Columbia County, PA Courts and Public Records
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The Court of Common Pleas of Columbia County is the county's trial court of general jurisdiction. Minor cases are heard in Magisterial District Courts.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Court Name | Court of Common Pleas of Columbia County |
| Court Type | Trial court of general jurisdiction (one per county) |
| Minor Courts | Magisterial District Courts |
| Records Kept By | Clerk of Courts or Prothonotary, depending on case type |
| Online Case Search | UJS Web Portal |
How to Search Columbia County Court Records
Have the person's full name, the case number if you know it, and the approximate dates ready before you search. Columbia County records are kept by the Clerk of Courts or Prothonotary.
Online
Go to the UJS Web Portal to search Pennsylvania court case dockets.
Search by name or case number, then open the case summary.
Confirm which court holds your case before you search.
Best for: Quick lookups of case status and parties
In Person
Go to the Clerk of Courts or Prothonotary office at the county courthouse.
Bring the case number and party names if you have them.
Ask the clerk which office holds your case type.
Best for: Records and copies not available online
Contact the Clerk
Contact the Clerk of Courts or Prothonotary for records and copies.
Ask which office holds your case type and what the request needs.
Confirm details with the office before you visit.
Best for: Checking requirements before a visit
Search by Name on PennsylvaniaCourts.org
Go to PennsylvaniaCourts.org and enter a full name.
Search across record types without a case number.
Confirm results with the court, since they are not official court records.
Best for: Finding leads without a case number
Columbia County Court Statistics (CY 2024)
Columbia County's Court of Common Pleas received 1,911 new cases in CY 2024 and disposed of 1,989. Filings fell 1.9% from CY 2023.
1,911
Total filings in CY 2024
1,989
Total dispositions in CY 2024
770
Filings per judicial position (shared district)
-1.9%
Change in total filings vs CY 2023
| Metric | CY 2024 | CY 2023 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Filings | 1,911 | 1,949 | -1.9% |
| Total Dispositions | 1,989 | 2,008 | -0.9% |
| Criminal Filings | 702 | 770 | -8.8% |
| Civil Filings | 418 | 399 | +4.8% |
| Family Law Filings | 600 | 594 | +1.0% |
| Probate Filings | 76 | 107 | -29.0% |
| Mental Health Filings | ~7 | ~7 | ~+0.0% |
| Juvenile Filings | 115 | 79 | +45.6% |
| Authorized Judicial Positions | 3 (shared with Montour) | 3 (shared with Montour) | +0.0% |
The largest change was in criminal filings, which fell by 68 (-8.8%).
How Have Court Filings Changed in Columbia County?
Total filings in Columbia County fell over the last five years, from 1,952 in CY 2020 to 1,911 in CY 2024. Dispositions are shown next to filings for each year.
| Fiscal Year | Total Filings | Total Dispositions | YoY Filing Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| CY 2024 | 1,911 | 1,989 | -1.9% |
| CY 2023 | 1,949 | 2,008 | +3.8% |
| CY 2022 | 1,878 | 1,954 | -9.5% |
| CY 2021 | 2,076 | 2,253 | +6.4% |
| CY 2020 | 1,952 | 2,072 | -18.9% |
Filings changed -2.1% between CY 2020 and CY 2024. The largest annual increase was +6.4% in CY 2021, and the largest decrease was -18.9% in CY 2020. In the latest year, criminal filings drove the change. Spousal and child support cases for Columbia are reported jointly with a neighboring county, so support cases are not included in its family law counts in any year. Columbia County shares its trial court judges with Montour County, so filings per judicial position use the combined filings of the shared district.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Columbia County?
Criminal cases are the largest category in Columbia County, at 36.7% of 1,911 filings in CY 2024.
| Case Type | Filings CY 2024 | Share of Total | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | 702 | 36.7% | -8.8% |
| Civil | 418 | 21.9% | +4.8% |
| Family law | 600 | 31.4% | +1.0% |
| Probate | 76 | 4.0% | -29.0% |
| Juvenile | 115 | 6.0% | +45.6% |
| Mental health | 7 | 0.4% | -1.9% |
Juvenile delinquency filings grew fastest (+45.6%) and probate filings fell fastest (-29.0%).
How Does Columbia County Compare With Pennsylvania Overall?
Columbia County accounted for 0.36% of the 526,789 cases filed in Pennsylvania's Courts of Common Pleas in CY 2024.
| Metric | Columbia County | Pennsylvania | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | 1,911 | 526,789 | 0.36% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | -1.9% | +1.7% | 3.7 points below state |
| Filings per judicial position | 770 | 1,140 | 32.5% below state |
| Dispositions per judicial position equivalent | 807 | 1,172 | 31.1% below state |
| Criminal share of filings | 36.7% | 23.6% | 13.1 points above state |
| Civil share of filings | 21.9% | 28.8% | 6.9 points below state |
| Family law share of filings | 31.4% | 42.1% | 10.7 points below state |
Each judicial position in Columbia County handled fewer new cases than the statewide average (770 vs 1,140), and criminal cases made up 36.7% of its filings compared with 23.6% statewide. Statewide figures use the same categories and the same counties' exclusions as the county figures.
Columbia County Crime Statistics (2025)
These figures are Pennsylvania statewide totals as reported to the FBI, not counts for Columbia County. Agency reporting may be incomplete, and county crime counts are not available here. Statewide violent and property crimes combined fell 7.7% from 2024 to 2025. In 2025, reporting agencies covered about 99.5% of Pennsylvania's population, so year-over-year changes can partly reflect which agencies reported.
29,726
Violent crimes, Pennsylvania statewide, 2025
176,359
Property crimes, Pennsylvania statewide, 2025 (includes arson)
227.6
Violent crime rate per 100K, Pennsylvania statewide, 2025 (population 13,059,432)
-7.7%
Change in total violent plus property crimes, Pennsylvania statewide, 2025 vs 2024 (206,085 vs 223,384)
| Offense | 2025 | Rate per 100K | 2024 | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 546 | 4.2 | 685 | -20.3% |
| Rape | 3,510 | 26.9 | 3,928 | -10.6% |
| Robbery | 5,889 | 45.1 | 6,779 | -13.1% |
| Aggravated assault | 19,781 | 151.5 | 21,301 | -7.1% |
| Violent crimes total | 29,726 | 227.6 | 32,693 | -9.1% |
| Burglary | 13,934 | 106.7 | 15,398 | -9.5% |
| Larceny-theft | 136,448 | 1044.8 | 148,774 | -8.3% |
| Motor vehicle theft | 24,699 | 189.1 | 24,901 | -0.8% |
| Property crimes total | 176,359 | 1350.4 | 190,691 | -7.5% |
Rates use the Pennsylvania 2025 population of 13,059,432. County-level rates are not published, so this section does not compare Columbia County with the state. The property crimes total includes arson, so it is larger than the sum of the property offenses listed above.
Columbia County Courthouse Locations
Columbia County court proceedings are held at the Columbia County Courthouse. Check your notice or case paperwork to confirm the courthouse assigned to your case before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia County Courthouse | 35 West Main Street, Bloomsburg, PA 17815 | 570-389-5600 | See location page |
Addresses and phone numbers come from public directory listings and may change, so confirm them with the clerk before you visit.
Which Court Handles Your Case in Columbia County?
Your case type decides which court handles it in Columbia County. Check the court named on your ticket, notice, or complaint.
| Your Situation | Go To | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic ticket | Magisterial District Court | Minor courts hear traffic citations; confirm the court and date printed on your citation. |
| Parking ticket | The agency that issued the ticket | Parking tickets are not handled by the county courts. |
| Criminal case | Magisterial District Court or Court of Common Pleas | Minor cases start in a Magisterial District Court, and trial matters go to the Court of Common Pleas. |
| Civil lawsuit | Court named on your complaint | Check the court listed on your complaint or notice. |
| Divorce or custody | Court of Common Pleas | The Court of Common Pleas is the county trial court of general jurisdiction. |
| Federal case | U.S. District Court for Pennsylvania | Federal cases are not heard by county courts. |
| Appeal | Superior Court or Commonwealth Court | These are intermediate appellate courts; the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania is the highest court. |
Are Columbia County Court Records Public?
Yes, most Columbia County court records are public, with exceptions set by Pennsylvania law and court rules.
Public records
Most case records of the Court of Common Pleas and Magisterial District Courts are open to the public under the Pennsylvania Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System.
Restricted or confidential records
Sealed records and records made confidential by law or court order are not available without authorization. The public access policy sets out which record types are restricted.
Online access
The UJS Web Portal lets you search statewide court case information. Online results may not include every document, so confirm with the clerk.
In-person access
Visit the Clerk of Courts or Prothonotary at the Columbia County courthouse to view or request records. Call ahead to confirm which office holds your case.
Fees
Ask the clerk about copy or certification fees before you request records.
How to Search Columbia County Court Records Online
Use the UJS Web Portal to search Columbia County case information, and ask the clerk for documents that are not online.
- Identify the case type, such as criminal, traffic, civil, small claims, or family law.
- Open the UJS Web Portal.
- Search by party name or case number and note the case number from the results.
- Review the docket for case status, parties, and scheduled dates.
- Contact the Clerk of Courts or Prothonotary for documents that are not online.
| Case Type | Where to Search | What You'll Find | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | UJS Web Portal | Docket entries, parties, and case status | Documents may require the clerk |
| Traffic | UJS Web Portal | Docket entries for citations and case status | Ask the clerk whether traffic records are listed online |
| Civil | UJS Web Portal | Docket entries and parties | Documents may require the clerk |
| Small claims | UJS Web Portal | Docket entries and parties | Documents may require the clerk |
| Family law | UJS Web Portal | Docket entries and parties | Restricted details are not shown |
How to Pay Fines & Citations in Columbia County
Payment options for Columbia County fines and citations are not listed on this page.
Contact the magisterial district court named on your citation to confirm which payment methods it accepts.
Parking tickets are paid to the agency that issued them, not to the county courts.
Columbia County Court Records FAQ
How do I search Columbia County court records?
Use the UJS Web Portal to search by name or case number, or contact the Clerk of Courts or Prothonotary at the county courthouse.
Are Columbia County court records public?
Most are, under the Pennsylvania Public Access Policy, but sealed and confidential records are restricted.
How do I find a criminal case in Columbia County?
Search the UJS Web Portal by defendant name, or contact the Clerk of Courts or Prothonotary for help.
How do I find a court date in Columbia County?
Check your citation, notice, or summons, or search the case docket on the UJS Web Portal.
How do I pay a traffic ticket in Columbia County?
Contact the magisterial district court named on your ticket to confirm which payment methods it accepts.
How many cases are filed in Columbia County each year?
County filing counts are not published on this page, so no annual figure is given.
What is the most common type of case in Columbia County?
Case-type counts for the county are not published on this page.
Is crime in Columbia County rising or falling?
County crime counts are not available here. Statewide, reported violent crimes fell 9.1% to 29,726 in 2025 from 32,693 in 2024, and property crimes fell 7.5% to 176,359 from 190,691, as reported to the FBI. These are Pennsylvania statewide figures, and reporting coverage changed between years.
Courts in the County
Columbia County Common PleasMore Info
| Address: | 35 W. Main St., Bloomsburg, PA, 17815 |
| Phone Number: | 570-389-5600 |
| Website: | http://www.pacourts.us/courts/courts-of-common-pleas/individual-county-courts/columbia-county |
Useful Links
- Columbia County Courts : Official Columbia County court website, providing access to court calendars, rules, and other vital judicial information.
- Pennsylvania's Unified Judicial System Web Portal : Access case information including dockets, court calendars, and other public records for courts in Pennsylvania.
- Columbia County Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts : Offers details about filing court documents, fees, and access to specific court records within Columbia County.
- PA Court of Common Pleas Docket Sheets : Search statewide dockets for civil and criminal cases in Pennsylvania, including Columbia County-specific information.
- Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network : Free legal resources and referrals to legal aid programs across the state for assistance with legal proceedings.
- Pennsylvania Bar Association - Consumer Legal Information : Offers consumer legal resources, educational materials, and information about lawyers practicing in Pennsylvania.
- Office of the Prothonotary Pennsylvania Courts : Details on the function of the prothonotary, overseeing civil records and proceedings in Pennsylvania court system.
- PA Law Library - Columbia County Resources : Access to legal research materials and references related to Columbia County court and legal services.
- Representing Yourself in Pennsylvania Courts : Guides for self-representation in Pennsylvania courts including tips, procedures, and legal documentation.
- Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape - Legal Services : Counseling and legal services for victims of sexual violence in Pennsylvania, supporting through legal processes.
- Columbia County Criminal Records : Information about accessing criminal records in Columbia County, including public access instructions and records requests.
- Pennsylvania SeniorLAW HelpLine : Legal assistance tailored for older Pennsylvanians, including elder law resources and guidance on legal matters.
- ACLU - Criminal Law Reform : Advocacy and legal support resources focused on criminal justice reform and protecting civil liberties in court systems.
- Bloomsburg University - Criminal Justice Program : Program information and resources for students interested in criminal justice studies at Bloomsburg University.
- Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History Records : Guide for requesting criminal history record information from the Pennsylvania State Police for personal or professional purposes.
- CourtRecords.org - Pennsylvania Court Records : A comprehensive resource for accessing public court records across Pennsylvania, including guidance on navigating the system.
- National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers - Pennsylvania Division : Support and resources for criminal defense attorneys and their clients across Pennsylvania, including Columbia County.
- Pennsylvania Judiciary : Insights into the judicial system of Pennsylvania, including biographies and opinions of appellate court judges.
- Proclaim Overdrive Library - Legal Resources : Access a digital library filled with legal texts, guides, and court procedures accessible to Columbia County residents.
- Pennsylvania Bar Association Public Information : Educational materials, legal resources, and public services provided by the Pennsylvania Bar Association for public guidance.
Table of Contents
- Columbia County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Columbia County Court Records
- Columbia County Court Statistics (CY 2024)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Columbia County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Columbia County?
- How Does Columbia County Compare With Pennsylvania Overall?
- Columbia County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Columbia County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Columbia County?
- Are Columbia County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Columbia County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Columbia County
- Columbia County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links