Blair County Court Records

What Is Blair County Court Records

Blair County court records encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records serve as the comprehensive documentation of judicial activities and decisions rendered by courts operating within Blair County, Pennsylvania.

Court records typically include:

• Case files containing pleadings, motions, and other filed documents
• Docket sheets chronicling case events and filings
• Court orders and judicial decisions
• Judgments and decrees
• Hearing and trial transcripts
• Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
• Sentencing information in criminal matters
• Marriage licenses and divorce decrees
• Probate and estate documentation

These records are distinct from other public records maintained by government entities, such as property records (deeds, mortgages, liens) held by the County Recorder's Office or vital records (birth, death certificates) maintained by the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

According to Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law, court records are considered judicial records subject to public access rules established by the state judiciary rather than administrative records. The Pennsylvania Public Access Policy governs the accessibility of these documents pursuant to § 204 PA.C.S., which establishes the framework for public access to judicial records.

Blair County's court system maintains records for proceedings conducted in the following courts:

• Court of Common Pleas (criminal, civil, family, orphans' court divisions)
• Magisterial District Courts
• Juvenile Court
• Orphans' Court

Are Court Records Public In Blair County

Court records in Blair County are generally accessible to the public pursuant to Article V, § 10 of the Pennsylvania Constitution and the Pennsylvania Public Access Policy. This policy, formally titled "Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania: Case Records of the Appellate and Trial Courts," establishes the framework for public access to judicial records.

The following court records are typically available for public inspection:

• Civil case files (with certain exceptions for sensitive information)
• Criminal case files (post-charging)
• Docket sheets and indices
• Court orders and judgments
• Hearing schedules and calendars
• Property records related to judgments and liens

However, certain records may be restricted from public access, including:

• Documents filed in juvenile cases
• Mental health proceedings
• Adoption records
• Records sealed by court order
• Documents containing confidential information as defined by § 213.81 of the Pennsylvania Code

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has established specific rules governing access to court records through the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania. These rules balance the public's right to access with privacy concerns and the efficient administration of justice.

It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania (which includes Blair County) are governed by federal access rules rather than state policies.

How To Find Court Records in Blair County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Blair County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The county provides multiple pathways for record retrieval based on the type of record sought and the requestor's specific needs.

For in-person requests, individuals may visit:

Blair County Prothonotary's Office
423 Allegheny Street, Suite 144
Hollidaysburg, PA 16648
(814) 693-3080
Blair County Prothonotary

The Prothonotary's Office maintains civil court records and provides public access terminals for searching case information. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays.

For criminal records, contact:

Blair County Clerk of Courts
423 Allegheny Street, Suite 146
Hollidaysburg, PA 16648
(814) 693-3000
Blair County Clerk of Courts

To obtain records from district courts, contact the specific Magisterial District Court where the case was heard. Blair County currently has six Magisterial District Courts.

Written requests for court records may be submitted using the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania Public Records Request Form. Requests should include:

• Requestor's name and contact information
• Clear identification of the records sought (case number, party names, date range)
• Preferred method of access (inspection, copies, electronic delivery)
• Date of request

Pursuant to § 213.81 of the Pennsylvania Code, the court must respond to requests within a reasonable time. Fees may apply for copies or certified documents according to the established fee schedule.

How To Look Up Court Records in Blair County Online?

Blair County offers several digital platforms for accessing court records online, providing convenient alternatives to in-person visits. These electronic resources vary in scope and functionality based on the court and record type.

The primary online portal for Blair County court records is the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania Web Portal, which provides access to:

• Criminal case docket sheets
• Civil case information
• Court calendars and schedules
• Case status updates

To search this system:

1. Navigate to the UJS Portal website
2. Select "Public Web Docket Sheets"
3. Choose the appropriate court type (Common Pleas or Magisterial District)
4. Enter search criteria (case number, participant name, or filing date)
5. Review the results and select specific cases for detailed information

For Court of Common Pleas records, users may also access:

Blair County Prothonotary Online Records Search
Blair County Records Search

This system provides access to civil case indices and limited document viewing. Users should note that:

• Registration may be required for certain functions
• Document viewing fees may apply
• Not all documents are available electronically
• Confidential information is redacted pursuant to § 213.81 of the Pennsylvania Code

For criminal history information, the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal provides access to public criminal history record information through its "PA Public Web Docket Sheets" section.

Users seeking federal court records for cases involving Blair County residents but heard in federal courts should utilize the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system, which requires registration and charges nominal fees for document access.

How To Search Blair County Court Records for Free?

Pennsylvania law guarantees the public's right to inspect judicial records without charge, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents. According to § 213.77 of the Pennsylvania Code, courts must provide reasonable access to public records for inspection during regular business hours.

Free options for accessing Blair County court records include:

In-Person Inspection

• Visit the Blair County Courthouse during regular business hours
• Use public access terminals at the Prothonotary's Office or Clerk of Courts
• No fee is charged for viewing records on-site

Blair County Prothonotary's Office
423 Allegheny Street, Suite 144
Hollidaysburg, PA 16648
(814) 693-3080

Blair County Clerk of Courts
423 Allegheny Street, Suite 146
Hollidaysburg, PA 16648
(814) 693-3000

Online Resources with Free Components

• Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania Web Portal - Basic docket information is available without charge
• Blair County Court of Common Pleas - Court calendars and schedules are freely accessible
• Pennsylvania's Appellate Court Case Search - Free access to appellate case information

Public libraries in Blair County may also provide free access to online legal research tools and court record databases. The Altoona Area Public Library offers public computer terminals with internet access for conducting online record searches.

While basic record searches are typically free, users should be aware that:

• Printing or copying documents incurs fees (typically $0.25-$1.00 per page)
• Certified copies have additional charges
• Complex searches requiring staff assistance may involve research fees
• Electronic access to certain document types may require subscription or per-document fees

What's Included in a Blair County Court Record?

Blair County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings, with contents varying by case type and court level. These records typically include several standard components while maintaining compliance with privacy regulations established under § 213.81 of the Pennsylvania Code.

Civil Case Records typically contain:

• Case caption with party names and case number
• Complaint or petition initiating the action
• Summons and proof of service
• Responsive pleadings (answers, counterclaims)
• Motions and supporting memoranda
• Discovery documents (if filed with the court)
• Court orders and opinions
• Judgment entries
• Transcripts of hearings (when prepared)
• Exhibits admitted into evidence
• Appeal documentation (if applicable)

Criminal Case Records generally include:

• Criminal complaint and charging documents
• Arrest warrant or summons
• Preliminary hearing documentation
• Arraignment records
• Pre-trial motions and orders
• Plea agreements
• Trial transcripts (when prepared)
• Verdict or judgment forms
• Sentencing orders
• Probation/parole information
• Appeal documentation (if applicable)

Family Court Records may contain:

• Divorce petitions and decrees
• Child custody and support orders
• Protection from abuse filings
• Paternity determinations
• Adoption proceedings (access restricted)
• Financial statements and support calculations
• Parenting plans

Probate/Orphans' Court Records typically include:

• Wills and codicils
• Petitions for probate
• Letters testamentary or administration
• Inventories of estate assets
• Inheritance tax returns
• Accounts of administration
• Distribution schedules
• Guardian appointments
• Trust documents

Court records also contain administrative documentation such as:

• Docket sheets listing chronological case events
• Scheduling notices and continuances
• Attorney appearance forms
• Fee payment records
• Certificates of service

Certain sensitive information is redacted or filed under seal pursuant to the Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania, including:

• Social Security numbers
• Financial account numbers
• Minor children's names and dates of birth
• Driver's license numbers
• State identification numbers

How Long Does Blair County Keep Court Records?

Blair County adheres to the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Records Retention and Disposition Schedule for maintaining court records. This schedule, established pursuant to § 213.51 of the Pennsylvania Code, mandates specific retention periods based on record type and case disposition.

Criminal Case Records:

• Capital cases: Permanent retention
• Homicide cases: 75 years after final disposition
• Felony cases: 25 years after final disposition
• Misdemeanor cases: 10 years after final disposition
• Summary offenses: 3 years after final disposition
• Expunged records: Destroyed as directed by court order

Civil Case Records:

• Cases with judgments: 25 years after final disposition
• Discontinued or settled cases: 7 years after final disposition
• Domestic relations cases: 25 years after final disposition
• Protection from abuse orders: 5 years after expiration
• Juvenile dependency: Until child reaches age 25
• Juvenile delinquency: Until child reaches age 25 (non-serious offenses) or permanent (serious offenses)

Orphans' Court Records:

• Estate administration: 25 years after estate closing
• Guardianship of minors: 25 years after termination
• Guardianship of incapacitated persons: 25 years after termination
• Adoption records: Permanent retention

Administrative Records:

• Docket books and indices: Permanent retention
• Court calendars and schedules: 3 years
• Stenographic notes and recordings: 7 years after creation
• Exhibits: Returned to parties after appeal period; unclaimed exhibits disposed of after 60 days

The Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts oversees the implementation of these retention schedules. While many records are eventually destroyed according to schedule, records of significant historical or legal value may be transferred to the Pennsylvania State Archives for permanent preservation.

Digital records are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records, though the storage medium may change over time due to technological advancements and migration needs.

Types of Courts In Blair County

Blair County's judicial system consists of several court levels, each with distinct jurisdictions and responsibilities within Pennsylvania's Unified Judicial System.

Blair County Court of Common Pleas
423 Allegheny Street
Hollidaysburg, PA 16648
(814) 693-3000
Blair County Court of Common Pleas
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

The Court of Common Pleas is Blair County's court of general jurisdiction, divided into specialized divisions:

• Criminal Division - Felonies, misdemeanors, appeals from summary convictions
• Civil Division - Civil matters exceeding $12,000, equity actions
• Family Division - Divorce, custody, support, protection orders
• Orphans' Court Division - Estates, guardianships, adoptions

Magisterial District Courts in Blair County:

Magisterial District Court 24-1-01
615 Fourth Street
Altoona, PA 16602
(814) 946-5427
Magisterial District Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Magisterial District Court 24-1-02
1516 Eleventh Avenue
Altoona, PA 16601
(814) 946-5201
Magisterial District Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Magisterial District Court 24-1-03
117 Allegheny Street
Hollidaysburg, PA 16648
(814) 693-3220
Magisterial District Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Magisterial District Court 24-3-01
3001 Sixth Avenue
Altoona, PA 16602
(814) 946-7891
Magisterial District Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Magisterial District Court 24-3-02
1111 Twelfth Street
Altoona, PA 16601
(814) 946-5352
Magisterial District Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Magisterial District Court 24-3-03
3759 Route 220
Bedford, PA 15522
(814) 623-5380
Magisterial District Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

For appeals from Blair County courts, cases proceed to:

Superior Court of Pennsylvania - Western District
310 Grant Street, Suite 600
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
(412) 565-7592
Superior Court of Pennsylvania
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Judicial Center
601 Commonwealth Avenue, Suite 2100
Harrisburg, PA 17106
(717) 255-1650
Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

The final appellate authority is:

Supreme Court of Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Judicial Center
601 Commonwealth Avenue, Suite 4500
Harrisburg, PA 17106
(717) 787-6181
Supreme Court of Pennsylvania
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

What Types of Cases Do Blair County Courts Hear?

Blair County's court system adjudicates a diverse range of legal matters, with jurisdiction determined by case type, monetary value, and severity of charges. Each court level within the county handles specific categories of cases as prescribed by Pennsylvania law.

Court of Common Pleas - Criminal Division

• Felony criminal prosecutions
• Misdemeanor cases
• Appeals from summary offense convictions
• Post-conviction relief petitions
• Probation and parole violations
• Expungement petitions

Court of Common Pleas - Civil Division

• Civil lawsuits with claims exceeding $12,000
• Complex commercial litigation
• Real property disputes
• Medical malpractice claims
• Product liability cases
• Appeals from administrative agency decisions
• Equity actions (injunctions, specific performance)
• Mortgage foreclosures
• Tax assessment appeals

Court of Common Pleas - Family Division

• Divorce proceedings
• Child custody determinations
• Child and spousal support cases
• Protection from abuse orders
• Paternity actions
• Name change petitions
• Domestic relations matters

Court of Common Pleas - Orphans' Court Division

• Probate of wills
• Estate administration
• Guardianships for incapacitated persons
• Guardianships for minors
• Adoption proceedings
• Trust administration
• Termination of parental rights
• Inheritance tax disputes

Magisterial District Courts

• Summary criminal offenses
• Traffic violations
• Preliminary hearings in criminal cases
• Civil claims up to $12,000
• Landlord-tenant disputes
• Municipal code violations
• Small claims proceedings
• Issuance of search and arrest warrants
• Emergency protection from abuse orders

Juvenile Court (specialized division of Court of Common Pleas)

• Juvenile delinquency proceedings
• Dependency cases (child welfare)
• Status offenses
• Juvenile probation matters

Cases originating in Blair County that involve federal law or constitutional questions may be heard in:

United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania
Penn Traffic Building
319 Washington Street
Johnstown, PA 15901
(814) 533-4504
U.S. District Court - Western District of PA

How To Find a Court Docket In Blair County

Court dockets in Blair County provide chronological listings of all filings, proceedings, and actions taken in a case. These official records are accessible through multiple channels depending on the court level and case type.

Online Docket Access:

The primary resource for electronic docket access is the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania Web Portal, which offers several search options:

1. For Court of Common Pleas dockets:

   • Navigate to the UJS Portal
   • Select "Public Web Docket Sheets"
   • Choose "Common Pleas Courts"
   • Select search type (case number, participant name, organization name, etc.)
   • Enter search criteria and select Blair County
   • Review results and select specific dockets for detailed information

2. For Magisterial District Court dockets:

   • Navigate to the UJS Portal
   • Select "Public Web Docket Sheets"
   • Choose "Magisterial District Judge"
   • Select search type and enter criteria
   • Filter results by selecting Blair County
   • View docket information for selected cases

In-Person Docket Access:

For physical inspection of docket books or printouts, visit:

Blair County Prothonotary's Office (civil cases)
423 Allegheny Street, Suite 144
Hollidaysburg, PA 16648
(814) 693-3080
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Blair County Clerk of Courts (criminal cases)
423 Allegheny Street, Suite 146
Hollidaysburg, PA 16648
(814) 693-3000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Specialized Docket Information:

• Criminal Court Schedules: Available through the Blair County Court Administrator's Office
• Protection From Abuse Dockets: Maintained by the Blair County Sheriff's Office
• Orphans' Court Dockets: Available through the Register of Wills

When requesting docket information, provide:

• Case number (if known)
• Party names
• Approximate filing date
• Case type

Pursuant to § 213.77 of the Pennsylvania Code, docket information is available for public inspection during regular business hours. Fees may apply for printed copies of docket sheets, typically $0.25-$1.00 per page depending on the office.

Which Courts in Blair County Are Not Courts of Record?

In Pennsylvania's judicial system, courts are classified as either "courts of record" or "courts not of record" based on their procedural requirements and record-keeping practices. This distinction, established under § 321 of the Pennsylvania Judicial Code, has important implications for proceedings and appeals.

Courts not of record in Blair County include:

Magisterial District Courts These limited jurisdiction courts handle minor matters and preliminary proceedings but do not maintain the same formal record-keeping as higher courts. Blair County has six Magisterial District Courts:

Magisterial District Court 24-1-01
615 Fourth Street
Altoona, PA 16602
(814) 946-5427

Magisterial District Court 24-1-02
1516 Eleventh Avenue
Altoona, PA 16601
(814) 946-5201

Magisterial District Court 24-1-03
117 Allegheny Street
Hollidaysburg, PA 16648
(814) 693-3220

Magisterial District Court 24-3-01
3001 Sixth Avenue
Altoona, PA 16602
(814) 946-7891

Magisterial District Court 24-3-02
1111 Twelfth Street
Altoona, PA 16601
(814) 946-5352

Magisterial District Court 24-3-03
3759 Route 220
Bedford, PA 15522
(814) 623-5380

As courts not of record, these Magisterial District Courts:

• Do not require verbatim transcripts of proceedings
• Maintain simplified docket entries rather than comprehensive transcripts
• Conduct less formal proceedings than higher courts
• Issue decisions that may be appealed "de novo" (completely new hearing) to the Court of Common Pleas
• Handle preliminary arraignments and hearings in criminal cases
• Adjudicate summary offenses, traffic violations, and small civil claims

According to § 1123 of the Pennsylvania Judicial Code, appeals from these courts not of record entitle the appellant to a completely new trial in the Court of Common Pleas, rather than just a review of the lower court's decision. This means evidence and testimony must be presented again in the higher court.

In contrast, Blair County's Court of Common Pleas is a court of record that:

• Maintains verbatim transcripts of proceedings
• Employs court reporters or electronic recording systems
• Follows formal rules of evidence and procedure
• Issues decisions that create legal precedent
• Produces records that form the basis for appellate review

This distinction is important for litigants to understand when navigating the county's judicial system, particularly regarding appeal rights and procedural requirements.

Lookup Court Records in Blair County