Allegheny Criminal Division – Pittsburgh, PA

Allegheny County Criminal Division

The Allegheny County Criminal Division, part of the Fifth Judicial District of Pennsylvania, is responsible for adjudicating criminal cases involving adults and juveniles charged with criminal offenses within the county. Located in the historic Allegheny County Courthouse, this division handles a wide range of legal matters, including felony and misdemeanor trials, summary appeals, and various pre-trial motions. The court operates under the supervision of the Department of Court Records, which maintains all dockets and filings for criminal proceedings. ⚖️

Core Services and Functions

• Criminal Case Adjudication: Processing of felony and misdemeanor charges from preliminary arraignment through sentencing.
• Records and Filing: The Department of Court Records manages all case files, ensuring public access to dockets (except where sealed) and processing bail bonds.
• Summary Appeals: Hearing appeals from Magisterial District Courts regarding traffic citations and non-traffic summary offenses.
• Expungements: Processing petitions for the expungement of criminal records in accordance with Pennsylvania law.

Security and Access

Visitors to the Criminal Division must pass through strict security screening at the courthouse entrance. All bags and personal items are subject to X-ray inspection, and individuals must walk through metal detectors. 🛑 Prohibited items include firearms, knives of any size, pepper spray, and sharp objects. While cell phones are generally permitted, the use of cameras and audio recording devices is strictly prohibited inside courtrooms and hallways without judicial authorization.

Fines and Payments

The division accepts payments for court costs, fines, and restitution. Payments can be made in person or online via the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System’s PAePay portal. It is important to have the specific case docket number available when making payments to ensure funds are applied correctly. 💳

This institution plays a vital role in the administration of justice in Pittsburgh, ensuring due process for defendants while maintaining public safety.