Crime Victim Right of Access Requests

On May 2, 2023, legislation which expands crime victim access to criminal investigative records became effective. This allows a crime victim or a defendant in a civil action the ability to obtain police investigative materials that were are otherwise barred by CHRIA (Criminal History Record Information Act).

Materials will only be provided to a requesting party as defined in 18 Pa. C.S. §9158 or to a requesting party’s attorney. A requesting party is “a crime victim or a defendant in a civil action in which a crime victim is a party.” Id. A “crime victim” is any individual “against whom a crime has been committed or attempted and who as a direct result of the criminal act or attempt suffers physical or mental injury, death or the loss of earnings.” 18 Pa. C.S. § 11.103.

All Crime Victim Right of Access Requests must be mailed to the District Attorney’s Office (DAO) at:

Crime Victim Right of Access Request
c/o Office Manager
Chester County District Attorney’s Office 
201 West Market Street, Suite 4450
West Chester, PA 19380

Requests must include:

  1. Crime Victim Right of Access Request Form
  2. Specific description of the information requested
  3. An Unsworn Statement meeting the requirements of 18 Pa. C.S. 9158.2(b). This Statement must include an attachment clearly demonstrating the requested information is “directly related to a civil action pending in a court of this Commonwealth” or “material and necessary to the investigation or preparation of a civil action in this Commonwealth.” 18 Pa. C.S. § 9158.2.
  4. Payment of Initial Processing Fee. A $250 check made out to “Chester County District Attorney’s Office.” 

The District Attorney’s Office will not provide any privileged or non-discoverable information, criminal convictions, judicial records or notes of testimony. Please see Crime Victim Right of Access Request Form for further details.

Absent extenuating circumstances all requests for information related to pending investigations or prosecutions will be denied. 

Important Links and Information:

  1. Crime Victim Right of Access Request Form
  2. Fee Schedule 
  3. Crime Victims Right of Access Statute