Cambria County Public Records /Cambria County Criminal Records

Cambria County Criminal Records

What Is Cambria County Criminal Records

Criminal records in Cambria County are official documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to Pennsylvania's Criminal History Record Information Act (CHRIA), specifically under § 9102, which defines criminal history record information as "information collected by criminal justice agencies concerning individuals, and arising from the initiation of a criminal proceeding."

Criminal records in Cambria County encompass several distinct categories:

Arrest Records: Documentation of when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement, including the Cambria County Sheriff's Office or local police departments
Court Records: Official documentation of criminal proceedings handled by the Cambria County Court of Common Pleas
Correctional Records: Information regarding incarceration in the Cambria County Prison or state correctional facilities
Criminal History Reports: Comprehensive summaries of an individual's criminal background

The distinction between arrest and conviction records is significant. Arrest records document instances where individuals were taken into custody but do not necessarily indicate guilt. Conviction records, conversely, confirm that a person was found guilty of specific charges through court proceedings.

Criminal offenses in Cambria County are categorized as follows:

Felonies: Serious crimes punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year
Misdemeanors: Less severe offenses typically punishable by less than one year of incarceration
Summary Offenses: Minor infractions usually resulting in fines

Adult criminal records in Cambria County are generally accessible to the public, while juvenile records (individuals under 18) are typically sealed under Pennsylvania law § 6308, which restricts access to protect minors' privacy and future opportunities.

The primary agencies responsible for maintaining criminal records in Cambria County include:

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

Cambria County Sheriff's Office
200 South Center Street
Ebensburg, PA 15931
(814) 472-1691
Sheriff's Office

Pennsylvania State Police
Criminal Records Section
1800 Elmerton Avenue
Harrisburg, PA 17110
(717) 783-5494
Pennsylvania State Police

Are Criminal Records Public In Cambria County

Criminal records in Cambria County are generally considered public information in accordance with the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law (Act 3 of 2008, 65 P.S. § 67.101 et seq.). This legislation establishes the presumption that government records, including criminal records, are accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law, court order, or regulation.

Under § 67.301 of the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law, "a public record, legislative record or financial record shall be accessible for inspection and duplication in accordance with this act." This provision forms the legal foundation for public access to criminal records in Cambria County.

The Pennsylvania Office of Open Records oversees the implementation of this law, ensuring that government agencies, including those in Cambria County, comply with public records requirements. However, it is important to note that not all criminal record information is publicly accessible. Several categories of records have restricted access:

Active criminal investigations: Records pertaining to ongoing investigations are exempt from public disclosure under § 67.708(b)(16)
Juvenile records: Generally sealed and confidential pursuant to 42 Pa.C.S. § 6308
Expunged or sealed records: No longer accessible to the public following court orders
Certain victim information: Protected under various privacy provisions
Records sealed under Clean Slate legislation: Pennsylvania's Clean Slate Law (Act 56 of 2018) provides for automatic sealing of certain minor criminal records

The Cambria County Court of Common Pleas maintains criminal court records that are generally accessible to the public. These include docket sheets, court filings, and case dispositions. Similarly, the Cambria County Clerk of Courts serves as the custodian of criminal court records and provides public access to these documents.

For individuals seeking criminal record information in Cambria County, it is advisable to understand that while many records are publicly accessible, certain limitations and exemptions exist to balance transparency with privacy and security concerns.

How To Look Up Criminal Records In Cambria County in 2026

Members of the public seeking criminal records in Cambria County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains multiple access points for criminal record searches, each serving different purposes and containing various types of information.

For in-person requests, individuals may visit:

Cambria County Clerk of Courts
200 South Center Street
Ebensburg, PA 15931
(814) 472-1440
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Clerk of Courts Office

When conducting an in-person search, requesters should:

Bring valid government-issued photo identification
Complete the appropriate request form available at the office
Provide specific information about the subject of the search (full name, date of birth if known)
Pay applicable fees (currently $25 for certified copies, $0.25 per page for photocopies)

For mail requests, individuals should send a written request to the Clerk of Courts office including:

A completed records request form (available on the county website)
A self-addressed stamped envelope
Payment by check or money order for applicable fees
Specific information about the records being requested

Online searches can be conducted through the Cambria County Court Records Portal, which provides access to docket information and case status. Users must register for an account to access certain features of the system.

For comprehensive criminal history information, the Pennsylvania Access To Criminal History (PATCH) system maintained by the Pennsylvania State Police provides statewide criminal history record checks. The current fee for this service is $22 per request.

Additionally, individuals may request criminal records through the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records by submitting a Right-to-Know request form to the appropriate agency. Cambria County has designated Open Records Officers who process these requests in accordance with state law.

How To Find Criminal Records in Cambria County Online?

Cambria County offers several online resources for accessing criminal records digitally. These electronic systems provide convenient alternatives to in-person visits and are available to the public under current Pennsylvania open records laws.

The primary online portal for accessing Cambria County court records is the CountySuite Online Portal. This system allows users to search for:

Criminal case dockets
Court calendars
Case status information
Party information

To use this system effectively:

Navigate to the CountySuite Portal website
Create a user account if accessing restricted features
Select "Case Search" from the main menu
Enter search criteria (name, case number, etc.)
Review search results and select specific cases for detailed information

For information regarding current inmates in Cambria County correctional facilities, the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections Inmate Locator provides a searchable database. This resource includes:

Current custody status
Facility location
Basic demographic information
Minimum and maximum sentence dates (when applicable)

Individuals seeking sex offender registration information can utilize the Pennsylvania Megan's Law Website, which maintains a comprehensive database of registered sex offenders throughout the Commonwealth, including those in Cambria County.

For statewide criminal history information, the Pennsylvania Access To Criminal History (PATCH) system allows users to request criminal history record checks online. This service requires:

Creation of an account or guest access
Submission of the subject's name and date of birth
Payment of the required fee ($22 per request)
Retrieval of results electronically

It is important to note that while these online systems provide significant access to criminal records, certain limitations exist:

Some detailed case documents may only be available through in-person requests
Sealed or expunged records will not appear in online searches
Juvenile records are generally not accessible through public portals
Records sealed under Pennsylvania's Clean Slate law will not be visible

Can You Search Cambria County Criminal Records for Free?

Cambria County provides several options for accessing criminal records without charge, though certain limitations and fee structures apply depending on the type of record and method of access. Under Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law § 67.1307, agencies may charge reasonable fees for duplication and certification of records, but inspection of records at agency offices is generally available at no cost.

Free access options include:

In-person inspection: Members of the public may visit the Cambria County Clerk of Courts Office during regular business hours to inspect publicly available criminal court records without charge. While viewing is free, copying fees apply ($0.25 per page).
Public access terminals: Computer terminals are available at the courthouse for searching basic case information at no cost.
Online docket searches: Basic case information can be accessed through the Cambria County Court Records Portal without charge, though registration may be required.
Inmate information: The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections Inmate Locator provides free access to information about individuals currently incarcerated in state facilities, including those from Cambria County.
Sex offender registry: The Pennsylvania Megan's Law Website offers free public access to information about registered sex offenders in Cambria County.

Services that require payment include:

Certified copies of court documents ($25 per document)
Criminal history record checks through PATCH ($22 per request)
Expedited processing services
Extensive research requests requiring significant staff time

The Cambria County Open Records Office processes Right-to-Know requests for county records. While the initial request is free, duplication fees may apply depending on the volume and format of records requested.

Cambria County Open Records Office
200 South Center Street
Ebensburg, PA 15931
(814) 472-1625
Open Records Office

What's Included in a Cambria County Criminal Record?

Criminal records in Cambria County typically contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records are maintained in accordance with Pennsylvania's Criminal History Record Information Act § 9102, which establishes standards for record content and maintenance.

Identifying Information:

Full legal name and any known aliases
Date of birth and age
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Photograph/mugshot (when available)
Last known address
State Identification Number (SID)
FBI number (if applicable)

Arrest Information:

Date and time of arrest
Arresting agency
Booking number
Charges filed at arrest
Bail/bond information
Detention facility

Court Case Information:

Docket/case number
Court of jurisdiction
Filing date
Formal charges filed by the prosecutor
Statutory citations and offense grades (felony, misdemeanor, summary)
Defense attorney information
Preliminary hearing details
Pre-trial motions and rulings

Disposition Information:

Plea information
Trial outcome (if applicable)
Verdict or judgment
Conviction date
Sentencing details:
- Incarceration terms
- Probation conditions
- Fines and costs
- Restitution orders
- Treatment requirements
Post-conviction proceedings
Appeal information

Additional Information:

Active warrants
Protection from Abuse (PFA) orders
Sex offender registration status
Probation/parole status
Compliance with court-ordered conditions
Specialized court participation (Drug Court, Veterans Court, etc.)

The Cambria County Clerk of Courts maintains the official criminal court records, while arrest information is typically held by the arresting agency and the Sheriff's Office. The Pennsylvania State Police maintain the central repository of criminal history information for the Commonwealth.

It is important to note that record content may vary based on the age of the case, the severity of the offense, and whether any information has been sealed or expunged pursuant to court order or statute.

How Long Does Cambria County Keep Criminal Records?

Cambria County maintains criminal records in accordance with the Pennsylvania County Records Manual established by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission under the authority of § 9-1406 of the County Code. This comprehensive retention schedule governs how long various criminal records must be preserved.

Criminal records retention periods in Cambria County vary by document type:

Criminal Case Files: Permanent retention for cases involving homicide, while other felony cases are typically retained for 75 years from the date of final disposition. Misdemeanor cases are generally kept for 25 years, and summary offense records for 7 years.
Arrest Records: Maintained by law enforcement agencies for a minimum of 5 years, though records of serious offenses are kept substantially longer.
Court Dockets and Indices: Permanently retained as they serve as finding aids to case files and provide essential summary information.
Sentencing Records: Maintained for the duration of the sentence plus an additional retention period based on offense severity (typically 7-75 years).
Probation/Parole Records: Retained for 7 years after case closure or the termination of supervision.
Booking Photographs and Fingerprints: Generally maintained for the same duration as the corresponding case file.

It is important to note that even after the official retention period expires, information about criminal cases may continue to exist in various databases and systems. Additionally, records that have been sealed under Pennsylvania's Clean Slate legislation (Act 56 of 2018) remain in existence but are shielded from public view.

The Cambria County Records Improvement Committee oversees the implementation of records management policies, ensuring compliance with state retention requirements while balancing public access needs with privacy considerations.

For expungement or sealing of eligible records, individuals must petition the Cambria County Court of Common Pleas following procedures established under Pennsylvania law. Successful expungement results in the physical destruction or removal of records from public access.