Court records in Blair County, Pennsylvania can be searched through several channels. BlairCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. You can also search records through the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal, visit the Clerk of Courts or Prothonotary offices at the Blair County Courthouse in Hollidaysburg, or use public access terminals available on-site. The approach depends on the type of case and how far back the records go.
Blair Court System & Jurisdictions
Blair County is part of Pennsylvania's 24th Judicial District. Several courts handle different case types within the county:
Court of Common Pleas
This is the county's general trial court, divided into divisions:
- Criminal Division — felonies, misdemeanors, and appeals from magisterial district courts
- Civil Division — lawsuits exceeding the magisterial district court limit, contract disputes, personal injury, and equity actions
- Family Division — divorce, custody, child support, Protection From Abuse (PFA) orders, and juvenile matters
- Orphans' Court Division — estates, wills, probate, guardianships, adoptions, and trust matters
The Prothonotary maintains civil case records, while the Clerk of Courts handles criminal case filings.
Magisterial District Courts
Blair County has several magisterial district judges who preside over:
- Summary offenses and traffic citations
- Preliminary hearings for criminal cases
- Civil claims up to $12,000
- Landlord-tenant disputes
- Emergency PFA orders
Each magisterial district court serves a specific geographic area within Blair County. Docket information for these courts is searchable through the UJS Web Portal.
Blair Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find scheduled hearings in Blair County courts, you have several options:
- UJS Web Portal — The Pennsylvania Judiciary Web Portal allows searches by case number, participant name, or docket number. Court calendar entries appear on individual case docket sheets once a hearing is scheduled.
- Contact the courthouse directly — Call the Blair County Courthouse at 814-693-3000 for scheduling information on Common Pleas cases.
- Visit in person — Court schedules and daily hearing lists are typically posted at the courthouse and available through public terminals.
For magisterial district court hearings, contact the specific district court office where the case was filed. Hearing dates for summary and traffic matters are printed on the citation itself.
How to Get a Copy of a Blair Court Document
The office you contact depends on the type of record:
- Criminal case documents — Clerk of Courts
- Civil case documents — Prothonotary
- Orphans' Court / probate records — Register of Wills / Orphans' Court Clerk
- Magisterial district court records — the specific district court office
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
Uncertified copies are simple photocopies of court documents. Certified copies carry an official court seal and signature, which may be required for legal proceedings, background checks, or filings in other jurisdictions. Ask the clerk which type you need before paying.
How to Request
- In person — Visit the appropriate office at the Blair County Courthouse. Bring the case number or full party names to speed up the search.
- By mail — Send a written request with the case number, document description, and a check or money order for the applicable fees to:
- Online — Basic docket sheets can be viewed and printed through the UJS Web Portal at no charge. Certified copies still require an in-person or mail request.
Some records are restricted from public access, including juvenile dependency cases, certain family court filings, and records sealed by court order. Under Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law, you may submit a formal request for government records not otherwise available, though court records are generally exempt from RTKL and must be obtained through the courts directly.
Blair Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for Blair County court documents are set by Pennsylvania statute and local court administrative orders. The following table reflects common fee amounts based on standard Pennsylvania Clerk of Courts and Prothonotary fee schedules. Contact the specific office to confirm current amounts before submitting payment.
| Service | Typical Fee | Office |
|---|---|---|
| Docket sheet copy (per page) | $0.25 | Clerk of Courts / Prothonotary |
| Document photocopy (per page) | $0.25 | Clerk of Courts / Prothonotary |
| Certification fee | $5.00–$7.00 | Clerk of Courts / Prothonotary |
| Record search (per name) | $10.00–$15.00 | Clerk of Courts / Prothonotary |
| Exemplified copy | $10.00+ | Prothonotary |
| UJS Web Portal docket view | Free | Online |
Payment Methods
- In person — Cash, check, or money order are generally accepted. Some offices may accept credit or debit cards; confirm before visiting.
- By mail — Check or money order payable to the appropriate office (e.g., "Blair County Clerk of Courts" or "Blair County Prothonotary").
Fees are established under 42 Pa.C.S. § 1725.1 (Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts fee schedule). Specific surcharges, such as the Judicial Computer System fee and Access to Justice fee, may be added to filing and copy costs. For the most current fee schedule, contact the Blair County offices directly or visit the courthouse in Hollidaysburg.