About Luzerne County

Luzerne County is nestled in the northeastern region of Pennsylvania, occupying approximately 906 square miles of diverse terrain that ranges from the broad Wyoming Valley floor to the rugged ridges of the Appalachian Mountains. The Susquehanna River winds through the heart of the county, shaping both its landscape and its historical identity. This geographic diversity has long influenced how communities developed here, with dense urban centers along the valley floor giving way to smaller boroughs and rural townships tucked into the surrounding highlands. The county is home to more than 30 municipalities, each with its own distinct character, from industrial heritage towns to quiet agricultural communities. With a population of approximately 325,594 residents, Luzerne County ranks among the more populous counties in Pennsylvania. The county seat, Wilkes-Barre, serves as the cultural, governmental, and commercial hub of the region. Founded in the late 18th century and named after two British supporters of American independence, Wilkes-Barre carries a rich industrial legacy rooted in anthracite coal mining, which once made this valley one of the most economically significant regions in the entire United States. Today, the city continues to serve as the administrative center for county government, courts, and public services. The economy of Luzerne County has undergone significant transformation since the decline of the coal industry in the mid-20th century. The region has diversified into healthcare, education, retail, logistics, and manufacturing sectors. Major employers include Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, the school districts, and several large distribution and warehousing operations that have taken advantage of the county's strategic location along Interstate 81 and its proximity to major northeastern markets. The county also benefits from its connection to the broader Scranton–Wilkes-Barre metropolitan area, which supports regional commerce and workforce mobility. Despite economic challenges that have persisted over the decades, Luzerne County retains a resilient and tight-knit community character that continues to attract new investment and residents.

Practice Areas in Luzerne County

Criminal Law
Criminal Law
Charges, arrests, bail and criminal trials.
Learn More ›
DUI
DUI
DUI charges, licence suspension and reinstatement.
Learn More ›
Family Law
Family Law
Divorce, custody, property and support.
Learn More ›
Immigration Law
Immigration
Visas, green cards, deportation and citizenship.
Learn More ›
Traffic Law
Traffic Law
Traffic violations, licence matters and offences.
Learn More ›
Employment Law
Employment Law
Wrongful termination, discrimination, disputes.
Learn More ›

Courts in Luzerne County

Luzerne County is served by several courts operating at the state level. The Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas, located at the Luzerne County Courthouse at 200 North River Street in Wilkes-Barre, is the principal trial court and handles felony criminal cases, civil matters involving significant sums, family law proceedings including divorce and custody, and appeals from lower courts. Below the Court of Common Pleas, Magisterial District Courts are distributed throughout the county and handle preliminary hearings in criminal matters, summary offenses, minor civil disputes under $12,000, and landlord-tenant issues; these magistrate judges operate in various locations including Wilkes-Barre, Hazleton, and other communities across the county. The Luzerne County Orphans' Court division handles estates, adoptions, and guardianship matters. For appeals beyond the Court of Common Pleas, cases proceed to the Pennsylvania Superior Court or Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court, with the Pennsylvania Supreme Court serving as the court of last resort at the state level.

Federal vs State Jurisdiction in Luzerne County

In Luzerne County, the distinction between federal and state court jurisdiction determines where a legal matter will be heard and which laws apply. The vast majority of everyday legal matters — including criminal prosecutions under Pennsylvania law, family court proceedings, landlord-tenant disputes, and most civil claims — are handled in the Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas for Luzerne County. Federal jurisdiction comes into play when a case involves a federal law or constitutional question, disputes between citizens of different states involving amounts exceeding $75,000, bankruptcy proceedings, immigration matters, or civil rights claims brought under federal statutes. Luzerne County falls within the jurisdiction of the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, which holds court sessions in Scranton and Williamsport; this federal court handles cases arising from across the district, including those originating in Luzerne County. Understanding which court system governs your matter is a critical first step, and an experienced attorney can help you navigate whether your situation belongs in state or federal court.

Common Legal Situations in Luzerne County

Residents of Luzerne County encounter a wide range of legal situations that reflect both the county's urban centers and its working-class, industrial heritage. Traffic and DUI offenses are among the most frequently handled matters, particularly given the heavy commercial traffic along Interstate 81 and Route 309. Family law issues including divorce, child custody disputes, child support enforcement, and protection from abuse orders are consistently common, often tied to economic pressures facing many households in the region. Criminal defense matters ranging from drug-related charges — a persistent concern in the broader northeastern Pennsylvania region — to theft and assault cases regularly pass through the county's court system. Employment law disputes, including workplace injuries, wrongful termination, and wage theft claims, arise frequently given the county's large healthcare, warehousing, and service sector workforce. Landlord-tenant disputes are also prevalent in Wilkes-Barre and Hazleton, where rental housing markets serve large portions of the population, and estate planning or probate issues are common as the county's population ages.

Why Go To Court for Luzerne County Legal Matters

Go To Court offers Luzerne County residents reliable, accessible legal representation across a broad range of practice areas, with an experienced team that understands the nuances of Pennsylvania law and the local court system. Whether you are facing a matter in the Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas, a magisterial district court, or the federal Middle District, Go To Court connects you with legal professionals who are prepared to advocate on your behalf. Residents can reach the Go To Court team any time of day or night through its 24/7 free legal hotline, ensuring that urgent legal questions never go unanswered. With fixed-fee pricing options coming soon, Go To Court is committed to making quality legal services transparent and accessible for families and individuals throughout Luzerne County.

Free — available now

In Luzerne County and have a legal question?

Call our free hotline right now — available 24/7, no obligation.

Call free now

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I receive a traffic citation in Luzerne County?

If you receive a traffic citation in Luzerne County, you generally have the option to pay the fine, which is treated as an admission of guilt, or contest the citation at a hearing before a magisterial district judge. Contesting a ticket can be worthwhile, especially if a conviction would result in points on your driving record, increased insurance premiums, or a license suspension. Speaking with an attorney before making any decisions can help you understand your options and the potential consequences of each.

How does the child custody process work in Luzerne County?

Child custody matters in Luzerne County are handled by the Court of Common Pleas, Family Division, located at the Luzerne County Courthouse in Wilkes-Barre. Parents are typically required to attend a custody conciliation conference before a judge hears the matter, and the court's primary focus is always the best interests of the child. If parents cannot reach an agreement, a judge will hold a formal hearing and issue a custody order, which can address both physical custody (where the child lives) and legal custody (who makes major decisions for the child).

What are the penalties for a DUI conviction in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania uses a tiered DUI system based on blood alcohol concentration (BAC), and penalties increase significantly with higher BAC levels or repeat offenses. For a first offense at the lowest tier, penalties may include a mandatory highway safety school, fines, and possible probation, while higher tiers or repeat offenses can result in mandatory jail time, license suspension, and ignition interlock requirements. An attorney experienced in Pennsylvania DUI law can review the specific circumstances of your case and advise whether any defenses or diversionary programs, such as the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program, may be available to you.

Can I file for a Protection From Abuse order in Luzerne County?

Yes, victims of domestic abuse in Luzerne County can file for a Protection From Abuse (PFA) order at the Luzerne County Courthouse in Wilkes-Barre, and emergency PFA orders can be obtained after regular court hours through local law enforcement. A temporary PFA can be granted on the same day you file if a judge finds sufficient cause, and a final hearing is typically scheduled within ten business days to determine whether a long-term order should be issued. PFA orders can require the abuser to vacate a shared residence, have no contact with the victim, and surrender firearms, and violating a PFA order is a criminal offense in Pennsylvania.

What happens if I cannot pay my landlord's claimed damages after moving out of a rental in Luzerne County?

If your landlord claims you owe money for damages beyond normal wear and tear after you vacate a rental property, they may file a claim against you in a magisterial district court, which handles residential landlord-tenant disputes involving amounts up to $12,000. Pennsylvania law requires landlords to return your security deposit or provide an itemized list of deductions within 30 days of your lease ending, and failure to do so can result in the landlord forfeiting their right to withhold any portion of the deposit. If you believe a claim against you is unfair or retaliatory, an attorney can help you respond appropriately and present your case before the magistrate.

Neighbouring Counties

Luzerne County is bordered by Wyoming County to the north, Lackawanna County to the northeast, Wayne County to the east, Monroe County to the southeast, Carbon County to the south, Schuylkill County to the southwest, Columbia County to the west, and Sullivan County to the northwest.