching for arrest records at no cost, individuals should be aware that:

Free resources may not provide the most comprehensive or detailed information
Information may not be as current as records obtained directly from law enforcement agencies
Some free resources may have limited search capabilities
Staff at public facilities cannot provide legal advice regarding the records
For official purposes, certified copies of records (which typically require a fee) may be necessary

Pursuant to 65 P.S. § 67.1307, agencies may waive fees if the requestor demonstrates financial hardship and the agency determines that the public interest is served by making the record available without charge.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Lehigh County

In Pennsylvania, including Lehigh County, individuals may petition for the expungement (legal erasure) or sealing (restricting public access) of arrest records under specific circumstances. These processes are governed by Pennsylvania's Criminal History Record Information Act (18 Pa.C.S. § 9122).

Expungement vs. Sealing:

Expungement results in the physical destruction of arrest records, while sealing (also known as "limited access" in Pennsylvania) restricts public access to the records but preserves them for law enforcement purposes. The eligibility criteria and procedures differ for each process.

Eligibility for Expungement:

Arrest records may be eligible for expungement in Lehigh County under the following circumstances:

The arrest did not lead to a conviction (charges were dismissed, withdrawn, or the individual was acquitted)
The individual completed an Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program for certain non-violent offenses
The individual was convicted of certain summary offenses and has remained free from arrest for five years
The individual is over 70 years old and has been free from arrest for ten years
The individual received a pardon from the Governor of Pennsylvania

Eligibility for Record Sealing (Clean Slate):

Under Pennsylvania's Clean Slate Law (Act 56 of 2018), certain records may be automatically sealed if:

The individual was convicted of certain misdemeanors and has remained free from arrest for ten years
The charges did not result in conviction
The conviction was for a summary offense and the individual has remained free from arrest for ten years

Procedure for Expungement or Sealing:

Obtain Criminal History Record: Request a copy of your criminal history from the Pennsylvania State Police by submitting form SP4-170.
File a Petition:

Lehigh County Clerk of Courts
Lehigh County Courthouse
455 West Hamilton Street
Allentown, PA 18101
610-782-3077
Lehigh County Clerk of Courts

The petition must include:
- Personal identifying information
- Details of the arrest and charges
- Disposition of the case
- Reasons for requesting expungement or sealing
- Filing fee (approximately $100-$200, though fee waivers may be available)
Hearing: If the District Attorney's Office objects to the petition, a hearing may be scheduled before a judge of the Court of Common Pleas.
Court Order: If the petition is granted, the court will issue an order directing all relevant agencies to expunge or seal the records.
Distribution of Order: The Clerk of Courts will distribute the order to all agencies that maintain the records, including:
- Pennsylvania State Police
- Lehigh County Sheriff's Office
- Arresting agency
- Pennsylvania Department of Corrections (if applicable)
- Federal Bureau of Investigation

The expungement or sealing process typically takes 6-12 months to complete. Due to the legal complexities involved, individuals seeking to delete arrest records are advised to consult with an attorney experienced in criminal record expungement.

What Happens After Arrest in Lehigh County?

Following an arrest in Lehigh County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Pennsylvania law. This process typically includes the following stages:

Booking and Processing: After arrest, individuals are transported to a local police station or the Lehigh County Jail for booking. This process includes:
- Photographing (mugshot)
- Fingerprinting
- Recording personal information
- Inventory of personal property
- Criminal history check
- Medical screening
Lehigh County Jail
38 North 4th Street
Allentown, PA 18102
610-782-3270
Lehigh County Jail
Preliminary Arraignment: Within 72 hours of arrest (typically within 24 hours), the arrestee appears before a Magisterial District Judge for a preliminary arraignment. During this proceeding:
- Charges are formally presented
- Constitutional rights are explained
- Bail is set or denied
- A preliminary hearing date is scheduled
If the arrest occurs during court hours, the arraignment may take place at the district court. After hours, arraignments may be conducted via video conference with an on-call magistrate.
Bail Determination: The Magisterial District Judge determines whether the defendant will be:
- Released on their own recognizance (ROR)
- Released after posting bail
- Detained pending trial (typically in cases involving serious offenses or flight risks)
Bail conditions may include restrictions on travel, no-contact orders, or electronic monitoring.
Preliminary Hearing: Typically held within 3-10 days of the preliminary arraignment at the appropriate Magisterial District Court. The purpose is to determine if sufficient evidence exists to establish that a crime was committed and that the defendant likely committed it. The prosecution must establish a prima facie case to proceed.
Formal Arraignment: If the case proceeds past the preliminary hearing, a formal arraignment is held at the Lehigh County Courthouse. The defendant is informed of the charges that will proceed to trial and must enter a plea of guilty or not guilty.

Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas
Lehigh County Courthouse
455 West Hamilton Street
Allentown, PA 18101
610-782-3000
Lehigh County Courts
Pre-Trial Proceedings: This phase may include:
- Discovery (exchange of evidence)
- Pre-trial motions (e.g., to suppress evidence)
- Plea negotiations
- Status conferences
Trial: If no plea agreement is reached, the case proceeds to trial, which may be:
- Bench trial (judge only)
- Jury trial (for misdemeanors and felonies)
The prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing typically occurs at a separate hearing. The judge considers:
- Pre-sentence investigation report
- Pennsylvania Sentencing Guidelines
- Victim impact statements
- Defendant's criminal history
- Mitigating or aggravating factors
Post-Conviction: Following conviction, defendants may:
- File post-sentence motions
- Appeal to the Pennsylvania Superior Court
- Seek alternative sentencing programs

Throughout this process, defendants have the right to legal representation. Those who cannot afford an attorney may qualify for representation by the Lehigh County Public Defender's Office.

Lehigh County Public Defender's Office
Lehigh County Courthouse
455 West Hamilton Street
Allentown, PA 18101
610-782-3157
Lehigh County Public Defender

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Lehigh County?

Arrest records in Lehigh County are maintained according to retention schedules established by Pennsylvania law, specifically the County Records Act (16 P.S. § 13001-13006) and the Municipal Records Act. These statutes establish minimum retention periods for various types of records, including those related to arrests and criminal proceedings.

The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) maintains the County Records Manual, which provides detailed guidance on records retention for counties throughout the Commonwealth. According to these guidelines:

Police Incident Reports and Arrest Records:
- Basic incident reports: Minimum of 5 years
- Arrest records for felonies: Permanent retention
- Arrest records for misdemeanors: Minimum of 20 years
- Arrest records for summary offenses: Minimum of 3 years after final disposition
Criminal Investigation Files:
- Homicide cases: Permanent retention
- Felony cases: Minimum of 25 years after case closure
- Misdemeanor cases: Minimum of 10 years after case closure
- Unfounded investigations: Minimum of 5 years
Booking Records:
- Fingerprint cards: Permanent retention (also maintained by the Pennsylvania State Police Central Repository)
- Photographs (mugshots): Minimum of 75 years
- Booking information: Minimum of 75 years
Court Records Related to Arrests:
- Criminal case files for felonies: Permanent retention
- Criminal case files for misdemeanors: Minimum of 20 years after final disposition
- Summary offense case files: Minimum of 3 years after final disposition

Different agencies within Lehigh County may maintain separate records with varying retention periods:

The Lehigh County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records according to the county retention schedule
Municipal police departments follow the Municipal Records Manual guidelines
The Clerk of Courts maintains court records related to criminal cases
The Lehigh County Prison maintains records of incarceration

It is important to note that even after the minimum retention period has expired, records may be maintained for longer periods at the discretion of the agency. Additionally, records that have historical significance may be preserved permanently, even if the minimum retention period has been satisfied.

Digital records are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records. As agencies transition to electronic record-keeping systems, they must ensure that digital records remain accessible and authentic throughout the required retention period.

How to Find Mugshots in Lehigh County

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots, also known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken by law enforcement agencies during the booking process following an arrest. These photographs typically include front-facing and profile (side) views of the arrested individual and are used for identification purposes within the criminal justice system. In Lehigh County, as in other jurisdictions, mugshots become part of the official arrest record.

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

In Lehigh County, mugshots are primarily maintained by:

The arresting law enforcement agency (local police departments or Pennsylvania State Police)
The Lehigh County Sheriff's Office for individuals processed through county facilities
The Lehigh County Jail for individuals who are incarcerated

These photographs are stored in law enforcement databases and may be linked to other criminal history information. The primary purpose of maintaining these photographs is for law enforcement identification and to document the arrest process.

Finding Mugshots

Individuals seeking mugshots in Lehigh County may pursue several avenues:

Submit a Right-to-Know Law request to the appropriate law enforcement agency:

Lehigh County Sheriff's Office
Lehigh County Courthouse
455 West Hamilton Street, Room 124
Allentown, PA 18101
610-782-3175
Lehigh County Sheriff's Office

The request should include:
- Full name of the subject
- Date of birth (if known)
- Date of arrest (if known)
- Case number (if known)
- Requestor's contact information
Contact the arresting agency directly. For example:

Allentown Police Department
425 Hamilton Street
Allentown, PA 18101
610-437-7751
Allentown Police Department

or

Pennsylvania State Police - Troop M (Bethlehem)
2930 Airport Road
Bethlehem, PA 18017
610-861-2026
Pennsylvania State Police
Check court records at the Lehigh County Courthouse, as mugshots may be included in case files:

Lehigh County Clerk of Courts
Lehigh County Courthouse
455 West Hamilton Street
Allentown, PA 18101
610-782-3077
Lehigh County Clerk of Courts

Can Mugshots Be Found Online

While some jurisdictions publish mugshots online, Lehigh County law enforcement agencies generally do not maintain public-facing databases of booking photographs. However, mugshots may appear online through:

The Pennsylvania State Police Public Information Release Reports for significant cases
Local news media coverage of arrests
Third-party websites that aggregate mugshots from various sources

It should be noted that information found on third-party websites may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate.

Obtaining Mugshots Officially

The most reliable method for obtaining an official mugshot is through a formal request to the agency that created and maintains the record. Requests may be subject to fees for search and duplication services. The Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law establishes that agencies may charge reasonable fees for:

Photocopying
Printing from electronic media
Certification of records
Postage

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

Access to mugshots may be restricted under certain circumstances, including:

Cases involving juvenile offenders
Cases that have been expunged or sealed by court order
Cases where release would interfere with an ongoing investigation
Cases where privacy concerns outweigh the public interest in disclosure

Additionally, Pennsylvania's Criminal History Record Information Act (18 Pa.C.S. § 9121) places limitations on how criminal history information, including mugshots, can be used, particularly for employment, licensing, or housing decisions.

Lookup Arrest Records in Lehigh County

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