Criminal records in Butler County, Pennsylvania, can be accessed through several online tools, official court systems, law enforcement agencies, and the clerk's office. ButlerPACourt.us can help find publicly available criminal case information related to Butler County. The Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System's web portal, the Pennsylvania State Police criminal history repository, and the Butler County Clerk of Courts office also serve as access points for court records, background checks, and case documents.
How to Search Criminal Records in Butler
There are several ways to search for criminal records in Butler County. The method you choose depends on what information you already have and what type of record you need.
Online Search Options
- ButlerPACourt.us — Start here to search for publicly available court record information in Butler County. You can look up cases using a defendant's name or case number.
- UJS Portal Case Search — The Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania provides a statewide case search tool. Select the Court of Common Pleas and Butler County to find criminal docket sheets, case status, and hearing dates. You can search by participant name, docket number, or case type.
- Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History (PATCH) — Managed by the Pennsylvania State Police, PATCH allows you to request an official criminal history record check. You will need the individual's full name and date of birth.
- Inmate/Supervised Individual Locator — The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections maintains this tool to locate inmates or parolees in state custody. Butler County Jail is listed as a facility. Search by name or inmate number.
In Person
- Visit the Butler County Clerk of Courts at the Butler County Courthouse. Public access terminals may be available for searching court records.
- Ask the clerk for assistance locating specific docket sheets or case files.
By Mail or Written Request
- Send a written request to the Butler County Clerk of Courts specifying the defendant's full name, date of birth (if known), and case number (if available).
- For a statewide criminal history check, submit a request through PATCH online or by mail to the Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Records and Identification.
What You Need to Begin a Search
- Full legal name of the individual
- Date of birth (recommended for accurate results)
- Case or docket number (if searching a specific case)
Search Butler Criminal Cases by Case Number
Pennsylvania uses a standardized docket number format across its Court of Common Pleas. Understanding this format helps you locate a specific case quickly.
A typical Butler County criminal case number follows this pattern:
CP-10-CR-XXXXXXX-YYYY
- CP — Court of Common Pleas
- 10 — Butler County's numeric code within the UJS system
- CR — Criminal case type ("CR" for criminal; "SA" for summary appeal; "MD" for miscellaneous)
- XXXXXXX — Sequential case number assigned by the court
- YYYY — Four-digit year the case was filed
Magisterial District Court cases use a different prefix — MJ — followed by the district judge's office number and a sequential filing number. If a summary case is appealed, it receives a new CP-level docket number.
Enter the full docket number into the UJS Portal or ButlerPACourt.us to pull up the complete docket sheet, including charges, hearing dates, and disposition.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Butler
Criminal docket sheets in Butler County contain detailed information about each case. Here is what the key data points mean:
Charges
| Element | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Statute code | References the specific section of the Pennsylvania Crimes Code (Title 18) or other statute violated |
| Grade | Felony (F1, F2, F3), Misdemeanor (M1, M2, M3), or Summary offense |
| Amended charges | Original charges may be changed through plea negotiations or prosecutorial review; both the original and amended charges appear on the docket |
| Count | Each individual charge is listed as a separate count |
Case Status
- Active — The case is currently proceeding through the court
- Pending — Charges have been filed but not yet resolved
- Disposed — The case has reached a final outcome (conviction, acquittal, dismissal, etc.)
- Closed — All obligations, including sentencing and fines, have been completed
Hearing Types
- Arraignment — Defendant is formally advised of charges and enters an initial plea
- Preliminary hearing — Held before a magisterial district judge to determine whether enough evidence exists to send the case to the Court of Common Pleas
- Pre-trial conference — A meeting between the prosecution and defense to discuss potential resolution or trial preparation
- Trial — Bench trial or jury trial where evidence is presented
- Sentencing — Court imposes penalties after a guilty verdict or plea
- Review hearing — Follow-up hearing to monitor compliance with probation or other court-ordered conditions
Court Results (Dispositions)
- Guilty — Defendant was convicted at trial or entered a guilty plea
- Not guilty — Defendant was acquitted at trial
- Nolle prossed — Prosecution chose not to pursue the charge
- Dismissed — Court dismissed the charge, often for procedural reasons or lack of evidence
- ARD (Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition) — A diversionary program for eligible first-time offenders in Pennsylvania; successful completion may lead to expungement
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Butler
Certified copies of criminal records carry an official court seal and can be used for legal proceedings, employment verification, and other formal purposes. In Butler County, the Clerk of Courts handles these requests.
How to Submit a Request
- In person — Visit the Clerk of Courts office at the Butler County Courthouse. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID.
- By mail — Send a written request that includes the defendant's full name, date of birth, case number (if known), the specific documents requested, and a return address. Include payment by check or money order payable to the Butler County Clerk of Courts.
Butler County Clerk of Courts
Statewide Criminal History Check
For an official criminal history record that covers all Pennsylvania counties, submit a request through the PATCH system operated by the Pennsylvania State Police. You will need the subject's full name and date of birth. Results are typically returned electronically within minutes for records that produce a match or a "no record" response.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Butler
| Service | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Docket sheet copy (per page) | $0.25 | Standard per-page rate for non-certified copies at the Clerk of Courts |
| Certified copy | $1.00 per page plus certification fee | Certification fee is typically assessed per document |
| PATCH criminal history check (no record) | $22.00 | Paid online via credit card at epatch.pa.gov |
| PATCH criminal history check (record found) | $22.00 | Same fee regardless of outcome |
| FBI fingerprint-based background check | $23.25 | Required for certain employment, licensing, and volunteer purposes; submitted through an approved channeler |
Processing Times
- PATCH online requests — Results often returned within minutes for straightforward name-based checks. Some requests may require manual review, which can take up to several weeks.
- Clerk of Courts in-person requests — Typically fulfilled the same day for standard copies if the records are readily available.
- Mail requests — Allow 1–2 weeks for processing and return mailing.
- FBI background checks — Processing times vary; allow several weeks from the date fingerprints are submitted.
Fees are established under Pennsylvania court rules and may change. Confirm current fees with the Butler County Clerk of Courts before submitting payment.