Allegheny County Court Records Lookup

The following is for information purposes only

Nestled within the heart of Pennsylvania, Allegheny County boasts a vibrant community of over 1.25 million residents, with the vast majority, 96%, being U.S. citizens. This dynamic county holds the distinction of being the second most populous in the state. The bustling city of Pittsburgh serves as the county seat, playing a pivotal role as the administrative and judicial center. Allegheny County's court system comprises three essential courts: the Court of Common Pleas, the Magisterial District Court, and the Pittsburgh Municipal Court. Together, these courts play a vital role in ensuring justice is served and law and order are upheld throughout the county.

Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas is the county's primary trial court and the court of general jurisdiction. This court handles a wide range of legal cases, including civil, criminal, and family-related matters. It has four main divisions: Civil Division, Criminal Division, Orphans Court Division, and Family Division. Within the Family Division, there are two specialized sections: the Juvenile Section and the Adult Section. The Juvenile section focuses on cases involving dependency, delinquency, and the termination of parental rights. On the other hand, the Adult section deals with issues such as child support, custody arrangements, and divorce proceedings. An Administrative Judge manages each Division of the Court. The Magisterial District Court in Pittsburgh has jurisdiction over various types of cases. These include traffic citations, civil matters such as contracts, torts, and landlord/tenant disputes involving sums not exceeding $12,000. The court also handles criminal issues during preliminary arraignments and hearings, as well as the setting of bail and issuance of arrest warrants in misdemeanor and felony cases. Additionally, it is responsible for issuing search warrants and handling abuse petitions under the Protection from Abuse Act. The Pittsburgh Municipal Court, on the other hand, deals with violations of City of Pittsburgh ordinances and preliminary hearings for misdemeanor and felony criminal cases, including private criminal complaints within the city limits of Pittsburgh. The court also handles preliminary hearings for homicide cases within Allegheny County and traffic and non-traffic offenses within Pittsburgh.

The Allegheny County court system processes a substantial volume of court cases annually. The County's Magisterial District Courts handle approximately 20,000 cases annually, while the Pittsburgh Municipal Court manages over 70,000 cases annually. These figures reflect the substantial caseload that the judicial system oversees. Additionally, the county's overall crime rate, averaging about 395 incidents per 100,000 people, underscores the significance of an effective and efficient judicial system in addressing and resolving criminal offenses. The Office of the Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in Alleghany County diligently maintains court records, ensuring their accessibility to the public. This practice exemplifies the county's commitment to transparency. Interested persons can search court records on the Allegheny County Department of Court Records portal. Note that court records pertaining to individuals under legal age and proprietary trade information are exempt from public view.

In summary, the court system in Allegheny County plays a vital role in upholding the law and administering justice across various legal matters. Consisting of the Court of Common Pleas, the Magisterial District Court, and the Pittsburgh Municipal Court, this system ensures the maintenance of social order and the fair application of the rule of law within the county.