Top Class Actions’s website and social media posts use affiliate links. If you make a purchase using such links, we may receive a commission, but it will not result in any additional charges to you. Please review our Affiliate Link Disclosure for more information.
This settlement is closed!
Please see what other class action settlements you might qualify to claim cash from in our Open Settlements directory!
Pennsylvania inmates whose criminal history was made available on a state lookup tool may be able to recover compensation from a new settlement.
The criminal history settlement benefits Pennsylvania inmates who were booked or otherwise detained at the Bucks County Correctional Facility (BCCF) between 1938 and June 18, 2013. These individuals may have had their information made available on the BCCF inmate lookup tool before June 18, 2013.
Plaintiffs in the criminal history class action lawsuit claimed Pennsylvania inmates had their information unlawfully shared through BCCF’s inmate lookup tool.
This tool was reportedly developed in 2007 and allowed the public to access sensitive information such as criminal history records, mug shots, booking photographs, arrest records and more. Information was allegedly included even if individuals had their criminal history expunged or dismissed.
Information from thousands of Pennsylvania inmates was reportedly shared on this tool in violation of the Pennsylvania Criminal History Record Information Act (CHRIA). CHRIA regulates the way criminal history record information can be collected, maintained and shared.
As of June 2013, the information at issue was no longer publicly available on the BCCF inmate lookup tool. However, plaintiffs argued that this information previously being available still violated CHRIA.
BCCF has not admitted any wrongdoing but has agreed to resolve the claims against them in a class action settlement.
The deal allows the plaintiff and settlement Class Members to recover compensation while also allowing BCCF to escape liability under CHRIA. Additionally, all involved parties are able to escape the costs and risks of continued litigation.
Under the terms of the settlement, Pennsylvania inmates who qualify for the deal will receive a cash payment.
Although class counsel estimates each Class Member who submits a claim will receive a payment of around $600, exact payment amounts will vary depending on the number of claims submitted.
The maximum payment per Class Member will be $1,000 – regardless of the number of claims filed.
In order to benefit from the Pennsylvania inmates criminal history settlement, Class Members must file a valid claim form.
Class Members may need to provide a Social Security number, a pin from mailed settlement notice and other personal information to verify their claim. Claim forms can be filed online or by printing a claim form from the settlement website, completing it and mailing it to the settlement administrator.
The deadline for exclusion and objection is Sept. 17, 2020. The criminal history class action settlement final approval hearing is scheduled for Oct. 1, 2020.
The settlement website notes that, even if the deal is awarded final approval, appeals may be filed which could take time – even more than one year – to resolve before payments are distributed to Class Members who filed a claim.
Who’s Eligible
Pennsylvania inmates who were booked or otherwise detained at the Bucks County Correctional Facility (BCCF) between 1938 and June 18, 2013.
Potential Award
Cash payments of around $600.
Although class counsel estimates that each Class Member who submits a claim will receive a payment of around $600, exact payment amounts will vary depending on the number of claims submitted. The maximum payment per Class Member will be $1,000 – regardless of the number of claims filed.
Proof of Purchase
Social Security number, PIN from mailed settlement notice and other personal information.
Claim Form
NOTE: If you do not qualify for this settlement do NOT file a claim.
Remember: you are submitting your claim under penalty of perjury. You are also harming other eligible Class Members by submitting a fraudulent claim. If you’re unsure if you qualify, please read the FAQ section of the Settlement Administrator’s website to ensure you meet all standards (Top Class Actions is not a Settlement Administrator). If you don’t qualify for this settlement, check out our database of other open class action settlements you may be eligible for.
Claim Form Deadline
9/17/2020
Case Name
Taha v. County of Bucks, Case No. 12-6867, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
Final Hearing
10/1/2020
Settlement Website
Claims Administrator
Bucks County CHRIA Claims Administrator
c/o Analytics Consulting LLC
P.O. Box 2004
Chanhassen, MN 55317-2004
info@chrialitigation.com
1-844-960-2170
Class Counsel
Jonathan Shub
SHUB LAW FIRM LLC
Alan Denenberg
ABRAMSON & DENENBERG P.C.
Joseph C. Kohn
Robert J. LaRocca
KOHN, SWIFT & GRAF P.C.
Defense Counsel
Burt M. Rublin
BALLARD SPAHR LLP
Mark A. Aronchick
HANGLEY ARONCHICK SEGAL PUDLIN & SCHILLER
Read About More Class Action Lawsuits & Class Action Settlements:
Beachbody Class Action Lawsuit Says Workout Viewer Info Sold
Class Action Lawsuit Says Zoom Users’ Privacy Not Protected
Roundup® Weed & Grass Killer Product Label Class Action Settlement
New York Child Victims Act Look-Back Window Extended Until August 2021
9 thoughts onPennsylvania Criminal History Record Information Act Settlement
I was entitled to a cash settlement and never received it
I sent the form online never received payment what should I do
Hello I also sent my paper work in on time and have not received payment yet either.
I’m still waiting on a payment?
Please.I chose direct deposit.
Pls. Help. I never received anything else on the situation. I know I mailed the paperwork before the deadline.
Thanks again,
Michael Howard
My claim # 1024474, I have not received payment as of 2/15/2021
Sent an email to the claims administrator because I thought distribution would occur by February 8, 2021. It’s scheduled to occur on that date.
Thank you for your email,
The distribution is scheduled to occur on February 8, 2021.
Sincerely,
Office of the Claims Administrator
So it was supposed to be in the mail on this date? If so I never received it?
I sent another email asking if distributions began and if I chose direct deposit or be sent a check. I couldn’t remember which I chose. They sent checks out yesterday if that’s the option you chose. Email info@chrialitigation.com if you want to check yourself.
Thank you for your email,
Your check in the amount of $600.00 was mailed to you on February 8, 2021.
Sincerely,
Office of the Claims Administrator
I sent the form online never received payment what should I do. Call me 215 595 7892 my girlfriend Julianne d wornczyk never received settlement how come