Cambria County Public Records /Cambria County Court Records

Cambria County Court Records

What Is Cambria County Court Records

Court records in Cambria County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records serve as the comprehensive documentation of judicial activities and decisions pursuant to Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law. Court records typically include:

Case files containing pleadings, motions, and supporting documentation
Docket sheets chronicling chronological case activities
Judicial orders and final judgments
Hearing and trial transcripts
Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
Sentencing records and probation reports in criminal matters
Settlement agreements in civil cases

Court records differ from other public records such as property deeds, vital statistics (birth/death certificates), and tax assessments, which are maintained by separate county departments. In Cambria County, court records are maintained by several courts within the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System as established under 42 Pa.C.S. § 301, including:

Court of Common Pleas (civil, criminal, family, orphans' court divisions)
Magisterial District Courts (minor criminal, traffic, small claims)

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has established that court records include "documents and information related to the business of the courts," as defined in the Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania.

Are Court Records Public In Cambria County

Court records in Cambria County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with Article V, Section 10 of the Pennsylvania Constitution and the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law (Act 3 of 2008). The presumption of openness is further reinforced by the Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania, which states that "all court records shall be public records" with certain exceptions.

Records typically available for public inspection include:

Civil case files (with limited redactions for sensitive information)
Criminal case files following formal charging
Court orders and judgments
Docket sheets and case indices
Hearing schedules and court calendars

However, certain records may be restricted from public access, including:

Juvenile records (except in limited circumstances)
Mental health proceedings
Adoption records
Records sealed by court order
Documents containing confidential information as defined in 204 Pa. Code § 213.81

It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania (which includes Cambria County) are governed by federal access rules rather than state provisions.

How To Find Court Records in Cambria County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Cambria County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents:

In-Person Requests:

Identify the appropriate court office based on the case type (Prothonotary for civil cases, Clerk of Courts for criminal matters)
Visit the courthouse during regular business hours
Complete a records request form providing case information
Present valid identification
Pay applicable copying fees as established by the court fee schedule

By Mail:

Download and complete the appropriate records request form from the Cambria County website
Include specific case information (names, case numbers, filing dates)
Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment for applicable fees
Mail to the appropriate court office:

Cambria County Prothonotary
200 South Center Street
Ebensburg, PA 15931
(814) 472-1440
Cambria County Prothonotary

Cambria County Clerk of Courts
200 South Center Street
Ebensburg, PA 15931
(814) 472-1440
Cambria County Clerk of Courts

Online Access:

Visit the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania Web Portal
Select the appropriate court system (Common Pleas or Magisterial District)
Enter search criteria (name, case number, filing date)
Review available docket information
Request copies of specific documents if needed

For criminal history information, the Pennsylvania State Police maintain the Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History (PATCH) system, which provides criminal history record checks for a fee.

How To Look Up Court Records in Cambria County Online?

Cambria County court records can be accessed through several online portals, each providing different levels of information:

Unified Judicial System Web Portal:

Navigate to Pennsylvania's Unified Judicial System Web Portal
Select "Public Web Docket Sheets"
Choose the appropriate court system:
- Common Pleas Courts (for major civil and criminal cases)
- Magisterial District Courts (for minor cases, traffic citations)
Enter search parameters (name, case number, date range)
Review docket sheets showing case chronology and basic information
Note that full document images are generally not available online

Criminal History Records:

Access the Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History (PATCH) system
Create a user account or proceed as a public user
Enter the required search information
Pay the statutory fee ($22 per record check)
Receive instant results for most inquiries

Pennsylvania Judiciary Case Search:

Visit the PA Judiciary Web Portal Case Search
Select the appropriate court level
Enter search criteria (minimum of last name and first initial)
Review basic case information and docket entries

It should be noted that while docket information is generally available online, complete case files with all documents typically require in-person or written requests to the appropriate court office. Additionally, pursuant to 204 Pa. Code § 213.7, certain confidential information is redacted from online court records.

How To Search Cambria County Court Records for Free?

Pennsylvania law provides for free public inspection of court records at courthouse facilities during normal business hours, as established in the Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System. While obtaining copies typically involves fees, several free options exist for searching and viewing records:

Free In-Person Inspection:

Visit the appropriate court office during regular business hours
Request to view specific case files using public access terminals
Provide case information to court staff
Review documents on-site without charge (copying fees apply for printed materials)

Free Online Resources:

Pennsylvania Judiciary Web Portal - Provides free access to docket sheets and basic case information
Cambria County Court Calendar - Offers free access to upcoming court schedules
Pennsylvania Appellate Court Public Docket Sheets - Provides free access to appeals involving Cambria County cases

Public Law Libraries:

Cambria County Law Library (located in the courthouse)
Public libraries with legal research terminals
These facilities often provide free access to legal research databases that may include court records

While the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal provides free access to docket information, users should be aware that:

Document images are generally not available online
Detailed searches may require case numbers or exact name spellings
Historical records may not be fully digitized
Some specialized searches may still require in-person visits

What's Included in a Cambria County Court Record?

Cambria County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings, with contents varying by case type. Typical components include:

Civil Case Records:

Complaint or petition initiating the action
Summons and proof of service
Defendant's answer or response
Motions and supporting memoranda
Discovery documents (if filed with the court)
Exhibits and evidence presented
Transcripts of hearings and trials
Court orders and opinions
Final judgment or decree
Post-judgment filings and satisfaction documents

Criminal Case Records:

Criminal complaint or information
Arrest warrant and return
Bail determination documents
Preliminary hearing transcripts
Pre-trial motions and orders
Discovery materials (if filed)
Plea agreements
Trial exhibits and evidence
Verdict forms
Pre-sentence investigation reports (access restricted)
Sentencing orders
Post-conviction relief petitions

Family Court Records:

Divorce petitions and decrees
Child custody and support orders
Protection from abuse filings
Paternity determinations
Financial statements (may be confidential)
Parenting plans
Guardian ad litem reports

Orphans' Court Records:

Wills and probate documents
Estate inventories and accountings
Guardianship petitions and reports
Adoption records (generally sealed)
Name change petitions

In accordance with 204 Pa. Code § 213.81, certain confidential information is either redacted or filed on separate forms, including:

Social Security numbers
Financial account numbers
Minor children's names and dates of birth
Driver's license numbers
State identification numbers

How Long Does Cambria County Keep Court Records?

Cambria County adheres to the record retention schedules established by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania pursuant to Pa.R.J.A. No. 507. These schedules vary by record type and court division:

Common Pleas Court - Civil Division:

Case files: Minimum of 7 years after final disposition
Judgments: 20 years from date of filing
Divorce decrees: Permanent retention
Civil trial transcripts: 7 years after final disposition
Exhibits: Returned to parties after appeals period; unclaimed exhibits destroyed after 1 year

Common Pleas Court - Criminal Division:

Felony case files: 75 years from final disposition
Misdemeanor case files: 25 years from final disposition
Summary offense files: 7 years from final disposition
Criminal trial transcripts: Permanent retention for capital cases; 75 years for other felonies
Sentencing orders: Permanent retention

Magisterial District Courts:

Civil case records: 7 years after final disposition
Criminal case records: 7 years after final disposition (forwarded to Common Pleas if bound over)
Traffic citations: 3 years after final disposition

Orphans' Court Division:

Estate administration files: 25 years after estate closing
Guardianship files: 25 years after termination of guardianship
Adoption records: Permanent retention (sealed)
Marriage license applications: Permanent retention

The County Records Committee of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission may authorize longer retention periods for records with historical significance. Additionally, records may be transferred to microfilm or electronic format for permanent preservation while original paper documents are destroyed according to schedule.

Types of Courts In Cambria County

Cambria County's court system operates within Pennsylvania's Unified Judicial System, with several levels of courts serving different jurisdictional functions:

Cambria County Court of Common Pleas
200 South Center Street
Ebensburg, PA 15931
(814) 472-1400
Cambria County Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

The Court of Common Pleas is divided into specialized divisions:

Civil Division - handles major civil litigation, equity matters
Criminal Division - adjudicates felonies and serious misdemeanors
Family Division - manages divorce, custody, support, protection orders
Orphans' Court Division - oversees estates, guardianships, adoptions

Magisterial District Courts
Cambria County has seven Magisterial District Courts:

Magisterial District Court 47-1-01
121 North Center Street
Ebensburg, PA 15931
(814) 472-8570
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Magisterial District Court 47-1-02
207 South Center Street
Ebensburg, PA 15931
(814) 472-7400
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Magisterial District Court 47-1-03
118 South Center Street
Johnstown, PA 15901
(814) 533-5371
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Magisterial District Court 47-3-01
141 Vine Street
Johnstown, PA 15901
(814) 539-8765
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Magisterial District Court 47-3-03
929 Menoher Boulevard
Johnstown, PA 15905
(814) 255-4621
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Magisterial District Court 47-3-05
206 Vickroy Avenue
Johnstown, PA 15905
(814) 535-3151
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Magisterial District Court 47-3-06
1340 William Penn Avenue
Johnstown, PA 15906
(814) 536-8334
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Appeals from Cambria County courts proceed to:

Pennsylvania Superior Court (most civil and criminal appeals)
Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court (government-related matters)
Supreme Court of Pennsylvania (discretionary review of lower court decisions)

What Types of Cases Do Cambria County Courts Hear?

Cambria County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters, with jurisdiction determined by case type and Pennsylvania law:

Court of Common Pleas - Civil Division:

Major civil litigation (claims exceeding $12,000)
Real property disputes and quiet title actions
Complex contract and business litigation
Medical malpractice and personal injury cases
Mortgage foreclosures and tax sales
Appeals from magisterial district courts
Equity matters (injunctions, specific performance)

Court of Common Pleas - Criminal Division:

Felony prosecutions
Serious misdemeanor cases
Criminal jury trials
Sentencing and probation violations
Post-conviction relief petitions
Criminal appeals from magisterial district courts
Expungement proceedings

Court of Common Pleas - Family Division:

Divorce proceedings
Child custody determinations
Child and spousal support cases
Protection from abuse orders
Paternity establishment
Name change petitions
Juvenile delinquency matters
Dependency proceedings for at-risk children

Court of Common Pleas - Orphans' Court Division:

Probate of wills and estate administration
Trust administration and accounting
Guardianships for incapacitated persons
Adoptions and termination of parental rights
Marriage license issuance
Nonprofit corporation matters

Magisterial District Courts:

Summary criminal offenses
Traffic violations
Preliminary hearings in criminal cases
Civil claims up to $12,000
Landlord-tenant disputes
Municipal code violations
Small claims proceedings
Issuance of search and arrest warrants

Each court's jurisdiction is established by the Pennsylvania Judicial Code (42 Pa.C.S.), which defines the types of cases each level of court may hear.

How To Find a Court Docket In Cambria County

Court dockets in Cambria County provide chronological listings of all actions taken in a case and can be accessed through several methods:

Online Docket Access:

Visit the Unified Judicial System Web Portal
Select "Public Web Docket Sheets"
Choose the appropriate court system:
- Common Pleas Courts (major civil/criminal cases)
- Magisterial District Courts (minor cases)
Enter search criteria (name, case number, filing date)
Review and print available docket information

In-Person Docket Requests:

Visit the appropriate court office:
- Prothonotary (civil cases): 200 South Center Street, Ebensburg
- Clerk of Courts (criminal cases): 200 South Center Street, Ebensburg
- Specific Magisterial District Court office
Provide case information to court staff
Request to view the docket sheet
Pay applicable fees for certified copies if needed

Telephone Inquiries:

Contact the appropriate court office:
- Prothonotary: (814) 472-1440
- Clerk of Courts: (814) 472-1440
Provide case information to court staff
Request basic docket information
Note that detailed information may require in-person visits

Daily Court Schedules:

Visit the Cambria County Court Administration website
Review posted court calendars and hearing lists
Note that schedules are typically posted one week in advance

For criminal cases, the Pennsylvania Judiciary Web Portal provides comprehensive docket information including charges, hearing dates, and disposition information. Civil case dockets typically show filings, motions, and scheduled events.

Which Courts in Cambria County Are Not Courts of Record?

In Pennsylvania's judicial system, "courts of record" are those that maintain official transcripts of proceedings and whose decisions may serve as legal precedent. According to 42 Pa.C.S. § 321, courts of record include the Supreme Court, Superior Court, Commonwealth Court, Courts of Common Pleas, and certain other designated tribunals.

In Cambria County, courts not of record include:

Magisterial District Courts:

These courts handle minor civil disputes, summary offenses, and preliminary proceedings in criminal cases
While they maintain dockets and case files, formal transcripts are not automatically created for all proceedings
Appeals from these courts to the Court of Common Pleas are heard de novo (completely new proceedings)
Governed by 42 Pa.C.S. § 1123

Municipal Ordinance Hearing Boards:

Some municipalities within Cambria County have administrative hearing boards
These boards adjudicate local code violations and similar matters
Proceedings are typically informal with limited record-keeping
Decisions may be appealed to the Court of Common Pleas

Alternative Dispute Resolution Forums:

Court-annexed arbitration panels
Mediation programs
While these may operate under court supervision, they are not courts of record
Results become part of the court record only when formalized by court order

The distinction between courts of record and those not of record is significant because:

Appeals from courts not of record involve completely new proceedings rather than review of the existing record
Procedural rules are generally less formal in courts not of record
Courts not of record typically have limited jurisdiction over minor matters
Judges in courts not of record (Magisterial District Judges) are not required to be attorneys in Pennsylvania