Franklin County Public Records / Franklin County Arrest Records

Franklin County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Franklin County in 2026

FranklinPARecords.org provides access to publicly available data related to arrest records in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Members of the public may find booking information, charge details, custody status, and related court case data through this resource. Available record categories include arrest logs, booking records, criminal court case filings, mugshots, bond information, and inmate rosters. Access to specific records may vary depending on the arresting agency, case disposition, and applicable state law.

Members of the public may search arrest records through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are currently available for locating Franklin County arrest records.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Franklin County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and an inmate roster for individuals held at the Franklin County Jail. The Franklin County Sheriff's Office provides access to current inmate information online. Available data includes the arrestee's name, booking date, charges, bond status, and custody status. The roster is updated on a regular basis to reflect current detainees.

2. Local Police Departments

Several municipal police departments operate within Franklin County, including the Chambersburg Police Department and Waynesboro Police Department. The Chambersburg Police Department publishes press releases that include arrest information for notable incidents. Members of the public may contact individual departments directly to inquire about arrest logs or incident-based press releases.

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal allows members of the public to search criminal court cases by defendant name. Searching an individual's name may return associated criminal case filings linked to an underlying arrest. Court case records include docket entries, charge information, and scheduled hearing dates.

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Pennsylvania State Police maintains the Pennsylvania Access To Criminal History (PATCH) system, which provides criminal history record information for individuals with arrests and convictions in Pennsylvania. A standard PATCH request currently costs $22.00 per subject. The database includes arrests, dispositions, and conviction records from jurisdictions across the Commonwealth.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Franklin County Sheriff's Office
157 Lincoln Way East
Chambersburg, PA 17201
Phone: (717) 261-3885
Franklin County Sheriff's Office

Members of the public visiting the records division should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and any known details about the arrest, including the arrestee's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date. Fees for copies of records are assessed per page in accordance with the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law.

Police Departments:

Chambersburg Police Department
100 S. Second Street
Chambersburg, PA 17201
Phone: (717) 264-4131
Chambersburg Police Department

Waynesboro Police Department
55 E. Main Street
Waynesboro, PA 17268
Phone: (717) 762-2131
Waynesboro Borough

Records requests at municipal police departments are processed pursuant to the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law. Requestors should submit a written request identifying the specific record sought, the subject's name, and the approximate date of the incident.

Clerk of Court:

Franklin County Clerk of Courts
157 Lincoln Way East
Chambersburg, PA 17201
Phone: (717) 261-3872
Franklin County Court of Common Pleas

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The Clerk of Courts maintains criminal case files for the Court of Common Pleas. Members of the public may inspect case files at the courthouse. Copy fees are assessed per page in accordance with applicable court rules.

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Franklin County Sheriff's Office at 157 Lincoln Way East, Chambersburg, PA 17201. Requests should include the arrestee's full legal name, date of arrest if known, booking number if known, and the requestor's complete contact information. Payment for applicable copy fees should be included with the request. Processing time varies depending on the volume of requests received.

By Phone:

The Franklin County Sheriff's Office may be reached at (717) 261-3885 for general inquiries. Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available. Detailed record information is not released by phone and requestors may be directed to submit a written request or visit in person.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys may obtain arrest records and associated investigative materials through formal discovery in criminal proceedings. Subpoenas may be issued for records not otherwise available through public access channels. Defense counsel and prosecutors receive access to materials governed by Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure.

Information Needed for Search:

Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
Date of birth or approximate age
Approximate date of arrest
Booking number (if known)
Location of arrest and arresting jurisdiction

Are Arrest Records Public in Franklin County

Arrest records in Franklin County are public records under Pennsylvania law. Pursuant to 65 P.S. § 67.102, the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law defines public records broadly to include documents created or received by a government agency in connection with a transaction of public business. Arrest records, booking logs, and related documentation maintained by law enforcement agencies are subject to public disclosure unless a specific exemption applies.

The public availability of arrest records serves several recognized governmental interests:

Government transparency and accountability for law enforcement actions
Public safety awareness within the community
Support for journalism and academic research
Use in background screening processes
Access to information relevant to legal proceedings

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and known aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at the time of arrest
Booking number
Mugshot/booking photograph
Bond and bail information
Current custody status
Basic demographic information including age and physical description

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records are restricted under Pennsylvania law and are not available to the general public
Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
Information related to active investigations may be withheld to protect the integrity of the investigation
Undercover officer identities are protected from disclosure
Confidential informant information is exempt from public access
Victim identifying information may be withheld in certain categories of cases
Participants in witness protection programs are not identified in public records

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The Pennsylvania Constitution, Article I, Section 11, guarantees access to courts and public proceedings. The balance between transparency and individual privacy is addressed through statutory exemptions within the Right-to-Know Law. The First Amendment to the United States Constitution supports press access to arrest information as a matter of public concern. Due process considerations inform the distinction between an arrest record and a record of conviction.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

Members of the general public
Media organizations and journalists
Employers, subject to restrictions under the Fair Credit Reporting Act
Landlords, subject to applicable fair housing restrictions
Licensing agencies conducting background reviews
Background check companies operating under federal and state law
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. Employers using consumer reports for hiring decisions must comply with FCRA notice and adverse action requirements. Pennsylvania does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though certain municipalities have enacted local ordinances. A critical distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record; an arrest without a conviction does not establish guilt and its use in adverse employment or housing decisions may be subject to legal challenge.

What's in Franklin County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name
Aliases or "also known as" names
Date of birth
Age at time of arrest
Sex/gender
Race/ethnicity
Height and weight
Eye color and hair color
Identifying marks such as scars and tattoos
Address at time of arrest (may be limited in disclosure)

Arrest Details:

Arrest date and time
Location of arrest
Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, municipal police department, Pennsylvania State Police, or other)
Arresting officer name and badge number (in some records)
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information if the arrest was warrant-based

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges
Pennsylvania statute numbers violated
Charge descriptions
Classification by felony degree or misdemeanor grade
Number of counts for each charge
Domestic violence designation where applicable
Gang-related designation where applicable

Booking Information:

Booking facility name and location
Intake process timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in public-facing records
Personal property inventory

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
Bond amount set by the court
Bond type, which may include:
- Cash bond
- Surety bond
- Personal recognizance (PR bond)
- No bond
Release date and time if the individual has been released
Release conditions if made part of the public record

Court Information:

Court case number assigned following arraignment
Court jurisdiction (Franklin County Court of Common Pleas or Magisterial District Court)
Scheduled arraignment or preliminary hearing date
Court location
Judge or magisterial district judge assignment where available

Prior Arrest History:

Prior arrests within Franklin County may appear in booking records depending on the agency's records management system. Historical charges and prior booking numbers may be included. This information is not always part of a current arrest record and may require a separate records request.

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest from the police report
Witness statements
Victim identifying information
Evidence collected during the investigation
Investigative techniques and methods
Medical information
Mental health status
Substance abuse information
Full residential address or personal phone number
Social Security number (redacted from public records)
Financial account information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports contain detailed incident narratives and investigative information not included in booking records
Court records document legal proceedings that occur after an arrest
Criminal records reflect convictions and sentences imposed following adjudication
Background checks are comprehensive screenings that draw from multiple sources including court records, state repositories, and federal databases

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Franklin County?

The cost to obtain arrest records in Franklin County depends on the type of record requested and the agency from which it is sought. Under the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law, 65 P.S. § 67.1307, agencies may charge fees for duplication of records but may not charge for the time spent retrieving records.

Standard Fee Schedule:

Record Type	Fee
Paper copies (black and white)	$0.25 per page
Paper copies (color)	Actual cost
Electronic records (CD/DVD)	Actual cost of media
Certification of records	Varies by agency
PATCH criminal history (state)	$22.00 per subject
Court record copies (Clerk of Courts)	Per court fee schedule

Inspection of public records at the agency's office is available at no charge
Certification fees vary by agency and are assessed when an official certified copy is required
Electronic format fees reflect the actual cost of the storage medium used
Search fees are not permitted under the Right-to-Know Law; agencies may only charge for duplication
Accepted payment methods at the Franklin County Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Courts include cash, check, and money order; individual agencies should be contacted to confirm current accepted payment methods

Fee Waivers:

The Right-to-Know Law does not provide a general fee waiver provision for members of the public. However, agencies retain discretion to waive fees in certain circumstances, including requests from nonprofit organizations or media entities. Requestors seeking a fee waiver should submit a written explanation with their records request.

What Is Available at No Cost:

Online inmate roster review through the Sheriff's Office website
Online court case docket review through the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal
In-person inspection of public records at agency offices

How To Delete Arrest Records in Franklin County

Under Pennsylvania law, the process for removing arrest records from public access is referred to as expungement. Expungement results in the physical destruction or sealing of records held by law enforcement agencies and courts. Sealing, by contrast, restricts public access to records without requiring their destruction and is available in limited circumstances under Pennsylvania's Clean Slate Law.

Expungement is the legal erasure of an arrest record. Once granted, the arresting agency, the Clerk of Courts, and the Pennsylvania State Police are required to destroy or return the records identified in the court order. Sealing under the Pennsylvania Clean Slate Law, 18 Pa.C.S. § 9122.1, limits public access to certain conviction records after a waiting period but does not result in destruction of the underlying records.

Cases Eligible for Expungement in Pennsylvania:

Arrests where no charges were filed
Charges that were dismissed or nolle prossed
Acquittals (not guilty verdicts)
Completion of an Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program
Summary offense convictions after five years with no subsequent arrests
Individuals 70 years of age or older who have been free of arrest for ten years following the last conviction
Deceased individuals

Steps to Petition for Expungement:

Obtain a copy of the criminal history record from the Pennsylvania State Police PATCH system to confirm the record to be expunged
File a Petition for Expungement in the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, Criminal Division
Serve the petition on the Franklin County District Attorney's Office
Attend the scheduled hearing if the District Attorney objects to the petition
If the court grants the petition, the signed order is forwarded to the Pennsylvania State Police, the arresting agency, and the Clerk of Courts for compliance

Relevant Contacts:

Franklin County Court of Common Pleas – Criminal Division
157 Lincoln Way East
Chambersburg, PA 17201
Phone: (717) 261-3872
Franklin County Court of Common Pleas

Franklin County District Attorney's Office
157 Lincoln Way East
Chambersburg, PA 17201
Phone: (717) 261-3842
Franklin County District Attorney

Pennsylvania State Police – Central Repository
1800 Elmerton Avenue
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Phone: (717) 783-5592
Pennsylvania State Police

Individuals who cannot afford an attorney may seek assistance from the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network or the Franklin County Public Defender's Office. The Clean Slate Law also provides for automatic sealing of certain records without a court petition, which is administered by the Pennsylvania State Police and the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts.

What Happens After Arrest in Franklin County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest, the individual is transported to the Franklin County Jail for booking. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest and the arresting agency. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene if the investigation requires additional processing.

Franklin County Jail
1804 Opportunity Avenue
Chambersburg, PA 17201
Phone: (717) 261-3885
Franklin County Sheriff's Office

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the Franklin County Jail, the booking process is initiated. The process typically takes between one and four hours depending on the volume of intakes. The following steps occur during booking:

Personal information is recorded
Miranda rights are read if not previously administered
Booking photograph (mugshot) is taken
Fingerprints are collected and submitted to state and federal databases
Criminal history and outstanding warrant checks are conducted
Personal property is inventoried and stored
Clothing is exchanged for a jail uniform
Medical screening is administered
Brief mental health screening is conducted
Housing classification is determined

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Pennsylvania law, an arrested individual must be brought before a Magisterial District Judge for a preliminary arraignment within a reasonable time following arrest, which in practice occurs within 24 to 72 hours. At the preliminary arraignment:

The individual is formally notified of the charges
The right to counsel is explained and a public defender may be appointed for indigent defendants
Bond and bail conditions are determined
The individual is advised of their rights
Preliminary hearings may be conducted via video conference in certain circumstances

The Franklin County Magisterial District Courts schedule is available through the county's official website.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond:

The full bond amount must be paid in cash
The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees
The amount is set by the Magisterial District Judge at the preliminary arraignment

Surety Bond:

A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount
The defendant pays a non-refundable premium, which is set at 10% of the bond amount under Pennsylvania law
The bondsman assumes responsibility for the defendant's appearance

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond):

The individual is released on a written promise to appear at all court dates
No monetary payment is required
Eligibility is based on community ties, employment status, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and assessed flight risk

No Bond:

The individual is held without the possibility of bail
Circumstances warranting no bond include serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration detainers, and out-of-state warrants

Conditions of Release:

Release conditions imposed by the court may include regular check-in requirements, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision through the Franklin County Pretrial Services program.

4. Release or Continued Detention

If Bond Is Posted:

Processing for release typically takes between one and eight hours
Personal property is returned upon release
A written notice of court dates and conditions of release is provided
Failure to appear at any scheduled court date results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a bench warrant

If Bond Is Not Posted:

The individual remains in custody at the Franklin County Jail
A housing assignment is made following classification
Inmate orientation is conducted
Commissary account setup, phone privileges, and visitation schedules are explained

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Indigent defendants are entitled to appointed counsel under the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution. Eligibility is based on income and is determined at the preliminary arraignment.

Franklin County Public Defender's Office
157 Lincoln Way East
Chambersburg, PA 17201
Phone: (717) 261-3846
Franklin County Public Defender

Private Attorney:

Defendants have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The Pennsylvania Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service provides referrals to licensed attorneys. Attorney-client consultations at the jail are confidential.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The Franklin County District Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. This review occurs within days to weeks of the arrest. The District Attorney may file charges as presented, request additional investigation, decline to prosecute, or file different or additional charges based on the evidence.

Preliminary Hearing:

For felony and certain misdemeanor charges, a preliminary hearing is held before a Magisterial District Judge to determine whether probable cause exists to proceed. The defendant has the right to be represented by counsel at this hearing.

Arraignment:

At the formal arraignment before the Court of Common Pleas, the charges are read and the defendant enters a plea. The available pleas in Pennsylvania are guilty, not guilty, and nolo contendere (no contest). Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and pretrial proceedings are scheduled.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial Phase:

Discovery involves the exchange of evidence between the prosecution and defense, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio and video recordings.

Pretrial motions may include motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss, and motions for additional discovery. Hearings are scheduled as needed.

Plea negotiations may result in an agreement to resolve the case without trial. The defendant retains the right to accept or reject any plea offer.

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal occurs when charges are dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal deficiencies. A dismissal may make the defendant eligible to petition for expungement.

Diversion Programs available in Franklin County include the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program, drug court, and mental health court. Successful completion of a diversion program results in dismissal of charges and eligibility for expungement.

Plea Agreement results in a guilty or nolo contendere plea to agreed-upon charges, with a sentencing hearing to follow.

Trial may be by jury or by judge (bench trial). The prosecution bears the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. A not guilty verdict results in acquittal and eligibility for expungement.

Sentencing (If Convicted):

The sentencing judge considers Pennsylvania's sentencing guidelines, the nature of the offense, and the defendant's prior record. Sentencing options include incarceration, probation, fines and costs, restitution to victims, community service, and drug or alcohol treatment. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention. Defendants retain the right to appeal a conviction and sentence.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to preliminary arraignment: Within 24 to 72 hours
Preliminary arraignment to preliminary hearing: Typically within 14 days for detained defendants, 21 days for those released on bail
Arraignment to trial or resolution: Several months, varying widely based on case complexity
Misdemeanor cases: Resolved within weeks to several months
Felony cases: May take six months to over one year
Pennsylvania's right to a speedy trial is governed by Pennsylvania Rule of Criminal Procedure 600

Rights Throughout the Process:

Right to remain silent
Right to counsel
Right to a speedy trial
Right to confront witnesses
Right to present a defense
Right against self-incrimination
Right to appeal a conviction

Important Contacts:

Franklin County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
1804 Opportunity Avenue
Chambersburg, PA 17201
Phone: (717) 261-3885
Franklin County Sheriff's Office

Franklin County Clerk of Courts
157 Lincoln Way East
Chambersburg, PA 17201
Phone: (717) 261-3872
Franklin County Court of Common Pleas

Franklin County District Attorney's Office
157 Lincoln Way East
Chambersburg, PA 17201
Phone: (717) 261-3842
Franklin County District Attorney

Franklin County Public Defender's Office
157 Lincoln Way East
Chambersburg, PA 17201
Phone: (717) 261-3846
Franklin County Public Defender

What to Do If Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Exercise the right to remain silent by politely declining to answer questions
Request an attorney immediately and do not waive this right
Do not discuss the case with anyone other than an attorney
Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Franklin County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Franklin County is governed by Pennsylvania law and the policies of the individual agencies that create and maintain those records. The Pennsylvania State Records Committee establishes retention schedules for state and local government records. Under 18 Pa.C.S. § 9121, the Pennsylvania State Police maintain a central repository of criminal history record information for all arrests occurring within the Commonwealth.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Courts, Pennsylvania State Police central repository, and the FBI's Interstate Identification Index
Part of the individual's permanent criminal history record

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Pennsylvania State Police central repository
Local law enforcement and court records are retained in accordance with applicable retention schedules, which may provide for permanent retention of conviction records

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement records are retained for a period determined by the agency's retention schedule, which is subject to the Pennsylvania State Records Committee schedule
Court records may be retained permanently unless expunged by court order
Records may remain in the state repository unless the subject successfully petitions for expungement

Acquittals (Not Guilty):

Local law enforcement records are retained subject to agency retention schedules
Court records are often retained permanently
The subject may petition for expungement of the arrest record following an acquittal

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records are retained for a period determined by the agency's retention schedule
Arrest logs may be retained for several years
These records are among the most readily eligible for expungement under Pennsylvania law

No-Information (Prosecutor Declined to Prosecute):

Law enforcement records are retained subject to applicable schedules
The subject is eligible to petition for expungement

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained in accordance with the agency's approved retention schedule
Evidence retention varies based on case outcome and the nature of the offense

Digital Records:

Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records are retained for a period specified in the agency's retention schedule
Records management system entries are often retained permanently
Mugshot databases may retain images for extended periods
Court electronic records maintained through the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System are often retained permanently

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies and mugshot websites may retain arrest records indefinitely
These entities are not controlled by law enforcement and may not update records following expungement
The FCRA requires consumer reporting agencies to maintain reasonable procedures to ensure the accuracy of reported information

Retention by Agency:

Franklin County Sheriff's Office:

Franklin County Sheriff's Office
157 Lincoln Way East
Chambersburg, PA 17201
Phone: (717) 261-3885
Franklin County Sheriff's Office

Booking records, arrest reports, and investigative files are retained in accordance with the retention schedule approved for Franklin County. Felony-related records are retained permanently. Misdemeanor and non-conviction records are retained for periods specified in the applicable schedule.

Clerk of Courts:

Criminal case files for felony matters are retained permanently. Misdemeanor case files are retained for a period specified by court rules and the Pennsylvania State Records Committee schedule. Electronic records maintained through the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System are retained permanently.

Pennsylvania State Police – Central Repository:

The Pennsylvania State Police maintain criminal history record information for all arrests in the Commonwealth. Retention policy provides for permanent maintenance of conviction records. Non-conviction records may be removed following a successful expungement petition.

FBI Database:

The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and the Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal records of arrests and dispositions. Federal retention is permanent. These databases are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in employment background checks for positions requiring federal clearance and in firearms purchase background checks.

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction:

Records are retained permanently in most databases
Conviction records appear on background checks indefinitely unless sealed under the Clean Slate Law

Dismissal:

Records may remain in databases unless the subject obtains an expungement order
Dismissed charges are not reported as convictions on background checks

Expungement:

Physical records at local agencies are destroyed or returned to the petitioner
The Pennsylvania State Police central repository updates its records upon receipt of the court order
The FBI database may retain a notation of the expungement
Removal from all databases is completed within a timeframe that varies by agency

No Charges Filed:

These records have the shortest typical retention period
Automatic purging may occur after a specified number of years depending on agency policy
Immediate expungement may be available in some circumstances

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

Recent Arrests:

Available online through the Sheriff's Office inmate roster and the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal
Updated on a regular basis

Older Arrests:

May require an in-person records request at the Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Courts
Archived records may be subject to a retrieval fee and longer processing time

Very Old Arrests:

Records from earlier decades may not be digitized
Paper records in archives may be subject to destruction following the expiration of the applicable retention period
Members of the public seeking historical records should contact the Franklin County Sheriff's Office Records Division at (717) 261-3885

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the FCRA, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Conviction records may be reported indefinitely. Pennsylvania law does not currently impose a shorter reporting period for non-conviction records beyond the FCRA standard. Arrests without convictions may not be used as the sole basis for adverse employment decisions in certain regulated industries and jurisdictions.

Important Notes:

Expungement does not guarantee removal from all third-party databases or commercial websites
Law enforcement agencies retain access to sealed and expunged records for specified law enforcement purposes
Immigration records are maintained separately under federal authority and are subject to different retention rules
Juvenile records are subject to separate retention rules under Pennsylvania's Juvenile Act and are not part of the adult criminal history system