Luzerne County

The Luzerne County Court serves Luzerne County and is located at 200 North River Street in Wilkes-Barre. The court handles civil, criminal, family, and probate cases for this county. Court records and case filings can be requested in person or through the Pennsylvania online court portal.

Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas is located in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. It is the trial court of general jurisdiction in Luzerne County. The court has jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases, including appeals from lower courts.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

• Pennsylvania State Police Troop P provides coverage to municipalities without local departments.
• Citizens may request arrest records, incident reports, and police logs from individual departments, though certain investigative records may be exempt.
• Requests should be made in writing to the specific department that made the arrest.
• Processing fees for record copies vary by department but typically range from $0.25 to $1.00 per page.
• Response time is generally five business days under Pennsylvania law, though extensions may apply for complex requests.

Jail & Inmate Records

• The bond and bail process in Pennsylvania allows for release through cash bail or bond services, which can be arranged through the facility or local bail bondsmen.

Mugshots & Booking Photos

Court records for this county include civil cases, criminal cases, traffic violations, and family law matters handled by the local Circuit, District, or Superior Court.

• Certified copies of court documents can be requested in person or by mail from the appropriate office with fees typically $8.00 for the first two pages and $2.00 for each additional page for Common Pleas records.
• Magisterial District Court fees vary but are generally $8.00 per document.

• Luzerne County provides a free online property records search through Luzerne County website at www.luzernecounty.org, allowing users to search by name, document type, book and page, or instrument number.
• Older records may require an in-person visit or mail request.
• Recording fees are established by state law: $59.50 for the first page and $3.00 for each additional page for most documents.
• Certified copies cost $8.00 for the first two pages and $2.00 per additional page.
• A free online GIS property mapping system and assessment database is available through Luzerne County website, allowing searches by owner name, address, or parcel ID.

Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.

• Birth certificates cost $20 for the first copy and $10 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously.
• Death certificates have the same fee structure.
• Processing time is typically 3-4 weeks by mail, though expedited service is available for additional fees.
• Couples must apply in person together, present photo identification and Social Security numbers, and pay a $50 fee.
• Copies of marriage certificates cost $10 each.

Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.

• Corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and other business entities must register with the Pennsylvania Department of State, Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations.
• The Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce, located at 2 Public Square, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701, phone, website www.wilkes-barre.org, provides business networking, advocacy, and information services.