Lawrence County, PA Courts and Public Records
- Arrest Records
- Judgments
- Bankruptcies
- DUIs & DWIs
- Felonies
- Warrants
- Jail Records
- Lien Records
- Sex Offenses
- Misdemeanors
- Criminal Records
- Federal Dockets
The Court of Common Pleas of Lawrence County is the county's trial court of general jurisdiction. The Clerk of Courts or Prothonotary keeps its records, depending on the case type.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Court Name | Court of Common Pleas of Lawrence County |
| Main Address | 430 Court Street, New Castle, PA 16101 |
| Main Phone | 724-656-1930 |
| Office | Court Administrator (County Court of Common Pleas) |
| Courthouse Locations | 1 (New Castle) |
| Handles | Trial court matters of general jurisdiction for Lawrence County |
| Does NOT Handle | Minor court matters, which go to Magisterial District Courts; federal cases, which go to the U.S. District Court for Pennsylvania; appeals, which go to the Superior Court, Commonwealth Court, or Supreme Court |
| Online Case Search | UJS Web Portal |
How to Search Lawrence County Court Records
Have the person's full name, the case number if you know it, and approximate dates ready before you search Lawrence County court records.
Online
Go to the UJS Web Portal to search statewide court case records.
Open a case to review its listed details.
Confirm which case types the portal shows before you search.
Best for: Quick lookups of statewide case records
In Person
Go to Lawrence County Government Center, 430 Court Street, New Castle, PA 16101.
Bring the case number and party names if you have them.
Ask the clerk which office keeps records for your case type.
Best for: Records not available online
By Phone
Call 724-656-1930, the listed number for Lawrence County Government Center.
Ask which office holds the case type you need.
Have the case number and party names ready when you call.
Best for: Confirming which office holds a record
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
Lawrence County Court Statistics (CY 2024)
Lawrence County's Court of Common Pleas received 4,118 new cases in CY 2024 and disposed of 3,725. Filings rose 4.3% from CY 2023.
4,118
Total filings in CY 2024
3,725
Total dispositions in CY 2024
1,030
Filings per judicial position
+4.3%
Change in total filings vs CY 2023
| Metric | CY 2024 | CY 2023 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Filings | 4,118 | 3,947 | +4.3% |
| Total Dispositions | 3,725 | 3,436 | +8.4% |
| Criminal Filings | 943 | 857 | +10.0% |
| Civil Filings | 755 | 655 | +15.3% |
| Family Law Filings | 2,209 | 2,244 | -1.6% |
| Probate Filings | 111 | 119 | -6.7% |
| Mental Health Filings | ~16 | ~15 | ~+6.7% |
| Juvenile Filings | 100 | 72 | +38.9% |
| Authorized Judicial Positions | 4 | 4 | +0.0% |
The largest change was in civil filings, which rose by 100 (+15.3%).
How Have Court Filings Changed in Lawrence County?
Total filings in Lawrence County rose over the last five years, from 3,553 in CY 2020 to 4,118 in CY 2024. Dispositions are shown next to filings for each year.
| Fiscal Year | Total Filings | Total Dispositions | YoY Filing Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| CY 2024 | 4,118 | 3,725 | +4.3% |
| CY 2023 | 3,947 | 3,436 | -4.5% |
| CY 2022 | 4,132 | 4,101 | +6.2% |
| CY 2021 | 3,892 | 4,075 | +9.5% |
| CY 2020 | 3,553 | 3,536 | -26.2% |
Filings changed +15.9% between CY 2020 and CY 2024. The largest annual increase was +9.5% in CY 2021, and the largest decrease was -26.2% in CY 2020. In the latest year, civil filings drove the change. Years are calendar years, as reported by the AOPC.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Lawrence County?
Family law cases are the largest category in Lawrence County, at 53.6% of 4,118 filings in CY 2024.
| Case Type | Filings CY 2024 | Share of Total | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | 943 | 22.9% | +10.0% |
| Civil | 755 | 18.3% | +15.3% |
| Family law | 2,209 | 53.6% | -1.6% |
| Probate | 111 | 2.7% | -6.7% |
| Juvenile | 100 | 2.4% | +38.9% |
| Mental health | 16 | 0.4% | +4.3% |
Juvenile delinquency filings grew fastest (+38.9%) and probate filings fell fastest (-6.7%).
How Does Lawrence County Compare With Pennsylvania Overall?
Lawrence County accounted for 0.78% of the 526,789 cases filed in Pennsylvania's Courts of Common Pleas in CY 2024.
| Metric | Lawrence County | Pennsylvania | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | 4,118 | 526,789 | 0.78% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | +4.3% | +1.7% | 2.6 points above state |
| Filings per judicial position | 1,030 | 1,140 | 9.7% below state |
| Dispositions per judicial position equivalent | 931 | 1,172 | 20.5% below state |
| Criminal share of filings | 22.9% | 23.6% | 0.7 points below state |
| Civil share of filings | 18.3% | 28.8% | 10.5 points below state |
| Family law share of filings | 53.6% | 42.1% | 11.5 points above state |
Each judicial position in Lawrence County handled fewer new cases than the statewide average (1,030 vs 1,140), and criminal cases made up 22.9% of its filings compared with 23.6% statewide. Statewide figures use the same categories and the same counties' exclusions as the county figures.
Lawrence County Crime Statistics (2025)
These figures are Pennsylvania statewide totals as reported to the FBI, not counts for Lawrence 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 Lawrence County with the state. The property crimes total includes arson, so it is larger than the sum of the property offenses listed above.
Lawrence County Courthouse Locations
Lawrence County has 1 official Court of Common Pleas location, in New Castle. Check your notice or paperwork for the assigned courthouse and courtroom before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lawrence County Government Center (New Castle) | 430 Court Street, New Castle, PA 16101 | 724-656-1930 | Services not listed for this location |
Which Court Handles Your Case in Lawrence County?
In Lawrence County, Pennsylvania, local matters are handled by the magisterial district courts and the Court of Common Pleas of Lawrence County.
| Your Situation | Go To | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic ticket | Magisterial District Court serving Lawrence County | Summary traffic citations are handled at the magisterial district court that covers where the ticket was issued. |
| Parking ticket | The city, borough, or parking authority that issued the ticket | Parking tickets are usually paid or contested through the issuing local agency, not a county court. |
| Misdemeanor | Magisterial District Court, then Court of Common Pleas of Lawrence County | Misdemeanors start with a preliminary stage at the magisterial district court and move to common pleas if held for court. |
| Felony | Court of Common Pleas of Lawrence County | Felony cases begin with a preliminary hearing at a magisterial district court and are tried in common pleas. |
| DUI | Court of Common Pleas of Lawrence County | DUI charges that are misdemeanors or felonies are heard in common pleas after the preliminary stage. |
| Domestic violence | Court of Common Pleas of Lawrence County, Family Division | Protection from abuse petitions are filed with the county prothonotary or family court office; a criminal charge follows the criminal track. |
| Civil lawsuit | Court of Common Pleas of Lawrence County | Larger civil claims are filed with the prothonotary of the county common pleas court. |
| Small claims | Magisterial District Court serving Lawrence County | Civil claims for smaller amounts are filed at the magisterial district court. |
| Eviction | Magisterial District Court serving Lawrence County | Landlord and tenant complaints are filed at the magisterial district court for the rental property. |
| Divorce | Court of Common Pleas of Lawrence County, Family Division | Divorce is filed with the county prothonotary and handled in common pleas. |
| Child custody or support | Court of Common Pleas of Lawrence County, Domestic Relations | Custody and support matters are handled by the county court of common pleas. |
| Probate or estate | Register of Wills and Orphans' Court of Lawrence County | The Register of Wills handles estates, and contested matters go to the Orphans' Court Division of common pleas. |
| Juvenile case | Court of Common Pleas of Lawrence County, Juvenile Division | Juvenile delinquency and dependency matters are heard in common pleas. |
| Appeal | Court of Common Pleas, Superior Court, or Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania | Summary appeals go to common pleas; most other appeals go to the appellate courts. Federal matters go to the U.S. District Court. |
Are Lawrence County Court Records Public?
Yes, most Lawrence County court records are public, with exceptions set by Pennsylvania court rules.
Public records
Most court case records are open to the public, including dockets and filings in the county's courts.
Restricted or confidential records
Records that a court seals or that the law makes confidential are not open to the public. Ask the clerk which records are restricted.
Online access
The UJS Web Portal lets you search statewide court case records. Online results may not show every document, so ask the clerk for records not available online.
In-person access
Visit the Clerk of Courts or Prothonotary office for Lawrence County to view or request records. The listed courthouse is at 430 Court Street, New Castle, PA 16101, or call 724-656-1930 to confirm which office holds your case type.
Fees
Fees are not listed on this page. Ask the clerk for the fees that apply to the record you want.
How to Search Lawrence County Court Records Online
Use the UJS Web Portal to search Lawrence County cases by case type, and ask the clerk for documents that are not online.
- Identify the case type, such as criminal, traffic, civil, small claims, family law, probate, or juvenile.
- Open the UJS Web Portal at https://ujsportal.pacourts.us/.
- Search by party name or case number and note the case number from the results.
- Review the case details for status, parties, and listed dates.
- Contact the Clerk of Courts or Prothonotary to request documents that are not online.
| Case Type | Where to Search | What You'll Find | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | UJS Web Portal | Case information where the portal shows it | Documents may require the clerk |
| Traffic | UJS Web Portal | Case information where the portal shows it | Some traffic matters may be held by other courts |
| Civil | UJS Web Portal | Case information where the portal shows it | Documents may require the clerk |
| Small claims | UJS Web Portal | Case information where the portal shows it | Documents may require the clerk |
| Family law | UJS Web Portal | Case information where the portal shows it | Confidential details are restricted |
| Probate | Clerk of Courts or Prothonotary | Estate records held by the court | Ask the clerk which office holds estate records |
| Juvenile | Clerk of Courts or Prothonotary | Juvenile case information where public | Juvenile proceedings are generally confidential |
How to Pay Fines & Citations in Lawrence County
Payment options for Lawrence County fines and citations are not listed on this page, so check the paperwork for your case or contact the Clerk of Courts or Prothonotary.
Parking tickets are handled by the agency that issued them, not by the court.
Lawrence County Court Records FAQ
How do I search Lawrence County court records?
Use the UJS Web Portal to search statewide case records, or contact the Clerk of Courts or Prothonotary for records the portal does not show.
Are Lawrence County court records public?
Most are. Pennsylvania court rules set the access terms, and sealed or confidential records are restricted.
How do I find a criminal case?
Search by name on the UJS Web Portal, then contact the Clerk of Courts or Prothonotary for more detail.
How do I find a court date?
Check the paperwork for your case, or call 724-656-1930 for Lawrence County Government Center.
How do I pay a traffic ticket?
Payment options for this county are not listed on this page. Check the court named on your ticket or contact the Clerk of Courts or Prothonotary.
How many cases are filed in Lawrence County each year?
The Court of Common Pleas of Lawrence County recorded 857 new cases in 2023 in the criminal headline figures, the only year published here.
What is the most common type of case?
Only criminal headline figures are published for 2023, so no case type breakdown is shown for Lawrence County.
Is crime 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
Lawrence County Common Pleas CourtMore Info
| Address: | 430 Court St., New Castle, PA, 16101 |
| Phone Number: | 724-658-2541 |
| Website: | https://www.pacourts.us/courts/courts-of-common-pleas/individual-county-courts/lawrence-county |
New CastleMore Info
| Address: | 430 Court St., New Castle, PA, 16101 |
| Phone Number: | (724) 652-8555 |
| Fax: | (724) 652-8576 |
| Website: | https://lawrencecountypa.gov/courts/magisterial-district-judges/ |
Useful Links
- Lawrence County, Pennsylvania - Courts Department - Access Lawrence County's official court department page for court calendars, schedules, and additional local judicial services and resources.
- Clerk of Courts - Lawrence County, Pennsylvania - Visit the Clerk of Courts for information on court dockets, filings, and obtaining copies of court documents in Lawrence County.
- Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania Web Portal - Access case information from Pennsylvania courts with docket sheets, and court summaries, and manage e-filing services online state-wide.
- Lawrence County Register of Wills and Recorder of Deeds - Get information about wills, estates, and property records, as well as filing, and searching public documents in Lawrence County.
- Orphan's Court - Lawrence County, Pennsylvania - Learn about filing procedures for guardianship, marriage licenses, and estate administration within Lawrence County's Orphan's Court services.
- Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network - Source legal assistance services and resources for low-income individuals across Pennsylvania, including contact info and links to legal help.
- Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History (PATCH) - Utilize PATCH system to perform criminal background checks within the state, managed by Pennsylvania State Police for public use.
- Protection Orders - Pennsylvania's Unified Judicial System - Find procedures and services for obtaining protection orders against domestic violence and harassment across Pennsylvania courts.
- Pennsylvania Bar Association - Find a Lawyer - Directory service to locate attorneys licensed in Pennsylvania, covering various legal fields to assist individuals in need of representation.
- Pennsylvania State Court System - Public Access - Access to public records including opinions, and history information available under Pennsylvania's statewide Unified Judicial System network.
- Philadelphia Municipal Court Overview - Insight into municipal court operations, including criminal and civil divisions, detailing jurisdiction and court service offerings in Philadelphia.
- Lawrence County Public Defender's Office - Provides legal defense and representation for qualifying indigent individuals charged with crimes, ensuring legal rights are upheld in court.
- Supreme Court of Pennsylvania Case Law - FindLaw - Database of opinions and decisions from Pennsylvania's Supreme Court, serving as a legal resource for case law researchers and lawyers.
- Lawrence County Judges Contact Information - Comprehensive list and contact details for Lawrence County's judiciary, enabling effective communication and inquiries pertinent to judicial matters.
- Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) - Offers crime statistics, victim services, and funding programs related to crime prevention and penalty enforcement across Pennsylvania.
- Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts (AOPC) - Provides an array of resources, information, and administrative services essential to the functioning and accessibility of Pennsylvania's court system.
- ACDS: Allegheny County Department of Court Records - Offers online services for requesting and accessing public court and real estate records within Allegheny County justice system.
- Pa Court Records & Archives - Facilitates accessing archived court records and historical legal information pertaining to Pennsylvania's intricate court record system over decades.
- Lawrence County Community Action Partnership (LCCAP) - Provides support and legal resource programs tailored for families and individuals facing economic and social difficulties in Lawrence County.
- Lawrence County Domestic Relations Office - Child Support Services - Handles enforcement and arrangements of child support obligations, including establishing paternity, and provides family court assistance in Lawrence County.
Table of Contents
- Lawrence County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Lawrence County Court Records
- Lawrence County Court Statistics (CY 2024)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Lawrence County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Lawrence County?
- How Does Lawrence County Compare With Pennsylvania Overall?
- Lawrence County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Lawrence County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Lawrence County?
- Are Lawrence County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Lawrence County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Lawrence County
- Lawrence County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links