General Announcements                                                                     
Luzerne County is under a State of Emergency.

All visitors to the Luzerne County Courthouse or County buildings must wear a face mask or face covering while on the premises or you will be denied entry and access. Acceptable forms of face coverings, specifically covering the nose and mouth areas, include cloth coverings, scarfs, or bandannas. 

A todos los visitants que van ingresar a la Corte para el Condado de Luzerne y sus edificios similares, Es mandatorio que a toda hora deben llevar puesto una mascarilla o tener la cara cubierta mientras se encuentra en la propiedad o se le negara el ingreso. Formas acceptables de mascarillas deben de cubrir las areas de la boca, nariz. Pueden ser de Telas, Bufandas o Bandanas o Pañuelos.
More details

In an effort to keep ahead of the spread of COVID-19 in Luzerne County, a stay-at-home order has been issued by Governor Wolf and supported by the County Manager. This order will go into effect March 27, 2020 at 8pm and will stay in effect until Jume 4th, 2020. More details

In order to protect the health and safety of the residents of Luzerne County, most County Buildings are closed to the general public.  See specific announcements on this page for availability of services.  Single point of entry for all visitors to the Courthouse will be at the Accessible entrance at the rear of the Courthouse.

E-recording, e-filing, and mail are the preferred methods of doing business with the County and the most convenient/safest for all involved with limited exceptions.

General Precautions to Prevent the Transmission of Coronavirus      
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Practice social distancing - 6 feet.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with your upper sleeve. If wearing short sleeves, cover your cough sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a disinfectant wipe.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

County Council                                                                                         
Council meetings have been suspended through April 19th.

Treasurer                                                                                                   
Payments are accepted in person, via mail or online. 

Sheriff’s Department                                                                                 
Office hours are 9:00 – 4:30.
Gun Permits:The Luzerne County Sheriff’s Department is accepting applications for Gun Permits from Luzerne County residents between the hours of 8:00AM and 3:00PM, at the Luzerne County Courthouse 200 North River Street Wilkes-Barre PA 18711 at the secure drop box located at security.

Upon receipt of the requested documents, the Luzerne County Sheriff’s Department will schedule an interview to complete the permit process. Please go to the Sheriff’s page of the Luzerne county website for more information.

 As a reminder, The Uniform Firearms Act Section 6106(b)(12), provides for a 6 month “grace period” for individuals whose license has expired and are otherwise eligible for renewal of their license. We acknowledge the inconvenience this temporary policy presents and appreciate your continued cooperation. 

Court Administration                                                                                   
Open Monday – Friday 8:00am-3:30pm

Courts / Hearings /Trials                                                                              
The Judiciary has moved to a modified Schedule.
All jurors summoned through the entire month of April, 2020 are Excused and asked NOT to report.
All non-incarcerated preliminary hearings have been cancelled though March 31st.
Only litigants will be granted entry to the Courthouse.

The Court’s Re-Opening Order of May 29, 2020 to address the practices and procedures associated with the reopening of the Luzerne County Court System. Reopening Order

The Court’s Order of March 17, 2020 and Addendums thereto are extended through April 30, 2020. Emergency Order Extension

On March 17th the Court ordered various postponements effective through April 14th. Emergency Order

Landlord/Tenant and eviction proceedings have been postponed through April 14th. Luzerne County Courts Emergency Order Addendum

Suggested Guidelines for Persons Subject to Luzerne County Custody Orders During COVID-19. For persons seeking guidance regarding existing Custody Orders during the COVID-19 pandemic, the following are recommendations only and are not enforceable via a Contempt Petition. These recommendations are consistent with the Governor’s Emergency Mandate. Custody Orders During COVID-19.

All Family Court motions will be held on Thursdays from 9:30am to 11:30 am at the Bernard C. Brominski Building effective March 23rd through April 14th. Luzerne County Courts Emergency Order 2nd Addendum

The Brominski Bldg will be closed for all other court proceedings through April 14th. Luzerne County Courts Emergency Order 3rd Addendum

The Sheriff Sale scheduled for Friday June 5th 2020 at 10:30 AM is hereby postponed generally to a future date to be determined Court Order

The Sheriff Sale scheduled for Friday August 7th 2020 at 10:30 AM is hereby postponed generally to a future date to be determined. Court Order

Motions Court is suspended until April 14th.  Only emergency motions will be entertained.  Litigants/Counsel are directed to contact Court Administration at 570-825-1655 to fax or email emergency motions to be reviewed by a Judge to determine if the motion will be addressed. Luzerne County Courts Emergency Order 4th Addendum

The Court is suspending weekend sentences to be served at the Luzerne County Correctional Facility for a period of 30 days. Luzerne County Courts Emergency Order 5th Addendum 

Public Defender                                                                                         
Open Monday – Friday 8:00am – 3:30pm

Until further notice, applications for the Public Defender will no longer be taken in person or by appointment. Applications can be mailed in, faxed or emailed. The mailing address is 20 North Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 235, Wilkes Barre, PA. 18701-3509. Fax number is 570-825 1846. Email applications can be found on the link below online.

Due to the continuing uncertainty surrounding court dates for non incarcerated persons, the public is encouraged to use this Unified Judicial System search link to determine dates upon which cases are or might be scheduled.
https://ujsportal.pacourts.us/CaseInformation.aspx

Probation                                                                                                    
All Divisions of Probations Services (Adult, Juvenile, Court Collections & Specialty Courts Supervision Services) are operational but closed to the public until further notice. All regular office activities or in-person monthly reporting are suspended until further notice. There are also no group classes scheduled until further notice (including AHSS, Victim Impact Panel, Recovery Skills, etc.). Those subject to supervision are to contact their Probation Officer directly by PHONE. To reach Adult Probation’s main # dial 570-825-1724. To reach Juvenile Probation’s main # dial 570-825-1552. All Court Collections Payments may only be made by mail (personal check or money order), or online at https://ujsportal.pacourts.us/ePay/Default.aspx. To leave a message for Court Collections dial 570-408-8175.

DUI Program and Community Service                                                    
AHSS classes will resume remotely in several weeks. Program payments are accepted by mail or phone. Program questions can be directed to duiprogram@luzernecounty.org or communityservice@luzernecounty.org

Pittston Magistrate Office                                                                          
Pittston City Hall is a RESTRICTED AREA to the General Public. District Court is operational, however, we are kindly requesting that you abide by the Emergency Declaration of the Pittston City Mayor and conduct business with the Court remotely. Therefore, it is not advised that you come to District Court in person to conduct business. You can make payments by calling 1-844-400-8880 or online at www.ujsportal.pacourts.us or by U.S. mail. Please do not leave any payments unattended at this building. Payment plans may be adjusted per request due to this emergency situation.  You may contact this office via telephone at 570-655-0552 and we will help to facilitate any requests, at any time during regular business hours, Monday through Friday 8:00AM - 4:00PM.