How to Find Out if You Have a Warrant in Pennsylvania
TL;DR: Do I Have a Warrant in Pennsylvania?
- Types of Warrants: In Pennsylvania, there are bench warrants (for missing court or violating orders) and arrest warrants (issued based on probable cause for criminal activity).
- How to Check for a Warrant: You can check online databases, contact local courts, or consult the Pennsylvania State Police, but an attorney can help discreetly search and provide advice.
- What to Do if You Have a Warrant: Don’t ignore it. Seek legal counsel to understand your options, and consider turning yourself in with the help of an attorney to minimize potential risks.
- Consequences of Ignoring a Warrant: Ignoring a warrant can lead to more serious consequences, including arrest at unexpected times and tougher legal conditions.
- Benefits of Proactive Action: Addressing the warrant early with legal help can avoid surprise arrests, improve your case outcome, and help you navigate the legal process more effectively.
How to Find Out If You Have a Warrant
If you suspect there may be a warrant issued for your arrest in Pennsylvania, taking prompt action can protect your rights and help you manage the situation proactively.
An active warrant means that law enforcement has the legal authority to arrest you on sight, so understanding how to verify this status and what steps to take next can make a significant difference in your case.
Worgul, Sarna & Ness, Criminal Defense Attorneys, LLC can assist you in navigating complex legal procedures and ensure that you handle a warrant appropriately. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your options and next steps.
Types of Warrants in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, there are primarily two types of warrants: bench warrants and arrest warrants.
Bench Warrants
A bench warrant is issued when someone fails to appear for a scheduled court date or violates a court order. Minor offenses often trigger bench warrants but can lead to serious consequences. For example, missing a hearing related to unpaid fines, minor traffic violations, or probation requirements may prompt a judge to issue a bench warrant.
Once issued, a bench warrant empowers law enforcement to arrest you on sight, often catching individuals off guard by targeting them at home, work, or even during routine traffic stops. Because a bench warrant remains active until you appear before the court, ignoring it can lead to escalated penalties, including additional fines, jail time, or limitations on your driver’s license.
Arrest Warrants
Unlike bench warrants, arrest warrants in Pennsylvania are issued based on probable cause that you committed a crime. Probable cause is a legal standard when there’s sufficient evidence to believe an individual may have engaged in criminal activity. Arrest warrants are often sought for more serious criminal cases, including felonies and certain misdemeanors, and provide police with the authority to arrest you at any time.
With an arrest warrant, officers can enter private residences or workplaces to take you into custody, especially if there’s reason to believe you’re evading arrest. Because arrest warrants involve a legal affidavit and judge approval, they can impact your case significantly if left unaddressed, potentially leading to tougher bail conditions or enhanced charges.
How to Check if You Have an Active Warrant in Pennsylvania
Finding out if you have a warrant in Pennsylvania involves several methods, each offering varying levels of privacy, speed, and accuracy.
Check Online Warrant Searches
Some Pennsylvania counties provide online tools or databases for searching for active warrants. For instance, the website in Montgomery County provides warrant information.
While this can be a convenient first step, it’s not always comprehensive since each county maintains separate records, and not all offer online access.
Contact Local Courts or Clerk Offices
You may also call the clerk’s office or local courthouse for warrant information. However, this process can be time-consuming, and without an attorney, you might reveal details that could complicate your case.
Consult the Pennsylvania State Police
For statewide information, you can contact the Pennsylvania State Police directly. Although they may not release all details over the phone, they can guide you on the appropriate steps to obtain this information.
Seek Help from a Criminal Defense Attorney
Attorneys have specific access and strategies to check for warrants while protecting your privacy. Our Worgul, Sarna & Ness, Criminal Defense Attorneys, LLC can conduct these searches discreetly and provide guidance on handling any issues related to an active warrant.
What to Do if You Have a Warrant
Knowing you have a warrant can be intimidating, but there are steps you can take to handle the situation effectively.
1. Do Not Ignore the Warrant
Ignoring a warrant won’t make it disappear. It may actually increase your legal risk. Courts are more likely to view cooperation favorably, which can affect your case outcome.
2. Seek Legal Counsel
Contact a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer who can offer insight on managing the warrant and protecting your rights. We can help you understand any conditions tied to the warrant and devise a strategy for resolving it favorably.
3. Consider Turning Yourself In
Turning yourself in can sometimes be beneficial, especially if you’ve sought legal guidance. Your attorney can often arrange a time for you to appear in court, which may reduce the chances of a surprise arrest.
The Benefits of Proactively Addressing Warrants
Addressing a warrant with the help of an attorney can help you avoid unexpected arrests, manage court expectations, and potentially improve your standing in the legal process.
At Worgul, Sarna & Ness, Criminal Defense Attorneys, LLC, we’re here to help you understand your legal options. If you suspect there may be a warrant for your arrest, call us at (412) 281-2146 today for a free, initial consultation. We’ll walk you through each step and work to protect your future.
What to Do If You Have an Active Warrant in Allegheny County
If you have an active warrant in Allegheny County, the situation is urgent but manageable, especially with the right legal guidance. Warrants issued through Pittsburgh Municipal Court or the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas remain active until resolved, meaning law enforcement can execute the warrant at any time during a traffic stop, at your home, or even at your workplace.
The most effective approach is to work with a Pittsburgh criminal defense attorney who can contact the court on your behalf, determine the conditions attached to the warrant, and often arrange a voluntary surrender. When you turn yourself in through counsel, judges in Allegheny County typically view the cooperation favorably, which can lead to lower bail, reduced penalties, or a more manageable resolution at your arraignment.
If you suspect an outstanding warrant in Allegheny County, do not wait for a surprise arrest. Contact Worgul, Sarna & Ness at 412-281-2146 for a free, confidential consultation. We regularly handle warrant matters in the Allegheny County courthouse system and can walk you through every step of the process.
Types of Bench Warrants in PA
Not all bench warrants in Pennsylvania are triggered the same way. Understanding which type you may be facing helps determine the best course of action. For a deeper overview, see our guide on what is a bench warrant.
Failure-to-Appear (FTA) Bench Warrants
The most common type. When a defendant misses a scheduled court date, whether for a traffic hearing, a preliminary hearing, or a sentencing date, the judge may issue an FTA bench warrant. In Allegheny County, FTA warrants can result from missed appearances in Pittsburgh Municipal Court or the Court of Common Pleas.
Probation-Violation Bench Warrants
If you are on probation and violate a condition, such as failing a drug test, missing a check-in with your probation officer, or leaving the county without permission, the court can issue a bench warrant for your arrest. Probation-violation warrants often carry stricter consequences because the court has already extended leniency once.
Contempt-of-Court Bench Warrants
A judge may issue a contempt bench warrant when someone disobeys a direct court order, for example, refusing to pay court-ordered restitution or violating a protection-from-abuse (PFA) order. Contempt warrants can carry additional penalties on top of the original case.
Regardless of the type, every bench warrant in Pennsylvania gives law enforcement the authority to arrest you on sight. If you believe a bench warrant has been issued against you, contact our team immediately to discuss your options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Warrants in Pennsylvania
Can I look up my own warrant in PA?
Yes, but options are limited. Some Pennsylvania counties offer online warrant search tools, and you can contact your local courthouse clerk’s office or the Pennsylvania State Police. However, these methods are not always comprehensive. The safest approach is to have a criminal defense attorney conduct a warrant search on your behalf. This keeps the inquiry confidential and ensures you receive accurate legal guidance.
Does PA have an online warrant search?
Pennsylvania does not have a single statewide online warrant database. Warrant records are maintained at the county level, and availability varies. Some counties, like Montgomery County, provide searchable online databases, while others require you to call the clerk of courts or visit the courthouse. For Allegheny County matters, contacting a Pittsburgh criminal defense lawyer is the most reliable and discreet way to check.
What happens if you turn yourself in on a bench warrant?
Turning yourself in, especially with an attorney, is generally viewed favorably by Pennsylvania judges. The court typically processes you through an arraignment, sets new bail conditions, and reschedules your hearing. Voluntary surrender often results in lower bail and demonstrates to the court that you take the matter seriously.
How long does a warrant last in Pennsylvania?
Warrants in Pennsylvania do not expire. A bench warrant or arrest warrant remains active indefinitely until you are apprehended, you voluntarily appear in court, or the court recalls the warrant. A warrant issued years ago can still result in arrest during a routine traffic stop or background check.
Can you be arrested at work on a warrant in PA?
Yes. An active warrant authorizes law enforcement to arrest you anywhere in Pennsylvania, including at your workplace. Officers may also come to your home or pull you over during a traffic stop. This is one of the strongest reasons to address a warrant proactively. A Pittsburgh criminal defense attorney can help arrange a private, voluntary surrender that protects your job and your dignity.
What Our Clients Say About Our Pennsylvania Criminal Defense Lawyers
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“I lost my license 20 years ago and never thought I would ever get it back they told me I had to come back to Pittsburgh and do 9 months in jail if I wanted to even think about getting my license so I got a hold call Samir and he took care of my case better than I ever thought anyone could and now after 20 years of having no license I finally got it back and it only took them 5 months I had six out-of-state warrants and I walked away from this clean so I want to give a huge thank you to Michael and Samir and the secretary they were so nice to me and help me with every possible problem I had so if you’re looking for an attorney I wouldn’t look any further”
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Written & Reviewed By
Michael Worgul, Esq.
Pittsburgh Criminal Defense Attorney
Worgul, Sarna & Ness, Criminal Defense Attorneys, LLC
Pennsylvania Bar, Admitted 2004 · U.S. District Court, Western District of PA
Michael Worgul has practiced criminal defense in Pittsburgh for over 20 years, handling cases across the full criminal spectrum, from misdemeanor traffic charges to federal racketeering. After graduating from Duquesne University School of Law (J.D., 2004), he spent two years representing indigent defendants at the Allegheny County Office of Conflict Counsel before founding his firm in 2008. He has completed 30+ jury trials, compared to a career average of 7 for most attorneys.
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Content reviewed for legal accuracy. This is not legal advice.