Philadelphia County Warrant Search
What Is a Search Warrant In Philadelphia County?
A search warrant in Philadelphia County is a legal document issued by a judge or magistrate that authorizes law enforcement officers to search a specific location for evidence related to a crime. These warrants are based on probable cause and must describe in detail the place to be searched and the items to be seized. In Philadelphia, search warrants are typically executed by the Philadelphia Police Department or other law enforcement agencies with jurisdiction in the area.
Search warrants must comply with both Pennsylvania state law and the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which protects citizens against unreasonable searches and seizures. To obtain a search warrant in Philadelphia County, law enforcement must present an affidavit to a judge at the Philadelphia Municipal Court or Court of Common Pleas.
Philadelphia Municipal Court, Criminal Division: 1301 Filbert Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Are Warrants Public Records In Philadelphia County?
Yes, warrants in Philadelphia County are generally considered public records, though access may be restricted in certain circumstances. The Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System maintains public access to court records, including most warrant information, through various platforms.
However, some warrants may be temporarily sealed if public disclosure would jeopardize an ongoing investigation or endanger individuals involved. Once a warrant has been executed or is no longer active, it typically becomes available as part of the public record.
Citizens can access warrant information through the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas or the Philadelphia Municipal Court, as well as through online resources provided by the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania.
First Judicial District of Pennsylvania: 100 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19110
How Do I Find Out if I Have a Warrant In Philadelphia County?
There are several methods to determine if you have a warrant in Philadelphia County:
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Check online through the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System's web portal (UJS Portal), which provides access to public court records.
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Contact the Philadelphia County Clerk of Courts office directly.
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Call the Philadelphia Police Department's warrant division.
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Consult with an attorney who can check warrant status on your behalf.
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Visit the Philadelphia Municipal Court in person.
If you believe there may be a warrant for your arrest, it's advisable to consult with an attorney before taking action, as appearing in person at a government office could result in immediate arrest if an active warrant exists.
Philadelphia Police Department Headquarters: 750 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
How To Check for Warrants in Philadelphia County for Free in 2025
In 2025, Philadelphia County offers several free methods to check for warrants:
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Use the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System's web portal (UJS Portal) at ujsportal.pacourts.us, which allows free searches of court records, including warrant information.
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Visit the Philadelphia Municipal Court's website, which provides access to warrant information without charge.
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Call the Philadelphia County Sheriff's Office warrant division directly.
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Visit the Office of Judicial Records (formerly the Clerk of Courts) in person during business hours.
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Use the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania's electronic filing and case management system.
These resources are available to the public without fees, though some may require creating a free account to access the information.
Philadelphia County Sheriff's Office: 100 S. Broad Street, 5th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19110
What Types of Warrants In Philadelphia County
Philadelphia County issues several types of warrants:
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Arrest Warrants: Issued when there is probable cause to believe an individual has committed a crime.
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Bench Warrants: Issued by a judge when someone fails to appear for a scheduled court date or violates court orders.
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Search Warrants: Authorize law enforcement to search specific locations for evidence.
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Probation Violation Warrants: Issued when someone violates the terms of their probation.
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Domestic Relations Warrants: Often related to failure to pay child support or appear at related hearings.
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Material Witness Warrants: Issued to secure testimony from witnesses who may not appear voluntarily.
Each type of warrant serves a specific purpose within the Philadelphia County justice system and follows different procedures for issuance and execution.
Philadelphia Adult Probation and Parole Department: 1401 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102
What Warrants in Philadelphia County Contain
Warrants in Philadelphia County typically contain the following information:
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The name and description of the person to be arrested (for arrest warrants).
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The specific address or location to be searched (for search warrants).
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A detailed description of the items to be seized (for search warrants).
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The specific criminal charges or allegations.
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The date of issuance and the signature of the issuing judge or magistrate.
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The court docket number associated with the case.
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Any specific instructions for law enforcement regarding execution of the warrant.
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Time limitations for when the warrant can be executed.
Search warrants must particularly describe the place to be searched and items to be seized to comply with constitutional requirements against overly broad searches.
Who Issues Warrants In Philadelphia County
In Philadelphia County, warrants are issued by:
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Judges of the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, who handle more serious criminal matters.
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Philadelphia Municipal Court judges, who handle misdemeanors and preliminary hearings for felonies.
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Magisterial District Judges, who can issue certain types of warrants within their jurisdictions.
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Federal judges or magistrates (for federal warrants that may be executed in Philadelphia County).
The authority to issue warrants stems from the Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure and relevant statutes. Law enforcement officers must present sufficient evidence establishing probable cause before a warrant will be issued.
Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas: City Hall, Philadelphia, PA 19107
How To Find for Outstanding Warrants In Philadelphia County
To find outstanding warrants in Philadelphia County:
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Search the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System's web portal (UJS Portal), which provides access to public court records.
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Contact the Philadelphia County Sheriff's Office, which maintains a database of active warrants.
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Check with the Philadelphia Municipal Court's warrant unit.
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Use the Philadelphia Police Department's online resources or contact their warrant division.
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Hire an attorney who can conduct a thorough search of court records.
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Visit the Office of Judicial Records in person to request a warrant search.
Remember that if you have an outstanding warrant, addressing it promptly with legal representation is generally advisable.
Office of Judicial Records: Room 296, City Hall, Philadelphia, PA 19107
How To Check Federal Warrants In Philadelphia County
Federal warrants are different from state or county warrants and require specific approaches to check:
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Contact the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, which has jurisdiction over Philadelphia County.
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Consult with a federal defense attorney who can make inquiries on your behalf.
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Check the federal PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) system, which requires registration and charges nominal fees.
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Contact the U.S. Marshals Service, which is responsible for executing federal warrants.
Federal warrants are not typically accessible through state or county databases, making them more difficult to check without professional assistance.
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania: James A. Byrne U.S. Courthouse, 601 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
U.S. Marshals Service, Eastern District of Pennsylvania: 700 Arch Street, Suite 300, Philadelphia, PA 19106
How Long Do Warrants Last In Philadelphia County?
In Philadelphia County, the duration of warrants varies by type:
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Arrest Warrants: Generally remain active until executed or recalled by the court. There is no expiration date for most criminal arrest warrants.
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Bench Warrants: Remain active until the person appears in court or the judge recalls the warrant.
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Search Warrants: Typically must be executed within a specific timeframe, usually within 48 hours to 14 days of issuance, depending on the circumstances.
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Domestic Relations Warrants: Remain active until resolved or recalled.
Pennsylvania does not have a statute of limitations on warrants themselves, though there are limitations on when certain crimes can be prosecuted. This means that many warrants, particularly for serious offenses, can remain active indefinitely.
How Long Does It Take To Get a Search Warrant In Philadelphia County?
The time required to obtain a search warrant in Philadelphia County varies based on circumstances:
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In emergency situations, warrants can be issued within hours or even less when electronic submission systems are used.
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Under normal circumstances, the process typically takes 24-48 hours from application to issuance.
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For complex cases requiring extensive probable cause documentation, the process may take several days.
Philadelphia County has implemented electronic warrant systems that allow for faster processing in many cases. Judges are available 24/7 for emergency warrant requests, and the Philadelphia Police Department has procedures for expedited warrant processing when necessary.
The timeline also depends on the court's current caseload and the availability of the appropriate judicial officer to review the warrant application.