How to Use the Pennsylvania UJS Web Portal’s Case Search: What You Need to Know
April 6, 2025
In Pennsylvania, accessing court case information has never been easier thanks to the Unified Judicial System (UJS) Web Portal, a publicly accessible online platform that provides comprehensive access to case records. Whether you're a concerned citizen, attorney, journalist, or someone involved in a legal matter, understanding how to use the PA UJS Case Search tool can save you time, money, and hassle.
At The Town Law LLC, we regularly utilize this platform for client research, case monitoring, and docket review. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the UJS Case Search—how to use it, what information is available, and how it may relate to your case.
What Is the Pennsylvania UJS Web Portal?
The UJS Web Portal is the official online portal of the Pennsylvania Judiciary, providing public access to various court services. Its most popular feature is the Case Search, which enables users to look up criminal, civil, family, landlord/tenant, and appellate court records from across the Commonwealth.
The portal covers multiple levels of Pennsylvania's judicial system, including:
Magisterial District Courts
Common Pleas Courts
Superior Court
Commonwealth Court
Supreme Court of Pennsylvania
What Is the Case Search Feature?
The Case Search function lets users search by:
Name (Defendant or Plaintiff)
Docket Number
OTN (Offense Tracking Number)
Complaint Number
Citation Number
You can search statewide or narrow it down by county or court. This makes it an invaluable tool for legal professionals, background checks, and everyday inquiries.
What Information Can You Find?
Depending on the type of case and court level, you might find:
Case status and history
Court dates and scheduling
Docket entries
Charges filed and their disposition
Sentencing information
Attorney of record
Judge assigned to the case
Important note: Juvenile cases, certain protection from abuse (PFA) filings, and expunged/sealed cases are not viewable to the public.
How Accurate and Up-to-Date Is the Information?
The UJS Web Portal is updated frequently and pulls directly from Pennsylvania’s court systems. However, there can be a delay between court action and portal updates. Always verify with the local court if you’re relying on the information for legal or employment purposes.
How Is It Useful for Criminal Defense?
As criminal defense attorneys based in Philadelphia, The Town Law LLC uses the UJS Case Search regularly to:
Track client court dates
Monitor new case filings
Research opposing parties
Analyze charging patterns by prosecutors
Keep clients informed and prepared
For clients, it's a way to double-check their hearing dates or confirm that their charges were withdrawn or dismissed.
Limitations of the UJS Case Search
Despite its utility, the UJS portal does have limitations:
You cannot download full case files or transcripts.
You cannot view most exhibits, police reports, or discovery materials.
Certain cases are not listed due to confidentiality rules.
It's not a substitute for legal advice.
If you’ve been charged with a crime or want to understand your record better, always speak with a qualified attorney.
Why Does This Matter for You?
Whether you're facing criminal charges, checking on a civil matter, or looking up court dates, the PA UJS Web Portal gives you instant access to the public court record system. For many, it’s the first step in understanding their legal situation.
However, interpreting these records can be tricky. Docket entries often contain legal jargon, procedural terms, and acronyms. That’s where we come in.
Need Help Understanding Your Court Case?
At The Town Law LLC, we help clients across Pennsylvania navigate the complexities of the criminal justice system. If you’re unsure what your docket means, whether you’re eligible for expungement, or what the next steps are in your case, we’re here to help.
Call us or schedule a consultation today.
Final Thoughts
The UJS Case Search tool is a powerful, publicly available resource—but knowing how to use it effectively can make all the difference. Whether you’re researching a new case, keeping track of your own, or trying to get a clearer picture of your legal options, it all starts with understanding your court record.
For personalized, professional help interpreting or responding to any court matter in Pennsylvania, trust The Town Law LLC—your Philadelphia-based criminal defense and personal injury law firm.