Court records in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania can be searched through several channels. ArmstrongCourt.us can help find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. Additional access points include the Unified Judicial System's online portals, the Clerk of Courts and Prothonotary offices at the Armstrong County Courthouse in Kittanning, and public-access terminals available at the courthouse during business hours.
Armstrong Court System & Jurisdictions
Armstrong County is part of Pennsylvania's 33rd Judicial District. The county's court structure includes the Court of Common Pleas and several Magisterial District Courts, each handling specific case types.
Court of Common Pleas
This is the county's trial-level court of general jurisdiction. It operates through several divisions:
- Criminal Division — felonies, misdemeanors, and criminal appeals from magisterial district courts
- Civil Division — lawsuits exceeding the magisterial district court limit, contract disputes, personal injury claims, and equity matters
- Family Division — divorce, custody, child support, protection from abuse (PFA) orders, and juvenile matters
- Orphans' Court Division — probate of wills, estate administration, guardianships, adoptions, and trust matters
The Clerk of Courts/Prothonotary maintains records for criminal and civil cases, respectively.
Magisterial District Courts
Armstrong County has several magisterial district judges who handle:
- Summary offenses (e.g., disorderly conduct, retail theft under certain thresholds)
- Traffic violations and motor vehicle citations
- Civil claims up to $12,000 (small claims)
- Landlord-tenant disputes and eviction proceedings
- Preliminary hearings in criminal cases before they move to Common Pleas
- Emergency PFA orders
You can search both Common Pleas and magisterial district court docket sheets through the UJS Portal case search, which covers Armstrong County Court of Common Pleas and its magisterial district courts.
Armstrong Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Court calendars for Armstrong County are published through the Pennsylvania court system's online tools. To find today's, tomorrow's, or this week's scheduled hearings:
- Visit the UJS Portal and use the Court Calendar feature.
- Select Armstrong County Court of Common Pleas from the court dropdown.
- Choose the date range or specific date you need.
- Filter by case type (criminal, civil, family, orphans' court) if desired.
For magisterial district court calendars, the UJS Portal also provides scheduling information by selecting the specific MDJS court office within Armstrong County.
You can also call the Court Administrator's Office at the Armstrong County Courthouse to confirm hearing dates and times, especially if a case was recently continued or rescheduled.
The Unified Judicial System's docket sheet page provides additional guidance on searching court schedules and understanding docket entries.
How to Get a Copy of an Armstrong Court Document
Copies of court documents — such as docket sheets, complaints, motions, and orders — can be obtained through several methods depending on the type of record and whether you need a certified or uncertified copy.
Online
- Docket sheets are freely viewable and printable through the UJS Portal. These are uncertified.
- Full document images (filings, orders) are generally not available online for Common Pleas cases. You will need to contact the clerk's office directly.
In Person
Visit the appropriate office at the Armstrong County Courthouse:
- Prothonotary — civil case filings
- Clerk of Courts — criminal case filings
- Register of Wills / Orphans' Court — probate, estate, and guardianship records
By Mail
Send a written request to the appropriate office at the courthouse address above. Include:
- Full case caption or docket number
- The specific documents you need
- Whether you need certified or uncertified copies
- A check or money order for the applicable fees
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
Certified vs. uncertified: Certified copies bear the court seal and clerk's signature, making them acceptable for legal proceedings, real estate transactions, and government filings. Uncertified copies are suitable for personal reference. Ask the clerk whether certification is required for your purpose.
Restricted Records
Some records may be restricted or sealed, including:
- Juvenile delinquency proceedings
- Certain family court matters (adoption, dependency)
- Cases sealed by court order or expungement
- Grand jury proceedings
Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law (Act 3 of 2008) governs public access to government records, though court records are primarily controlled by judicial policy and the Pennsylvania Rules of Judicial Administration.
Armstrong Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court document copies and searches in Armstrong County are set by statute and local administrative order. The table below reflects standard Pennsylvania fee ranges for Courts of Common Pleas. Contact the specific clerk's office to confirm current amounts, as fees may be updated periodically.
| Service | Estimated Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $0.25–$0.50 | Standard photocopy rate |
| Certified copy | $5.00–$10.00 | Per document; includes seal and signature |
| Docket sheet printout (in-office) | $0.25–$1.00 per page | Free online via UJS Portal (uncertified) |
| Record search (by clerk) | $5.00–$15.00 | Per name or case; varies by office |
| Exemplification of record | $10.00–$20.00 | For use in another jurisdiction |
| Filing fee — civil complaint | Varies by case type | Contact Prothonotary for current schedule |
| Magisterial district court copies | $0.25 per page | Set by Pa.R.C.P.M.D.J. |
Payment methods: The Clerk of Courts and Prothonotary offices generally accept cash, checks, and money orders. Some Pennsylvania courts also accept payments through PAePay, the judiciary's electronic payment system — contact the Armstrong County clerk's office to confirm availability.
Fees cited above are estimates based on standard Pennsylvania court fee schedules under 42 Pa.C.S. § 1725.1 and related provisions. Always verify current fees directly with the office before submitting payment by mail.