Criminal records in Cambria County, Pennsylvania, are maintained by several county and state offices. CambriaCourt.us can help you find publicly available criminal case information for Cambria County. You can also access records through the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System's online portal, the Clerk of Courts office, law enforcement agencies including the Cambria County Sheriff's Office, and the Pennsylvania State Police criminal history repository.
How to Search Criminal Records in Cambria County
Several methods are available for searching criminal records in Cambria County. What you need to get started depends on the method you choose, but having the individual's full legal name, date of birth, or case number will make any search more effective.
Online Search Options
- CambriaCourt.us — Search for publicly available Cambria County criminal court record information. You can search by name or case number.
- UJS Web Portal — Pennsylvania's Unified Judicial System provides free access to court docket sheets statewide, including Cambria County Court of Common Pleas criminal cases. Search by participant name, docket number, or calendar event.
- Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History (PATCH) — The Pennsylvania State Police operate PATCH for statewide criminal history background checks. Results include criminal history records from across Pennsylvania. A fee applies.
- PA Megan's Law — Search the Pennsylvania State Police sex offender registry by name, county, municipality, or zip code.
- PA Department of Corrections Inmate Locator — Search for individuals currently incarcerated in state correctional facilities. This tool does not cover county jail inmates.
In Person
Visit the Cambria County Clerk of Courts office at the courthouse in Ebensburg. Public access terminals or staff assistance may be available for searching criminal docket information. Bring a valid photo ID.
By Mail or Written Request
- County records: Submit a written request to the Clerk of Courts at the address above. Include the subject's full name, date of birth (if known), and case number (if available). Enclose any required fees.
- Statewide criminal history: You can request a criminal history background check through the Pennsylvania State Police by mail using the SP4-164 form, or submit an online request through PATCH.
- Open records requests: Cambria County accepts open records requests by email, mail, fax, or in person through the county's Open Records office.
Search Cambria County Criminal Cases by Case Number
If you have a case number, you can look up the full docket sheet directly on the UJS Web Portal. Pennsylvania uses a standardized docket number format across all Courts of Common Pleas:
- Format:
CP-11-CR-XXXXXXX-YYYY - CP — Court of Common Pleas
- 11 — Cambria County's two-digit county code
- CR — Criminal case type (other prefixes include MD for Magisterial District and SA for Summary Appeal)
- XXXXXXX — Sequential case number
- YYYY — Year the case was filed
Magisterial District Court cases use the prefix MJ- followed by the district judge's office number. Enter either format into the UJS Portal's docket number search to pull up charges, hearing dates, dispositions, and sentencing details.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Cambria County
Criminal docket sheets from the Cambria County Court of Common Pleas contain several categories of information. Here is what each data point means:
Charges
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | The Pennsylvania Crimes Code section (e.g., 18 Pa.C.S. § 3502 for burglary) |
| Grade | Felony (F1, F2, F3), Misdemeanor (M1, M2, M3), or Summary offense |
| Original vs. Amended | Charges may be amended through plea negotiations or at preliminary hearing; both versions appear on the docket |
| Sequence Number | Each charge is assigned a count number within the case |
Case Status
- Active: The case is currently proceeding through the court
- Pending: Awaiting a scheduled hearing or action
- Disposed: All charges have reached a final resolution
- Closed: The case is fully concluded, including any sentencing or post-disposition matters
Hearing Types
- Arraignment: Formal reading of charges; defendant enters an initial plea
- Preliminary Hearing: Magisterial District Judge determines whether enough evidence exists to hold the case for trial
- Pre-Trial Conference: Attorneys and the judge discuss case status, potential plea agreements, and trial scheduling
- Trial: Bench or jury trial where evidence is presented
- Sentencing: Court imposes penalties after a guilty verdict or plea
- Review Hearing: Follow-up to monitor compliance with probation, treatment, or other conditions
Court Results (Dispositions)
- Guilty: Convicted by plea or verdict
- Not Guilty: Acquitted at trial
- Dismissed: Charges dropped by the court or prosecution
- Nolle Prossed: Prosecution chose not to pursue the charge
- ARD (Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition): A diversionary program; successful completion can lead to dismissal and expungement
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Cambria County
The Cambria County Clerk of Courts is the custodian of criminal case records for the Court of Common Pleas. Certified copies of docket sheets, court orders, and other criminal case documents are available through this office.
How to Submit a Request
- In person: Visit the Clerk of Courts office at the Cambria County Courthouse. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID.
- By mail: Send a written request specifying the case number, defendant's name, and the documents needed. Include payment for applicable fees.
- Open records request: For records not readily available, you may file a Right-to-Know request through the county's Open Records office.
Statewide Criminal History Check
For a certified criminal history record that covers all Pennsylvania jurisdictions, submit a request to the Pennsylvania State Police through PATCH. Notarized copies of criminal record checks must be requested directly from the Pennsylvania State Police.
What You Need
- Full legal name of the individual
- Date of birth
- Case number (if requesting specific case documents)
- Government-issued photo ID (for in-person requests)
- Payment for fees
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Cambria County
| Service | Fee | Source / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PATCH online criminal history check | $22.00 | Pennsylvania State Police; paid online via PATCH |
| Certified copy of court document (Clerk of Courts) | Contact office for current schedule | Fees set per county fee schedule; call (814) 472-1637 |
| Non-certified copy / per page | Contact office for current schedule | Cambria County Clerk of Courts |
| Right-to-Know request copies | $0.25 per page (standard) | Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law, 65 P.S. § 67.1307 |
Processing Times
- PATCH online: Results are typically available within minutes for records that match. Some requests may require additional review and take longer.
- Clerk of Courts (in person): Simple requests are often fulfilled the same day.
- Clerk of Courts (by mail): Allow several business days for processing, plus mailing time.
- Right-to-Know requests: Agencies must respond within five business days under Pennsylvania law, though a 30-day extension is permitted in certain circumstances.
Contact the Clerk of Courts office directly at (814) 472-1637 to confirm current fees before submitting payment, as fee schedules may change.