Allegheny County Clerk of Courts – Pittsburgh, PA

About the Department of Court Records, Criminal Division

The Allegheny County Clerk of Courts, formally known as the Department of Court Records (Criminal Division), serves as the pivotal administrative hub for the criminal justice system within the Fifth Judicial District of Pennsylvania. Located in the historic Allegheny County Courthouse in downtown Pittsburgh, this office functions as the official custodian of all criminal records for the county. Its primary mission is to maintain the integrity, accuracy, and accessibility of court documents while facilitating the smooth operation of judicial proceedings. The office serves a diverse constituency, including judges, attorneys, law enforcement agencies, and the general public, ensuring that the wheels of justice turn efficiently through meticulous record-keeping and procedural management.

Core Services and Responsibilities

The Clerk of Courts manages a vast array of duties essential to the legal process. The department is responsible for docketing and maintaining records for all criminal cases, from summary appeals to major felonies. Key services include:

• Case Filing and Docketing: Processing criminal complaints, indictments, and informations filed by the District Attorney’s office. Every motion, order, and disposition is chronologically recorded in the Common Pleas Case Management System (CPCMS).
• Financial Collections: The office collects court-imposed fines, costs, and restitution. They manage the distribution of these funds to victims, the county, and the state. The Finance Section allows for the payment of court obligations and can establish payment plans for eligible defendants.
• Bail and Bond Processing: Managing the posting of bail bonds, returning collateral upon case conclusion, and handling bail pieces.
• Summary Appeals: Processing appeals from Magisterial District Courts regarding traffic citations and non-traffic summary offenses.
• Expungements and Pardons: Handling petitions for the expungement of criminal records and processing pardon orders from the Governor’s office.
• Private Detective Licenses: The Clerk of Courts is the designated authority for accepting applications and issuing licenses for private detectives operating within Allegheny County.

Judicial Support and Public Access

Beyond administrative filing, the office acts as a critical bridge between the court and the community. Staff members are available to assist with record searches, providing certified copies of court orders, and helping individuals navigate the often complex procedural requirements of the criminal court system. Public access terminals are available in the office for reviewing docket sheets and case histories. The department also coordinates closely with the Sheriff’s Office for the issuance of bench warrants and with the Jail for commitment papers. While the staff can provide procedural information, they are strictly prohibited from offering legal advice.

Operational Protocols

Visitors to the Department of Court Records should be aware of the strict protocols governing the Allegheny County Courthouse. As a high-security government facility, all entrants must pass through security screening. The office operates on a standard business schedule, but specific filing deadlines may apply for certain legal actions. Attorneys and pro se litigants are encouraged to utilize the rigorous e-filing systems where applicable to expedite processing. The Clerk’s office emphasizes transparency and accountability, ensuring that the public record remains a true and accurate reflection of the judicial history of Allegheny County.