Clearfield County Public Records / Clearfield County Arrest Records

Clearfield County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Clearfield County

Arrest records in Clearfield County are considered public information under Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law (65 P.S. § 67.101), which establishes the presumption that government records are accessible to the public. The law provides citizens with the right to inspect and obtain copies of public records maintained by state and local agencies, including law enforcement entities operating within Clearfield County.

Under Pennsylvania law, arrest records are distinguished from conviction records in several important ways. An arrest record documents the apprehension and taking into custody of an individual by law enforcement, while a conviction record indicates that a person has been found guilty of a criminal offense through legal proceedings. This distinction is significant because arrest records document allegations that have not been proven in court.

The Criminal History Record Information Act (CHRIA), codified at 18 Pa.C.S. § 9101 et seq., governs the collection, maintenance, dissemination, and use of criminal history record information in Pennsylvania. This statute establishes that criminal history record information maintained by criminal justice agencies is generally accessible to the public, with certain exceptions and limitations.

It is important to note that while arrest records are public, access may be restricted in certain circumstances, such as:

Records pertaining to juvenile arrests (unless the juvenile was charged as an adult)
Records that have been sealed or expunged by court order
Records where disclosure would compromise an ongoing investigation
Records containing information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy

The Pennsylvania State Police and local law enforcement agencies in Clearfield County maintain policies regarding public access to arrest records in accordance with these state laws.

What's in Clearfield County Arrest Records

Arrest records maintained by Clearfield County law enforcement agencies typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody. The content of these records is standardized in accordance with Pennsylvania's Criminal History Record Information Act requirements. A complete arrest record generally includes the following categories of information:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

Full legal name (including aliases or known nicknames)
Date of birth
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, or other distinguishing features)
Home address
Gender
Race/ethnicity
State identification number and/or FBI number (if applicable)

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Names and badge numbers of arresting officers
Circumstances leading to arrest
Whether force was used during arrest

Charge Information:

Criminal charges filed
Statutory citations for alleged violations
Offense classification (misdemeanor or felony)
Offense severity level
Description of alleged criminal activity

Warrant Information (if applicable):

Warrant number
Issuing authority
Date of issuance
Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)

Booking Information:

Booking date and time
Booking facility
Booking number
Fingerprints
Mugshot photographs

Bond/Bail Information:

Bail amount set
Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
Whether bail was posted
Conditions of release (if applicable)

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction
Docket number
Scheduled court appearances
Preliminary hearing information

Custody Status:

Current detention status
Facility where detained (if applicable)
Release date (if applicable)

Additional Information May Include:

Prior criminal history
Probation/parole status at time of arrest
Vehicle information (if relevant to arrest)
Property seized during arrest
Victim information (often redacted in public versions)
Witness information (often redacted in public versions)

The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency and the circumstances of the arrest. Records maintained by the Clearfield County Sheriff's Office or municipal police departments within the county follow standardized formats while potentially including agency-specific information.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Clearfield County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Clearfield County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The county maintains multiple access points for criminal justice records, each serving different purposes and containing varying levels of detail.

To request arrest records in person, individuals may visit:

Clearfield County Sheriff's Office
230 East Market Street, Suite 110
Clearfield, PA 16830
814-765-2641, ext. 5140
Clearfield County Sheriff

Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays.

The following steps outline the standard procedure for obtaining arrest records:

Complete a Criminal History Record Request Form, available at the Sheriff's Office or downloadable from the county website.
Provide proper identification (government-issued photo ID required).
Specify the records being requested with as much detail as possible, including:
- Full name of the subject
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Date or approximate timeframe of arrest
- Case number (if known)
Pay applicable fees (currently $10 per record search; subject to change).
Submit the completed form and payment to the records clerk.

For criminal case information related to arrests, the public may also contact:

Clearfield County Clerk of Courts
230 East Market Street, Suite 210
Clearfield, PA 16830
814-765-2641, ext. 5010
Criminal Case Information

Operating hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays.

Written requests for arrest records may be submitted by mail to either office with the following requirements:

Include a completed request form or letter specifying the information sought
Provide a copy of valid identification
Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for response
Enclose appropriate payment (check or money order)

Pursuant to Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law, agencies must respond to requests within five business days, though extensions may apply for complex requests.

How To Find Clearfield County Arrest Records Online

Clearfield County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records and related criminal justice information online. These electronic systems offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests, though they may contain varying levels of detail.

The primary online resource for accessing court records related to arrests is the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania Web Portal. This comprehensive database allows users to search for criminal cases processed through the Clearfield County Court of Common Pleas. To utilize this system:

Navigate to the UJS Portal Case Search page
Select "Clearfield County" from the jurisdiction dropdown menu
Enter search criteria (name, case number, etc.)
Review the disclaimer and accept the terms of use
Execute the search and review results
Select specific cases to view detailed docket information

For more recent arrest information, the Clearfield County Sheriff's Office maintains current records of individuals with active warrants. This resource is updated regularly and includes:

Names of wanted individuals
Charges
Warrant status
Physical descriptions

Additionally, the Pennsylvania State Police publish public information release reports that may contain arrest data for significant cases within Clearfield County.

For individuals currently in custody following arrest, the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections Inmate Locator provides custody status information for those transferred to state facilities.

When using online systems, users should note:

Information may not be comprehensive or reflect the most recent updates
Some sensitive details may be redacted from public view
Technical limitations may affect search functionality
Official record verification may require direct agency contact

Online access to these records is governed by the same legal frameworks that apply to physical records, including the Criminal History Record Information Act and Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law.

How To Search Clearfield County Arrest Records for Free?

Members of the public may access certain Clearfield County arrest records without incurring fees through several government-provided resources. These no-cost options offer varying levels of information detail and accessibility.

The Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania's online portal provides free access to public court dockets, including criminal cases resulting from arrests in Clearfield County. This resource allows users to search by name, case number, or filing date without charge. While the system does not provide complete arrest records, it offers valuable information about criminal proceedings following an arrest, including:

Case status
Charges filed
Court dates
Disposition information
Sentencing details (when applicable)

The Clearfield County website maintains a section dedicated to law enforcement information that includes public notices about significant arrests and ongoing investigations. This information is provided as a public service and can be accessed without fee.

For in-person research, the public terminals at the Clearfield County Courthouse allow free access to certain court records:

Clearfield County Courthouse
230 East Market Street
Clearfield, PA 16830
814-765-2641

Available during regular business hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays.

Additionally, pursuant to Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law, citizens may inspect public records at no cost by visiting the appropriate agency during normal business hours. While fees may apply for copies or certified records, visual inspection of non-confidential records is available without charge.

It should be noted that while basic record searches may be conducted for free, comprehensive criminal history reports from the Pennsylvania State Police require payment of statutory fees as established under 18 Pa.C.S. § 9152.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Clearfield County

Pennsylvania law provides specific mechanisms for the removal of arrest records from public access through expungement (legal erasure) or sealing (restricting public access). These processes are governed by 18 Pa.C.S. § 9122 and the Clean Slate Act.

Expungement completely removes arrest records from public and law enforcement databases, while record sealing (also called "limited access") restricts public access while maintaining the records for law enforcement purposes. The distinction is significant, as expunged records are destroyed, whereas sealed records continue to exist but with restricted accessibility.

Arrest records in Clearfield County may be eligible for expungement under the following circumstances:

The arrest did not lead to a conviction
The case resulted in a not guilty verdict
The charges were withdrawn or dismissed
The individual completed an Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program
The conviction was for a summary offense, and the individual has remained free from arrest for five years
The individual received a pardon from the Governor of Pennsylvania
The individual is over 70 years old and has been free from arrest for ten years
The individual has been deceased for three years

For record sealing under Pennsylvania's Clean Slate Act, eligibility typically includes:

Misdemeanor convictions after 10 years without subsequent arrests
Summary offense convictions after 10 years
Charges that did not result in convictions

To initiate the expungement or sealing process in Clearfield County:

Obtain a copy of your criminal record from the Pennsylvania State Police
File a Petition for Expungement or Limited Access with the Clearfield County Clerk of Courts
Pay the required filing fee (approximately $100, though fee waivers may be available)
Attend any scheduled court hearings regarding your petition
If granted, ensure the order is properly distributed to all relevant agencies

Clearfield County Court of Common Pleas
230 East Market Street
Clearfield, PA 16830
814-765-2641, ext. 5010
Clearfield County Courts

Due to the legal complexities involved, individuals seeking expungement or sealing of arrest records are strongly encouraged to consult with an attorney familiar with Pennsylvania's criminal record remediation laws.

What Happens After Arrest in Clearfield County?

Following an arrest in Clearfield County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Pennsylvania law and local court procedures. This process typically follows a sequential progression through several key stages.

The initial post-arrest procedure begins with booking at a local police station or the Clearfield County Jail. During this administrative process, law enforcement officials:

Record the arrestee's personal information
Take fingerprints and photographs
Inventory and secure personal property
Conduct a search for outstanding warrants
Document the alleged offense
Place the individual in temporary holding

Within 48 hours of arrest, the individual must appear before a Magisterial District Judge for a preliminary arraignment. At this proceeding:

Formal charges are read
Constitutional rights are explained
Bail determination is made
Preliminary hearing date is scheduled
Public defender may be appointed if the defendant qualifies

Bail decisions in Clearfield County consider factors including:

Severity of the alleged offense
Prior criminal history
Community ties
Flight risk assessment
Public safety concerns

Following arraignment, a preliminary hearing is scheduled, typically within 3-10 days for defendants in custody or 30-45 days for those released on bail. This hearing before a Magisterial District Judge determines if sufficient evidence exists to forward the case to the Court of Common Pleas. The defendant may waive this hearing, automatically advancing the case.

If the case proceeds, formal arraignment at the Court of Common Pleas follows, where:

Official charges are presented
Defendants enter an initial plea
Pre-trial conference dates are established
Discovery process begins

Cases may then proceed to plea negotiations or trial. Throughout this process, cases may be resolved through:

Plea agreements
Alternative disposition programs (ARD, treatment courts)
Trial by judge or jury
Dismissal of charges

For cases resulting in conviction, sentencing follows according to Pennsylvania's sentencing guidelines, with options including:

Incarceration
Probation
Intermediate punishment
Fines and costs
Restitution
Treatment requirements

The Clearfield County Court of Common Pleas oversees criminal proceedings with jurisdiction over misdemeanor and felony cases, while the Magisterial District Courts handle preliminary proceedings and summary offenses.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Clearfield County?

Arrest records in Clearfield County are maintained according to retention schedules established by Pennsylvania law and administrative policies. The County Records Act (16 P.S. § 13001-13006) and the Criminal History Record Information Act (18 Pa.C.S. § 9101 et seq.) provide the legal framework for record retention.

Under current law, arrest records are generally maintained permanently unless specifically ordered to be expunged or sealed by court order. Different agencies within Clearfield County maintain these records according to their respective retention requirements:

The Clearfield County Sheriff's Office retains arrest records indefinitely for individuals charged with felonies and misdemeanors
Local police departments maintain arrest records according to municipal retention schedules, typically for a minimum of 20 years
The Clerk of Courts preserves criminal case files permanently as part of the official court record
The Pennsylvania State Police maintain centralized criminal history information indefinitely

Retention periods may vary based on case disposition:

Records for cases resulting in conviction are maintained permanently
Records for arrests not leading to conviction may be eligible for earlier expungement
Juvenile arrest records follow different retention guidelines and may be automatically expunged under certain conditions

The extended retention of arrest records serves several important public functions:

Preserves evidence that may be relevant to future investigations
Maintains documentation for background checks authorized by law
Provides statistical data for crime analysis and resource allocation
Ensures accountability within the criminal justice system
Supports the rights of individuals to access their own records

It is important to note that while records may be maintained indefinitely, access to these records becomes more restricted over time through various legal mechanisms, including the Clean Slate Act, which provides for automatic sealing of certain records after specified time periods.

How to Find Mugshots in Clearfield County

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots, formally known as booking photographs, are official photographic records taken during the booking process following an arrest. These images serve as visual identification records within the criminal justice system and typically include front-facing and profile views of the arrested individual. In Clearfield County, as throughout Pennsylvania, these photographs are considered part of the official arrest record.

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

Mugshots in Clearfield County are primarily maintained by the arresting law enforcement agency. These may include:

Clearfield County Sheriff's Office
230 East Market Street, Suite 110
Clearfield, PA 16830
814-765-2641, ext. 5140
Clearfield County Sheriff

Clearfield County Jail
115 21st Street
Clearfield, PA 16830
814-765-7891

Additionally, municipal police departments throughout Clearfield County maintain booking photographs for arrests they process. A comprehensive list of law enforcement agencies in the county is available through the county website.

Finding Mugshots

To obtain mugshots officially, individuals must submit a formal request to the agency that processed the arrest. This typically requires:

Submitting a written request specifying the individual's name and date of arrest
Providing proper identification
Paying applicable fees (typically $15-25 per photograph)
Stating the purpose for the request

Requests may be denied if the release would:

Interfere with an ongoing investigation
Impair the subject's right to a fair trial
Constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
Violate juvenile record protection laws

Can They Be Found Online

Currently, Clearfield County law enforcement agencies do not maintain public online databases of mugshots. While some booking photographs may appear on agency social media accounts for specific cases of public interest, systematic online access to mugshots is not provided by official county sources.

Obtaining Mugshots Officially

The most reliable method for obtaining mugshots is through direct request to the arresting agency or the Clearfield County Sheriff's Office. These requests are subject to review under Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law and the Criminal History Record Information Act.

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

Access to mugshots in Clearfield County is subject to several important restrictions:

Juvenile mugshots (under age 18) are generally not available to the public
Photographs related to expunged or sealed cases are not accessible
Images related to active investigations may be temporarily restricted
Commercial use of mugshots may be prohibited or restricted

Pennsylvania law enforcement agencies exercise discretion in the release of booking photographs, balancing public information rights against privacy concerns and the presumption of innocence.