Adams County Warrant Records Search
Adams County warrant records are managed by the Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Courts in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The county maintains records for arrest warrants, bench warrants, and search warrants issued by the Court of Common Pleas and magisterial district judges. Residents and the public can search for active Adams County warrants through online tools and in-person visits. The Sheriff's Office at 111 Baltimore Street serves as the main point for warrant service and verification across Adams County.
Adams County Sheriff Warrant Services
The Adams County Sheriff's Office is the primary agency for warrant service in the county. Deputies serve criminal warrants, bench warrants, and protection from abuse orders throughout Adams County. The office is at 111 Baltimore Street in Gettysburg. You can call them at (717) 337-9828 for general questions. Staff can verify warrants during regular business hours. Walk-in visits are welcome on weekdays.
Bench warrants come from judges when a person fails to appear in court. Arrest warrants are issued based on probable cause under Pa.R.Crim.P. 513. The Adams County Sheriff handles both types. Deputies carry out warrant service across all towns and townships in the county. They also assist state police and local departments with warrant execution when needed.
The Sheriff's Office in Adams County provides the following warrant-related services for the public. You can visit or call the office to learn more about each one.
- Criminal warrant service and execution
- Bench warrant processing from Court of Common Pleas
- Protection from abuse order service
- Warrant verification by phone during business hours
- Coordination with state and local law enforcement
The Adams County Sheriff's Office works closely with local police and the Pennsylvania State Police. This is a screenshot of the Adams County Sheriff's Office website, which lists contact details and services.
Contact the office directly for the most current information on warrant status in Adams County.
How to Search Adams County Warrant Records
Adams County offers several ways to search for warrant records. The fastest option is the CrimeWatch warrant page. This site is updated daily by 7 AM. You can search by name to find active warrants in Adams County. The site is free and open to anyone.
The Unified Judicial System Portal also has case records for Adams County. You can look up criminal cases, docket entries, and court filings. Search by name or case number. The portal covers all Pennsylvania courts. It does not list warrants directly, but docket entries may show when a bench warrant was issued under Pa.R.Crim.P. 150. Basic case searches are free on the UJS portal.
You can also visit the Adams County Clerk of Courts in person. The office has public access terminals for case lookups. Staff can help you search warrant records and pull case files. Bring valid ID when you visit. The Clerk of Courts is at 111 Baltimore Street in Gettysburg.
Note: Online warrant records may not reflect real-time changes, so confirm warrant status directly with the Adams County Sheriff's Office at (717) 337-9828.
Adams County Clerk of Courts
The Adams County Clerk of Courts maintains criminal case files and warrant documentation. This office stores records for all criminal cases in the Court of Common Pleas. You can request copies of warrant-related documents here. The phone number is (717) 337-9806. Staff handle case searches, copies, and expungement petitions for Adams County cases.
Copies cost $0.25 per page at the Clerk of Courts. Certified copies are $10 plus the per-page copying fee. In-person inspection of records is free. You can walk in and view case files at the public access terminals. The Clerk of Courts keeps records going back many years. Older files may take longer to find. Call ahead if you need a specific old case from Adams County.
Expungement petitions are also filed through the Clerk of Courts. If a warrant was recalled or a case was dismissed, you may be able to have the record expunged. The process follows Pennsylvania law. Ask the Clerk of Courts about forms and fees for expungement in Adams County.
Magisterial District Judges in Adams County
Magisterial district judges in Adams County handle the first stages of criminal cases. They issue arrest warrants, search warrants, and bench warrants. MDJs also conduct preliminary arraignments, where bail is set and charges are read. If you were arrested on a warrant in Adams County, your first court appearance is before an MDJ.
Search warrants must be approved by a judge or MDJ under Rule 513. Officers present an affidavit of probable cause. The judge reviews it and decides whether to issue the warrant. These records become part of the court file in Adams County. After a search warrant is executed, the return and inventory are filed with the issuing authority. Executed search warrants are generally public records under the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law.
The Prothonotary handles the civil side. You can view the Adams County Prothonotary website for information on PFA petitions and civil case filings. PFA orders often result in warrants if violated.
The Prothonotary is in the same courthouse building in Gettysburg.
Adams County Warrant Records and Public Access
Most warrant records in Adams County are public. Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law gives residents the right to request government records. The Adams County Open Records Officer handles these requests. You submit a written request. The county has five business days to respond. Executed warrants are generally public. Active warrant details may be limited for safety reasons.
The Criminal History Record Information Act, or CHRIA under Title 18, governs who can access criminal history records in Pennsylvania. Public access is allowed for certain types of records. Court records, including warrant filings and docket entries, are available through the courts. The Pennsylvania State Police also offer background checks through the PATCH system for $22.
This is the Adams County open records page, which explains how to submit a Right-to-Know request in Adams County.
Follow the instructions on the page to submit your request for warrant records in Adams County.
Note: Some warrant records may be sealed or redacted if they involve juveniles or ongoing investigations in Adams County.
Types of Warrants in Adams County
Adams County courts issue several types of warrants. Each serves a different purpose. The type of warrant affects how it is served and what records are kept. Here is a summary of the main warrant types you may find in Adams County records.
Arrest warrants are issued when a judge finds probable cause that a crime was committed. A police officer or detective presents evidence to a magisterial district judge. The judge reviews it under Rule 513 and signs the warrant if satisfied. The Adams County Sheriff or local police then serve the warrant. These records are filed with the issuing court and the Clerk of Courts.
Bench warrants come from judges in the Court of Common Pleas. They are issued when someone fails to appear for a hearing, violates probation, or ignores a court order. Bench warrants in Adams County follow Pa.R.Crim.P. 150. The court sets bail on the bench warrant. The person must be brought before the court after arrest. Search warrants allow officers to search a specific location for evidence. They require a sworn affidavit and judicial approval. After execution, the return is filed with the court in Adams County.
Fees for Adams County Warrant Records
Getting copies of warrant records in Adams County involves some fees. In-person inspection of court records is free. You can walk into the Clerk of Courts and view files at no cost. Copies are $0.25 per page. Certified copies cost $10 plus the per-page copying fee. A notarized copy adds $5 to the total. These fees apply to all criminal case documents, including warrant records.
The Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History check through PATCH costs $22. This is a statewide background check run by the Pennsylvania State Police. It shows criminal history but does not list active warrants directly. For warrant-specific records, contact the Adams County Sheriff or Clerk of Courts. Fees may change, so call ahead to confirm current rates.
Nearby Counties
Adams County borders several other Pennsylvania counties. If you need warrant records from a neighboring county, use the links below. Make sure to search in the correct county where the warrant was issued.