Fayette County Public Records / Fayette County Arrest Records

Fayette County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Fayette County in 2026

FayettePARecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Fayette County, Pennsylvania. Members of the public may find booking details, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through this resource. Available record categories include arrest logs, booking records, criminal court case filings, mugshots, bond information, and inmate rosters. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the arresting agency and the current status of the case.

Arrest records in Fayette County may be searched through official government resources, the Clerk of Courts office, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online tools maintained by law enforcement agencies.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Fayette County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and may provide access to current inmate information. Available data includes the arrestee's name, charges, booking number, and custody status. Records are updated as bookings occur and are subject to the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law, 65 P.S. § 67.101 et seq.

2. Local Police Departments

The Uniontown Police Department and other municipal departments within Fayette County maintain arrest logs and may publish press releases containing arrest information. Members of the public may submit Right-to-Know requests directly to individual departments for arrest-related records.

Uniontown Police Department 20 N. Gallatin Ave. Uniontown, PA 15401 Phone: (724) 437-3232 Uniontown Police Department

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The Fayette County Clerk of Courts maintains criminal case filings linked to arrests. Members of the public may search the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System web portal by defendant name to locate associated court cases, docket numbers, and case dispositions.

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Pennsylvania State Police maintains the Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History (PATCH) system, which allows members of the public to request criminal history record information. A standard request currently costs $22.00 per subject. The database includes arrests resulting in disposition and is governed by the Criminal History Record Information Act, 18 Pa.C.S. § 9101 et seq.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Fayette County Sheriff's Office 61 E. Main St. Uniontown, PA 15401 Phone: (724) 430-1295 Fayette County Sheriff's Office

Records division is located at the main office address above
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Requestors should bring a valid government-issued photo ID and any known details about the arrest, including the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date
Copy fees apply per the county's standard fee schedule

Police Departments:

Uniontown Police Department 20 N. Gallatin Ave. Uniontown, PA 15401 Phone: (724) 437-3232 Uniontown Police Department

Records requests are processed through the department's administrative office
Requestors must submit a written Right-to-Know request
Standard copy fees apply

Clerk of Court:

Fayette County Clerk of Courts 61 E. Main St., Suite 1 Uniontown, PA 15401 Phone: (724) 430-1272 Fayette County Court of Common Pleas

Criminal records division handles case file inspection
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Copy fees: $0.25 per page for standard copies; certification fees apply for certified copies

By Mail:

Written requests may be directed to the Fayette County Sheriff's Office at 61 E. Main St., Uniontown, PA 15401. Requests should include the subject's full legal name, date of arrest if known, booking number if known, and the requestor's full contact information. Payment for applicable copy fees should be included in the form of a check or money order made payable to Fayette County. Processing time varies and may range from several business days to several weeks depending on record volume.

By Phone:

Fayette County Sheriff's Office: (724) 430-1295
Inmate status inquiries may be handled by phone during business hours
Requestors should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
Detailed record information is not released by phone; requestors may be directed to submit a written request or visit in person

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys may request arrest records through formal discovery in criminal proceedings. Subpoenas may be issued for detailed records not available through standard public access channels. Records obtained through legal proceedings are subject to applicable court rules and protective orders.

Information Needed for Search:

Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
Date of birth or approximate age
Approximate date of arrest
Booking number (if known)
Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, municipal police, or state police)

Are Arrest Records Public in Fayette County

Arrest records in Fayette County are subject to public access under the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law, 65 P.S. § 67.301, which establishes a presumption that records of government agencies are public unless a specific exemption applies. Arrest records serve multiple public interests, including government transparency, public safety awareness, community notification, journalistic investigation, background screening, and use in legal proceedings.

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at time of arrest
Booking number
Mugshot/booking photograph
Bond and bail information
Current custody status
Basic demographic information (age, physical description)

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under Pennsylvania law
Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
Information related to active investigations may be withheld
Undercover officer identities are protected
Confidential informant information is not disclosed
Victim identifying information may be withheld in certain cases
Witness protection participants are excluded from public disclosure

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The Pennsylvania Constitution, Article I, Section 11, provides for open access to courts and public proceedings. The balance between transparency and individual privacy is addressed through statutory exemptions under the Right-to-Know Law. The First Amendment provides press organizations with access to arrest information as part of the public record. Due process considerations require that arrest records accurately reflect the status of charges, including dismissals and acquittals.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

General public
Media organizations
Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
Licensing agencies
Background check companies
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. Pennsylvania does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though certain municipalities have enacted local ordinances. Employers and landlords are advised to distinguish between arrests and convictions, as an arrest alone does not establish guilt.

What's in Fayette County Arrest Records

Fayette County arrest records contain a standardized set of information collected at the time of booking and during the processing of criminal charges.

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name
Aliases or "also known as" names
Date of birth
Age at time of arrest
Sex/gender
Race/ethnicity
Height and weight
Eye color and hair color
Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
Address at time of arrest (may be limited in public release)

Arrest Details:

Arrest date and time
Location of arrest (street address or general area)
Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police, or other)
Arresting officer name and badge number (in some records)
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information, if applicable

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges
Pennsylvania statute numbers violated
Charge descriptions
Classification (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
Number of counts for each charge
Domestic violence designation, if applicable
Gang-related designation, if applicable

Booking Information:

Booking facility name and location
Intake process timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints (collected but not typically included in public records)
Personal property inventory

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
Bond amount set by the court
Bond type:
- Cash bond
- Surety bond
- Personal recognizance (PR bond)
- No bond
Bail bondsman information, if applicable
Release date and time, if released
Release conditions, if public

Court Information:

Court case number assigned
Court jurisdiction
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location
Judge assignment, if available

Prior Arrest History (may be included):

Previous arrests in Fayette County
Previous booking numbers
Historical charges
Prior arrest history is not always included in a current arrest record

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest (police report details)
Witness statements
Victim information
Evidence collected
Investigative techniques
Medical information
Mental health status
Substance abuse information
Social Security number (redacted)
Bank account information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports: Contain more detailed incident narratives and are subject to separate access rules
Court records: Document legal proceedings that occur after arrest
Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences, not merely arrests
Background checks: Comprehensive screenings drawing from multiple sources, including court records, state repositories, and federal databases

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Fayette County?

The cost to obtain arrest records in Fayette County varies depending on the requesting method and the office from which records are sought. Under the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law, agencies may charge fees for the actual cost of duplication.

Standard Fee Schedule:

Record Type	Fee
Standard paper copies	$0.25 per page
Certified copies (Clerk of Courts)	$5.00 per document (plus copy fees)
Pennsylvania State Police PATCH criminal history	$22.00 per subject
Electronic records (where available)	Varies by agency
Search fee	Not permitted under current law for standard requests

Inspection of public records at the Clerk of Courts or Sheriff's Office is available at no charge during regular business hours
Certification fees apply when a raised seal or official certification is required
Electronic format fees may apply if the requestor requires records in a specific digital format
Accepted payment methods at county offices include cash, check, and money order; credit card acceptance varies by office
Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or in cases where the public interest in disclosure is demonstrated; requestors should submit a written waiver request with their records application
The Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law, 65 P.S. § 67.1307, governs the fee structure applicable to public records requests

Members of the public may inspect records in person at no cost. Fees apply only when copies or certifications are requested.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Fayette County

Pennsylvania law provides two primary mechanisms for removing or restricting access to arrest records: expungement, which results in the physical destruction or removal of records, and limited access orders (sometimes referred to as sealing), which restrict public access while preserving records for law enforcement purposes. These remedies are governed by the Criminal History Record Information Act, 18 Pa.C.S. § 9122, and the Clean Slate Act, 18 Pa.C.S. § 9122.1 et seq.

Expungement results in the destruction of arrest records and is available in the following circumstances:

The individual was arrested but no charges were filed
All charges were dismissed or the individual was acquitted
The individual successfully completed an Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program
The individual is 70 years of age or older and has been free of arrest or prosecution for ten years following the last conviction
The individual has been deceased for three years
Summary offense convictions where the individual has been free of arrest or prosecution for five years following the conviction

Limited Access (Clean Slate Sealing) is available for certain misdemeanor convictions and arrests without conviction after a waiting period, under the Clean Slate Act. Eligible records are automatically sealed by the Pennsylvania court system in qualifying cases, or individuals may petition the court for sealing.

Steps to Petition for Expungement or Limited Access:

Obtain a copy of the criminal docket from the Fayette County Clerk of Courts to confirm case details
Complete a Petition for Expungement or Petition for Limited Access (forms available through the court)
File the petition with the Fayette County Court of Common Pleas, Criminal Division
Serve the petition on the Fayette County District Attorney's Office
Attend any scheduled hearing
If the order is granted, the court transmits the order to the Pennsylvania State Police and relevant law enforcement agencies for record removal

Fayette County Court of Common Pleas – Criminal Division 61 E. Main St. Uniontown, PA 15401 Phone: (724) 430-1272 Fayette County Court of Common Pleas

Fayette County District Attorney's Office 61 E. Main St., Suite 100 Uniontown, PA 15401 Phone: (724) 430-1280 Fayette County District Attorney

Pennsylvania State Police – Central Repository 1800 Elmerton Ave. Harrisburg, PA 17110 Phone: (717) 783-5592 Pennsylvania State Police PATCH

Individuals seeking expungement or limited access who cannot afford an attorney may contact the Fayette County Public Defender's Office or a local legal aid organization for assistance.

What Happens After Arrest in Fayette County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following arrest, the individual is transported to the Fayette County Prison for booking and processing.

Fayette County Prison 48 East Main Street Uniontown, PA 15401 Phone: (724) 430-1580 Fayette County Prison

Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest and the arresting agency. The individual remains in restraints during transport.

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at Fayette County Prison, the booking process is initiated. The process typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume. Steps include:

Recording of personal identification information
Advisement of Miranda rights, if not previously given
Booking photograph (mugshot) taken
Fingerprints collected and submitted to the Pennsylvania State Police
Criminal history check conducted
Outstanding warrants check performed
Personal property inventoried and stored
Clothing exchanged for jail-issued attire
Medical screening completed
Brief mental health screening conducted
Housing classification assigned

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Pennsylvania law, an arrested individual must be brought before a magisterial district judge for a preliminary arraignment, which occurs within 72 hours of arrest. At this proceeding:

The individual is formally notified of the charges
Bail is set or the individual is released on recognizance
The right to counsel is explained
A preliminary hearing date is scheduled

Preliminary arraignments may be conducted via video conference. The Magisterial District Court schedule for Fayette County is available through the Pennsylvania court system.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond:

Full amount must be paid in cash or certified funds
Refunded at case conclusion, minus administrative fees
Amount set by the magisterial district judge or Common Pleas judge

Surety Bond:

A licensed bail bondsman posts the full amount
The defendant pays a non-refundable premium, at present set at 10% of the bond amount under Pennsylvania law
The bondsman assumes responsibility for the defendant's appearance

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond/ROR):

Released on a written promise to appear
No monetary payment required
Granted based on community ties, employment history, criminal history, nature of charges, and flight risk assessment

No Bond:

Individual held without bail
Applicable in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or out-of-state warrants

Conditions of Release:

Scheduled check-in requirements with pretrial services
Travel restrictions
No-contact orders
Drug and alcohol testing
GPS monitoring
Pretrial supervision reporting

4. Release or Continued Detention

If Bond Posted:

Processing time is typically one to eight hours
Personal property is returned
Written court date and conditions of release are provided
Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a bench warrant

If Bond Not Posted:

Individual remains in custody at Fayette County Prison
Housing assignment is made
Inmate orientation is conducted
Commissary account setup, phone privileges, and visitation schedule are explained

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Individuals who cannot afford private counsel may apply for representation through the Fayette County Public Defender's Office. Eligibility is based on income.

Fayette County Public Defender's Office 61 E. Main St. Uniontown, PA 15401 Phone: (724) 430-1290 Fayette County Public Defender

Private Attorney:

Individuals have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The Pennsylvania Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service provides referrals to licensed attorneys. Attorney visits at Fayette County Prison are conducted in confidential consultation rooms.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The Fayette County District Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. This review occurs within days to weeks of arrest. The District Attorney may file charges as presented, request additional investigation, decline to prosecute, or file different or additional charges.

Preliminary Hearing:

For felony and certain misdemeanor charges, a preliminary hearing is held before a magisterial district judge to determine whether probable cause exists to proceed. The defendant has the right to be represented by counsel at this stage.

Arraignment:

At arraignment before the Court of Common Pleas, formal charges are read and the defendant enters a plea. Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at this stage, and pretrial conference dates are set.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial Phase:

Discovery involves the exchange of evidence between the prosecution and defense, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio or video recordings.

Pretrial Motions may include motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss, and motions for additional discovery. Hearings are scheduled as needed.

Plea Negotiations may result in an offer from the District Attorney for reduced charges or a recommended sentence. The defendant retains the right to accept or proceed to trial.

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal: Charges may be dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal deficiencies. A dismissal may make the individual eligible to petition for expungement.

Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may participate in Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD), drug court, mental health court, or veterans court. Successful completion results in dismissal of charges and eligibility for expungement.

Plea Agreement: The defendant accepts a guilty or no contest plea to agreed-upon charges, and a sentencing hearing is scheduled.

Trial: The defendant may elect a jury trial or bench trial. The prosecution presents its case, followed by the defense. A verdict of guilty results in a sentencing hearing; a verdict of not guilty results in immediate release.

Sentencing (if convicted):

The judge imposes a sentence that may include incarceration, probation, fines and costs, restitution to victims, community service, drug or alcohol treatment, or a combination of these. Credit is given for time served in pretrial detention. The defendant is advised of appeal rights at sentencing.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to preliminary arraignment: Within 72 hours
Preliminary arraignment to preliminary hearing: Typically 3–10 days
Preliminary hearing to arraignment: Varies
Arraignment to trial or resolution: Months, depending on case complexity
Misdemeanors: Resolved within several months in most cases
Felonies: May take six months to over one year
Right to speedy trial: Governed by Pennsylvania Rule of Criminal Procedure 600

Rights Throughout Process:

Right to remain silent
Right to counsel
Right to a speedy trial
Right to confront witnesses
Right to present a defense
Right against self-incrimination
Right to appeal a conviction

Important Contacts:

Fayette County Prison (Jail) 48 East Main Street Uniontown, PA 15401 Phone: (724) 430-1580 Fayette County Prison

Fayette County Clerk of Courts 61 E. Main St., Suite 1 Uniontown, PA 15401 Phone: (724) 430-1272 Fayette County Clerk of Courts

Fayette County District Attorney's Office 61 E. Main St., Suite 100 Uniontown, PA 15401 Phone: (724) 430-1280 Fayette County District Attorney

Fayette County Public Defender's Office 61 E. Main St. Uniontown, PA 15401 Phone: (724) 430-1290 Fayette County Public Defender

What to Do If You're Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Politely invoke the right to remain silent
Request an attorney immediately and do not answer questions without counsel present
Do not discuss the case with other inmates, family, or friends
Contact family or friends to assist with bail if needed
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Fayette County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Fayette County is governed by Pennsylvania law, local agency policies, and the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission's records retention schedules. Under the Criminal History Record Information Act, 18 Pa.C.S. § 9101, the Pennsylvania State Police maintains a central repository of criminal history record information with retention periods tied to case disposition.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Courts, Pennsylvania State Police, and the FBI
Maintained indefinitely in the state criminal history repository and the National Crime Information Center (NCIC)

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently in most databases
Local law enforcement and court records are maintained indefinitely for most misdemeanor convictions
State repository retains records permanently

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement records are retained for a minimum of several years
Court records may be retained permanently unless expunged
State repository retains records unless an expungement order is received
Records may remain accessible unless the subject petitions for expungement

Acquittals (Not Guilty):

Local law enforcement records are retained for several years
Court records are often retained permanently
State repository retains records unless expunged
Individuals may petition for expungement following acquittal

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records are retained for a minimum period before potential purging
Local arrest logs are retained per agency policy
Individuals may be eligible to petition for immediate expungement

No-Information (Prosecutor Declined):

Law enforcement records are retained per agency policy
Often eligible for expungement upon petition

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork and fingerprint cards are retained per the Pennsylvania records retention schedule
Photographs are retained for the duration of the applicable retention period
Evidence retention varies based on case outcome and applicable law

Digital Records:

Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records are retained per agency policy, at present for a minimum of several years
Records management systems often retain data permanently
Mugshot databases vary by agency
Court electronic records are often retained permanently through the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies may retain records indefinitely
Third-party databases are not controlled by law enforcement
These databases may not update records following expungement
The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act requires accuracy in consumer reporting

Retention by Agency:

Fayette County Sheriff's Office:

Booking records and arrest reports are retained per the Pennsylvania records retention schedule
Investigative files are retained based on case type and disposition
Contact: (724) 430-1295

Police Departments:

Arrest records and incident reports are retained per individual department policy and state retention schedules
Retention periods may vary by department

Clerk of Courts:

Felony case files are retained permanently
Misdemeanor case files are retained for a minimum of several years, with many retained permanently in electronic form
Traffic cases are retained per applicable retention schedules
Electronic records through the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System are retained permanently

Pennsylvania State Police – Central Repository:

The Pennsylvania State Police maintains criminal history records for all jurisdictions in the Commonwealth
Retention policy is governed by the Criminal History Record Information Act
Records are updated upon receipt of expungement or limited access orders

FBI Database:

The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Interstate Identification Index (III) retain records at the federal level, at present on a permanent basis
Accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide
Used in employment background checks for positions requiring federal clearance and in firearms purchase background checks

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction:

Permanent retention in most databases
Part of the subject's permanent criminal history
Appears on background checks indefinitely under current law

Dismissal:

May remain in databases unless expunged
Dismissed charges are not reported as convictions on background checks
Local retention varies by agency

Expungement:

Results in physical destruction or sealing of local records
Pennsylvania State Police updates the central repository upon receipt of a court order
FBI database may retain a notation
Timeframe for removal from all systems varies

No Charges Filed:

Shortest retention period in most cases
Records may be purged automatically after the applicable retention period
Individuals may request removal through the expungement process

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

Recent Arrests:

Available online through the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System portal and agency websites
Updated on a real-time or daily basis

Older Arrests:

May require an in-person request at the Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Courts
Possible retrieval fee for archived records
Processing time may be longer for archived materials

Very Old Arrests:

Records may not be digitized
Paper records may be held in archives
Some records may have been destroyed per the applicable retention schedule
Contact the Fayette County Sheriff's Records Division at (724) 430-1295 for information on specific records

Destruction of Records:

Authorized destruction of records occurs after the applicable retention period expires, following a court-ordered expungement, or in accordance with the Pennsylvania records retention schedule. Documentation of destruction is maintained by the agency. Records subject to permanent retention, including felony convictions, serious violent offenses, sex offenses, and cases with ongoing appeals, may not be destroyed.

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Pennsylvania law does not currently impose a shorter reporting period for convictions, though certain municipalities have enacted local fair chance hiring ordinances. Arrests without conviction may not be used as the sole basis for adverse employment decisions in some jurisdictions.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public may contact the Fayette County Sheriff's Records Division at (724) 430-1295 to inquire about the retention status of a specific arrest record. A written public records request may be required, and applicable fees may apply for copies of responsive records.