Lackawanna County Warrant Records

Lackawanna County warrant records are kept by the Sheriff and the court system in Scranton, Pennsylvania. The county seat is Scranton, where the courthouse and sheriff's office are both based. Warrant records in Lackawanna County cover bench warrants, arrest warrants, and fugitive cases handled by local law enforcement. The Sheriff's Office plays a key role in serving and tracking active warrants. Residents and the public can look into these records through the sheriff's office or state court tools. Lackawanna County has 10 Magisterial District Judge courts that handle initial warrant filings.

Lackawanna County Sheriff Warrant List

The Lackawanna County Sheriff's Office posts an active warrant list on its website. Sheriff Mark McAndrew oversees warrant service and fugitive cases. The list includes names and charges for people with open warrants. It is updated on a regular basis. The most recent update was in late January 2026.

People on the warrant list may be armed and dangerous. The sheriff warns the public not to try to make contact. If you spot someone on the list, call the tip line or send an email. All tips are kept private. You can reach the sheriff's warrant division at 570-963-6719 with extension 7109 or 7118. You may also email tips@lackawannacounty.org with any leads.

The Lackawanna County Sheriff's Office works with the U.S. Marshals Middle Pennsylvania Fugitive Task Force. This team handles cases where people with warrants cross county or state lines. It brings together local, state, and federal law enforcement to track down wanted persons.

You can view the warrant list on the sheriff's site. The page below shows the active warrant page for Lackawanna County.

Visit the Lackawanna County Sheriff warrant page to see the full list. The page is free to view and does not need a login.

How to Search Warrant Records

There are a few ways to look up warrant records in Lackawanna County. The method you pick depends on what you need. Some people just want to check a name. Others need case details or court documents.

You can start with an online search. The Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Portal lets you look up court cases by name or docket number. This covers all 67 counties. Go to ujsportal.pacourts.us and search for Lackawanna County cases. The portal shows case type, charges, and filing dates. It is free to use.

You can also search in person at the courthouse in Scranton. The Clerk of Courts keeps files for all criminal cases. Bring a valid ID. Staff can help you find what you need. Phone calls work too. Call the sheriff's office for warrant status checks.

• Check the sheriff's active warrant list online
• Use the UJS Portal to search by name
• Call the sheriff at 570-963-6719
• Visit the courthouse in Scranton
• Submit a Right-to-Know request

Warrant Types in Lackawanna County

Lackawanna County courts issue several types of warrants. Each one serves a different purpose. The type depends on the situation and what the court or police need.

Arrest warrants are issued when police have probable cause that a crime took place. A judge reviews the facts and signs the warrant under Pennsylvania Rule of Criminal Procedure 513. This rule sets out what must be in the application. The officer must show enough detail to support the charge. Once signed, police can arrest the named person.

Bench warrants come from a judge. They are issued when someone fails to show up for court. Missing a hearing or not paying a fine can lead to one. Bench warrants are common in Lackawanna County and across the state. They stay active until the person appears before the court or is picked up by law enforcement.

Fugitive warrants cover people who fled from another state. If someone with a warrant in another state is found in Lackawanna County, local police can hold them. The U.S. Marshals task force helps with these cases.

Lackawanna County Public Records Access

Warrant records in Lackawanna County are generally public. Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law gives the public access to many government records. You can file a request with the county's Right-to-Know Officer, Traci Harte, at (570) 963-6800. The Office of Open Records oversees the process at the state level.

Some records may be limited. Sealed cases, juvenile files, and certain ongoing matters are not open to the public. But most adult criminal warrants and court filings are available. The county must respond to a Right-to-Know request within five business days. If the request is denied, you can appeal to the Office of Open Records.

Lackawanna County Criminal Record Checks

A warrant check is not the same as a full background check. The warrant list shows who has an open warrant right now. A criminal background check looks at a person's full history. Both are useful, but they serve different needs.

The Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History system, known as PATCH, handles state background checks. You can run a check online at epatch.pa.gov. It covers records from all 67 counties. The system returns results fast. It shows convictions, pending cases, and other criminal history data for the state.

For Lackawanna County warrant records alone, the sheriff's list or UJS Portal is enough. For a broader look, use PATCH or visit the clerk's office. Each tool has its place.

Magisterial District Courts

Lackawanna County has 10 Magisterial District Judge courts. These courts handle minor crimes, traffic cases, and preliminary hearings. Many warrants start at this level. A judge at a district court can issue arrest warrants under Rule 513 and bench warrants for missed hearings.

If you have a case in one of the MDJ courts, you can look up your docket on the UJS Portal. Each court has its own judge and location within the county. Preliminary hearings take place at the MDJ level before cases move to the Court of Common Pleas in Scranton.

Steps if You Have a Warrant

Finding out you have a warrant can be stressful. The best step is to deal with it right away. Ignoring it makes things worse. A bench warrant can lead to arrest at a traffic stop or during any police contact.

Talk to a lawyer first. An attorney can check your case and advise you on next steps. They may be able to arrange a court date so you can turn yourself in on your own terms. The Lackawanna Bar Association can help you find a lawyer. Pennsylvania Legal Aid at palegalaid.net may offer free help if you qualify based on income.

You can also contact the Lackawanna County Sheriff's Office directly. Call the warrant line at 570-963-6719 and ask for extension 7109. Staff can give you details about your case and what the court expects.

Nearby Counties

Lackawanna County borders several other counties in northeast Pennsylvania. If you are not sure which county covers your area, check your address. Warrants must be served in the right place.

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