Adams County Court Records Lookup

The following is for information purposes only

Adams County is home to over 104,600 residents, 98% of whom are U.S. citizens. The county's judicial system is strategically organized to handle diverse legal matters, including criminal and civil cases, as well as, juvenile matters. The courts hold the authoritative responsibility to fairly and decisively resolve disputes in accordance with the law while also having the power to impose penalties on offenders. Adams County court system comprises the county's Court of Common Pleas and four Magisterial District Courts. The Adams County Court of Common Pleas, located in Gettysburg, the county seat, is the county's primary trial court. This court handles major criminal and civil cases, appeals from the Magisterial District Courts appeals not exclusively assigned to another court, and matters involving children and families. Annually, the Court of Common Pleas in Adams County manages over 4,000 cases, demonstrating its crucial role in the judicial system.

Adams County boasts four Magisterial District Courts, three of which are situated in Gettysburg, while the fourth is located in East Berlin. These courts handle various legal matters, including criminal preliminary arraignments and hearings, traffic offenses, municipal code violations, landlord disputes, and civil claims with damages not exceeding $12,000. Each Magisterial District Court in the county processes around 5,300 cases annually, surpassing the average for class 5 counties in Pennsylvania. This high volume of cases is particularly noteworthy given that the county's overall crime rate is approximately 134 incidents per 100,000 residents annually.

Adams County provides access to its court records upon request. These records are meticulously organized, maintained, and stored by the Adams County Clerk of Court. The clerk's primary responsibility is to uphold the integrity of all legal documents originating from Adams County courts. This includes ensuring that the records are constantly updated and readily available to enhance the efficiency of legal processes and public access to judicial information. Individuals interested in accessing these records can do so conveniently online via the unified statewide judiciary portal. Some cases are sealed due to their nature and will require permission to access.

In summary, the Adams County court system is integral to its governance, as it administers justice in various legal matters. It consists of the Court of Common Pleas and four Magisterial District Courts, which ensure that all legal disputes and violations are handled impartially. Adams County is unwavering in its dedication to upholding the rule of law and safeguarding justice for all individuals within its jurisdiction.