I have been doing some research online about the criminal record of a close family member who lives in the US (in the state of Pennsylvania, if that's helpful). I don't live in the US, so it's been a bit tricky (and I've needed to get a few local friends to help me as I can't access all the searches from abroad).
I was able to access the results of a docket search of the state courts, which shows 3 criminal cases against this person. On another website for the courts calendar, I've been able to see the court dates for the first charges (which were in 2004). I can see there was an arraignment, what looks like the trial, and then a sentencing date. I assume they were found or pleaded guilty because of the sentencing date. On the docket, it lists this case status as 'closed'. What does this mean?
There are two other sets of charges, filed 2 separate dates in 2005. The case status for these is 'active.' I can't see any evidence of a trial or sentencing for these online. What would the active status mean in this context?
I would be really grateful for anyone who is familiar with the US state criminal courts to help me interpret this information. It was a long time ago, but it's all a bit of a shock and I'm trying to figure out what this means for the present and our relationship with this family member.