Berks County DUI Records
Berks County DUI records are maintained by the Clerk of Courts at the Berks County Courthouse in Reading. Berks County is one of Pennsylvania's largest counties, with Reading as its county seat and a large network of municipal police departments and Pennsylvania State Police stations generating DUI cases each year. The 23rd Judicial District handles all felony DUI filings for the county. You can search Berks County DUI records for free through the Pennsylvania UJS Portal or visit the Clerk of Courts in Reading for in-person access.
Berks County Quick Facts
Berks County DUI Records
Berks County DUI records are official court documents that capture every step of a DUI case from arrest to final outcome. The Clerk of Courts at Berks County Clerk of Courts is the official custodian of all criminal records in the county. The office maintains DUI records that include criminal complaints, bail determinations, preliminary hearing results, plea agreements, sentencing orders, and probation conditions. Public access terminals may be available at the courthouse for self-service searches, and staff can assist with name or case number lookups.
Berks County generates a large volume of DUI cases each year given the county's size and population. The Reading Police Department at Reading Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police, and dozens of municipal departments throughout the county all file DUI charges that flow into the Berks County court system. Each case creates a record that starts at the Magisterial District Court level and may advance to the Court of Common Pleas. The UJS Portal at ujsportal.pacourts.us links records from both court levels in one searchable database.
Berks County DUI cases are filed under 75 Pa.C.S. § 3802, Pennsylvania's main DUI statute. The law divides impairment into three tiers based on blood alcohol content: general (0.08%-0.099%), high (0.10%-0.159%), and highest (0.16% and above). The tier level is part of every DUI record in Berks County and determines the range of penalties the court can impose under 75 Pa.C.S. § 3804.
How to Search Berks County DUI Records
The Pennsylvania UJS Portal is the primary tool for searching Berks County DUI records online. The portal is free and available at any time. Search by the defendant's name, date of birth, or docket number. Results include charges filed, court event dates, judge assignments, and case outcomes. The portal covers both Magisterial District Court and Court of Common Pleas records for Berks County in one place.
In-person access is available at the Berks County Courthouse in Reading. The Clerk of Courts can search by name or case number and provide copies of court documents. Paper copy fees apply per page, and certified copies cost more but carry the court's official certification. The county's main web portal at berkscounty.gov has current contact details and hours for the Clerk's office. Bring a photo ID when visiting.
The PATCH criminal history system at epatch.pa.gov provides statewide records including Berks County DUI convictions. A fee applies per search. PATCH is run by the Pennsylvania State Police and returns certified criminal history records that include final disposition data. It is useful when you need a complete record rather than just a single case docket.
Note: Some Berks County DUI cases involving Treatment Court are tracked separately within the court system and may require a direct inquiry to the Clerk of Courts for complete case details.
The official Berks County website at berkscounty.gov provides access to the courts, Clerk of Courts, District Attorney, Sheriff, and drug and alcohol services for residents looking for DUI records in the Reading area and across Berks County.
Berks County's online government presence connects residents to all the offices that create, hold, and provide access to DUI records throughout the county and in Reading.
Berks County Court of Common Pleas
The Berks County Court of Common Pleas is the 23rd Judicial District. The court handles felony DUI cases, including third or subsequent DUI offenses and cases involving serious injury or death. Vehicular homicide by vehicle while DUI under 18 Pa.C.S. § 3735 is tried at this level. The court also operates Treatment Court programs for eligible DUI offenders who may benefit from a structured supervision and treatment track separate from traditional prosecution. Docket information is available through the UJS Portal, and the physical court files are maintained by the Clerk of Courts.
The Berks County District Attorney's office at Berks County District Attorney prosecutes thousands of DUI cases in the county each year. The DA runs specialized units for traffic crimes and works with multiple police departments across the county on DUI investigations. The office also provides victim services for people hurt in DUI crashes, including court notification and assistance with victim impact statements. The DA's office makes all ARD eligibility decisions for Berks County.
The Berks County Sheriff's Office at Berks County Sheriff serves warrants and provides courthouse security. Deputies participate in DUI enforcement and assist with prisoner transport for court appearances. Court schedules, rules, and forms are available at Berks County Courts. The Pennsylvania Courts portal at pacourts.us also has rules and resources for the 23rd Judicial District.
ARD Program in Berks County
Berks County administers the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition program for eligible first-time DUI offenders. ARD is authorized by 75 Pa.C.S. § 3807 and gives qualifying defendants a formal alternative to trial. Participants complete a period of supervised probation, pay required costs, and finish any drug and alcohol treatment ordered by the court. The Berks County District Attorney administers the ARD program and reviews each application before the court makes a final placement decision.
After successfully completing ARD in Berks County, a defendant may petition the court to expunge the DUI arrest record under Pa.R.Crim.P. 320. Expungement removes the record from public databases and the court docket. The Clerk of Courts processes expungement orders once issued by the judge. Until that happens, the ARD record remains visible through the UJS Portal and at the courthouse.
The Berks County DA considers several factors when reviewing ARD applications. BAC level, prior criminal record, whether a crash occurred, and victim input all affect the decision. A minor in the vehicle, a crash with injury, or a BAC well above the highest tier threshold can disqualify an applicant. Given the high volume of DUI cases in Berks County, the ARD program is a significant part of how the court system manages first-offense cases while prioritizing public safety.
Drug and Alcohol Services in Berks County
Berks County is served by the Council on Chemical Abuse, known as COCA, at cocaberks.org. COCA is the county's primary drug and alcohol agency and provides assessment, referral, treatment coordination, and case management for individuals with substance use issues. DUI offenders who are court-ordered into treatment are typically referred through COCA or an approved provider in the county. COCA also runs DUI education programs designed for first-time offenders and those completing ARD requirements.
The Berks County court system works closely with COCA and the probation department to track compliance with court-ordered treatment. Judges may require assessment and a specific level of treatment as part of sentencing, probation, or ARD conditions. COCA's case management services support recovery and help ensure defendants follow through on their treatment requirements. The agency also runs prevention programs in the county focused on reducing impaired driving.
PA 2-1-1 is a free statewide helpline that can connect Berks County residents to local treatment providers, counseling services, and support resources. The Reading Police Department and Pennsylvania State Police also work with treatment providers as part of their DUI enforcement and diversion efforts in Berks County.
Note: Court-ordered treatment must be completed at a COCA-approved provider to count toward ARD or probation compliance in Berks County.
Right-to-Know and Berks County DUI Records
Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law at 65 P.S. § 67.101 gives the public the right to access records from government agencies in Pennsylvania, including Berks County. Criminal court records and DUI dockets are generally open to the public and accessible without filing a formal request. The UJS Portal and the Clerk of Courts office in Reading are the main access points for these records.
For records held by other Berks County agencies, a written Right-to-Know request may be required. The Berks County Open Records Officer at Berks County Open Records handles formal RTK requests submitted by the public. Online submission is available through the county website. The officer must respond within five business days, with extensions permitted under the law. Fees are charged per the RTKL fee schedule for copying and search time. Requests that are denied can be appealed to the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records at openrecords.pa.gov.
Active investigations, juvenile records, and information protected by other laws remain exempt from disclosure. Most finalized DUI case records in Berks County are public and can be accessed by anyone through established channels.
Cities in Berks County
Berks County includes Reading, one of Pennsylvania's largest cities and the county seat. DUI cases from Reading and all municipalities across Berks County are handled by the 23rd Judicial District Court of Common Pleas. Reading Police Department and Pennsylvania State Police both file DUI charges that are processed through the county court system.
Nearby Counties
Berks County borders several southeastern and south-central Pennsylvania counties. DUI records are filed in the county where the arrest occurs, so verify the correct jurisdiction when searching for a specific case.