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1. Can you help me with legal advice?

No. We can refer you to the court self help center or the lawyer referral service. The Court Self Help Center is located on the first floor of the courthouse. The lawyer referral service can be contacted by calling 717-393-0737. Lancaster County Courthouse Self Help Center

2. May I have a copy of my sentencing/disposition sheet and affidavit?

If you know a docket number then you may receive a copy, if the file is open to the public. The cost is $0.25 per sheet (we accept money orders, bank certified check, cash, or a check from a law firm). If the file must be redacted, then the cost is $2.00 per page and a $5.00 automation fee will be charged. A redaction request form must also be completed.

3. If I request a redaction how long will it take for my request to be processed?

A redaction takes 48 hours to be processed.

4. What information must I have if asking specific information about a specific case file?

A docket number. In addition to a docket number, an OTN will also be accepted.

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1. How much does a criminal record search cost?

The fee for criminal record searches is $21.50. Cash, bank certified check, or money orders are accepted.

2. How long does a criminal record search take?

Searches generally take 48 to 72 hours.

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1. Will a summary appeal stop the suspension of my driver’s license automatically?

No. Not until the defendant sends the “Request for Delay of Suspension” form along with a certified copy of the appeal into Penn Dot.

2. Where do I go to appeal suspension of a driver’s license / registration?

Please go to the prothonotary's office.

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1. What else is involved in an expungement?

Please see the expungement information sheet. An original and 14 copies must be submitted. Expungement Information Sheet

2. What is the cost of expungement?

The fee is $137.00. We accept money orders, bank certified checks, or cash. If submitted by an attorney, we accept law firm checks.

3. When will a decision be made on an expungement?

It depends on the judge’s schedule.

4. What is the likelihood that my record will be expunged?

It is up to the judge whether or not an expungement will be granted or denied.

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1. Do you accept personal checks or debit / credit cards?

No. Only cash, bank certified check, or money orders are accepted. Checks from law firms are also accepted.

2. Where can I learn about the various fees the clerk of courts office charges?

See the clerk of courts office fees posted on this website. Court Office Fee Schedule

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1. Can you provide legal counsel or legal advice?

No. If you wish to proceed without a lawyer, there are self-help packets that can be purchased at the Self Help Center on the first floor of the Lancaster County Courthouse. The Self Help Center is open Monday, Thursday, and Friday from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. If you need to obtain the services of an attorney but do not know whom to contact, you may call the Lawyer Referral Service at 393-0737. Lancaster County Courthouse Self Help Center

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1. Where do I find further details regarding how to process restitution?

Please contact Victim Witness at 717-299-8048.

2. Where does a victim go to change an address?

Please contact Victim Witness at 717-299-8048.

3. If I am a victim and I have a stale dated check, what do I do?

Send check to Clerk of Courts office, Attention Donna Flora, with a note stating the check is stale dated and you would like it re-issued.

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1. What is the cost of a summary appeal?

The fee for a summary of appeal is $49.00. We accept money orders, bank certified checks, or cash. If submitted by an attorney, we accept law firm checks.

2. Who is the affiant on a summary appeal form?

The arresting policing officer.

3. Who is the issuing authority on a summary appeal form?

The Magisterial District Justice.

4. Where can I receive information from in order to complete my summary appeal form?

The information needed for your summary appeal can be obtained from your original citation, or from the Magisterial District Justices’ office that handled the original citation.

5. Do I need to report jail time on my summary appeal form?

Yes. Lancaster County Prison has to be notified that there is an appeal in progress.

6. How many citation numbers can in include on one summary appeal form?

For the filing of a summary appeal where there are multiple citation numbers that were heard on the same day, you can include them on one summary appeal from along with one filing fee of $49.00. If the citations were heard on different dates then you need to file a separate summary appeal form and pay a separate filing fee with each summary appeal form.