Lehigh County court records, Pennsylvania, are available through several channels. LehighCourt.us allows quick access to public information about court cases in the county. Additionally, records can be searched through the official web portal of the state's Unified Judicial System, directly at the Clerk of Judicial Records office, and through public terminals in the courthouse. Below is a detailed overview of the court structure, hearing calendars, procedures for obtaining document copies, and current fees.
Lehigh Court System & Jurisdictions
Lehigh County is part of the 31st judicial district of Pennsylvania. Several levels of courts operate here, each handling its own categories of cases.
Court of Common Pleas
This is the main court of general jurisdiction. It is divided into divisions:
- Criminal Division — felonies, misdemeanors, probation violations.
- Civil Division — civil claims over $12,000, real estate claims, appeals from magistrate judges' decisions.
- Family Division — divorces, child custody, alimony, protective orders (Protection From Abuse).
- Orphans' Court Division — probate matters, guardianships, trusts, adoptions.
Docket sheets for this court are published on the Unified Judicial System page. Note: these docket sheets do not replace criminal history checks, which are performed only by the Pennsylvania State Police.
Magisterial District Courts
Several magisterial district courts operate in the county. They handle:
- Small civil claims up to $12,000
- Traffic violation cases
- Preliminary hearings in criminal cases
- Municipal ordinance violation cases
- Landlord-tenant disputes
Each magistrate court serves a designated area — specific municipalities and townships.
Lehigh Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
The schedule of hearings for today, tomorrow, or the current week can be most easily checked through the UJS Web Portal. On the portal, select the "Calendar Event" option in the search menu — this allows filtering hearings by date, court type, and county.
To find a specific hearing, you will need at least one of the following:
- The last name of a party in the case
- Docket number (e.g., CP-39-CR-...)
- Attorney's name
The portal shows the time, courtroom, and type of event — preliminary hearing, trial, conference, etc. Data is updated regularly, but to confirm the schedule's accuracy, it is better to call the court office.
The public records page of the Unified Judicial System also provides access to case information, including docket sheets, for free.
How to Get a Copy of a Lehigh Court Document
The Clerk of Judicial Records is responsible for maintaining court records of the Court of Common Pleas in Lehigh. This is the office to contact for copies.
Certified vs. Non-Certified Copies
- Non-Certified Copies — regular photocopies of documents. Suitable for review or personal use.
- Certified Copies — have an official seal and clerk's signature. Required for submission to other courts, government agencies, visa applications, etc.
Ways to Obtain
- Online: through the UJS Web Portal, you can view and print docket sheets for free. However, certified copies are not issued through the portal.
- In Person: visit the Clerk of Judicial Records office in the courthouse. Bring the case number or sufficient identification details (party's name, approximate date).
- By Mail: send a written request specifying case details, the type of document needed, and payment.
For magistrate court records, contact the relevant Magisterial District Court directly. Criminal history can be separately ordered through the PATCH (Pennsylvania Access To Criminal History) system.
Lehigh Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court documents in Pennsylvania are regulated by state law and local administrative orders. Below are approximate amounts typically charged by the Clerk of Judicial Records.
| Service | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Case search (by name) | Free through UJS Portal |
| Viewing docket sheet online | Free |
| Non-certified document copy (per page) | $0.25 – $1.00 |
| Certified document copy | From $5.00 and up (depends on document type) |
| Criminal check through PATCH | $22.00 (online) |
Exact amounts may vary — check the current price directly with the clerk's office or on the county website. Payment is usually accepted by check, money order, or credit card. Cash is not always accepted.
For requests under the Right-to-Know Law, separate rules apply: the first few pages may be free, and charges apply for copying and preparation time beyond a specified limit.