Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Warrant Records
Are Warrants Public Record in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania?
Yes, warrants are public records in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Under the Pennsylvania Right to Know Law (65 P.S. § 67.101 et seq.), most government records, including warrants, are available to the public unless specifically exempted by law. This transparency ensures that citizens have access to information about legal processes and government actions.
In Philadelphia, warrant records are maintained by law enforcement agencies and the judiciary. These records are accessible to the public to promote accountability and provide individuals with the ability to verify information about legal actions that may affect them or their community. Pursuant to Pennsylvania's Unified Judicial System policy on public access to court records, warrant information becomes available once the warrant has been executed or served.
The First Judicial District of Pennsylvania maintains records of warrants issued by Philadelphia courts. Members of the public may access these records through various methods, including in-person requests and online portals, subject to certain restrictions designed to protect ongoing investigations and individual privacy in accordance with 234 Pa. Code Rule 513.
Where Can I Find Warrants Online in Philadelphia?
To find warrants online in Philadelphia, you can utilize several resources:
Philadelphia Courts' Online Services: The court system provides online access to certain public records, including warrants. The First Judicial District of Pennsylvania maintains a searchable database of court records that may include warrant information.
Philadelphia Police Department:
Philadelphia Police Department Headquarters
750 Race Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: (215) 686-3000
The department may offer information or direct you to appropriate resources for warrant searches.Pennsylvania Judiciary Web Portal: Pennsylvania's Unified Judicial System offers a portal for accessing various court records, including warrants. The UJS Portal allows users to search for case information that may include warrant status.
Public Records Access: The Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania provides access to public records, including warrant information, through their dedicated public records section.
Pursuant to Pa.R.J.A. No. 509, electronic case records and information contained in the court's case management systems are publicly accessible, with certain limitations as prescribed by law.
How to Know If You Have a Warrant in Philadelphia in 2025
To get information about whether you have a warrant in Philadelphia in 2025, there are several options available. Warrant records can be accessed online, providing a convenient method for individuals to check their status.
Online Court Records: Use the Philadelphia Courts' online portal to search for active warrants. The First Judicial District of Pennsylvania maintains a searchable database that allows individuals to check for warrants using their name and other identifying information.
Contact Local Law Enforcement:
Philadelphia Police Department Records Unit
750 Race Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: (215) 686-3009
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Reach out to the Philadelphia Police Department for assistance in determining if a warrant has been issued.Case Search Portal: The Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System provides a comprehensive case search function that includes warrant information for cases throughout the state, including Philadelphia.
Visit the Courthouse:
Criminal Justice Center
1301 Filbert Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: (215) 683-7000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
In-person inquiries at the courthouse can provide information on any warrants issued.
Under Pennsylvania Rule of Criminal Procedure 513(A), warrant information becomes public record after the warrant has been executed, subject to certain exceptions for sealed warrants or those related to ongoing investigations.
How to Check For Outstanding Warrants in Philadelphia
A search for outstanding warrants is available in Philadelphia through various methods:
Online Searches: Utilize the court's online services to search for outstanding warrants. The Philadelphia court system maintains electronic records that can be searched by name, date of birth, and other identifying information.
Police Department:
Philadelphia Police Department Warrant Unit
660 E. Erie Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19134
Phone: (215) 686-3046
Hours: 24 hours daily
Contact the Philadelphia Police Department for information on outstanding warrants. The Warrant Unit specifically handles inquiries related to active warrants.Public Access Terminals:
Criminal Justice Center
1301 Filbert Street, Basement Level
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Visit local courthouses to use public access terminals for warrant searches. These terminals provide access to the court's electronic filing system.Pennsylvania Judiciary Web Portal: The state's unified judicial system offers a comprehensive portal for searching court records, including outstanding warrants across Pennsylvania jurisdictions.
Pursuant to 234 Pa. Code Rule 513, warrant information is generally available to the public after the warrant has been executed, unless sealed by court order or subject to other legal restrictions.
Contents of a Philadelphia Warrant Records
Philadelphia warrant records typically contain the following information as required by Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure Rule 513:
Personal Information: Name, date of birth, address, physical description, and other identifying details of the individual for whom the warrant is issued.
Warrant Type: Specification of the warrant type, such as arrest warrant (Rule 513), bench warrant (Rule 150), or search warrant (Rule 203).
Issuing Authority: Name of the court or judge that issued the warrant, including the judicial district and court of issuance.
Date of Issuance: The date the warrant was issued and, if applicable, the date it expires or was executed.
Offense Details: Description of the alleged offense or reason for the warrant, including the Pennsylvania Crimes Code section (Title 18) or other statutory violations.
Execution Instructions: Guidance for law enforcement on how the warrant should be executed, including any special conditions or restrictions.
Bail Information: For arrest warrants, information regarding bail conditions that may be set upon apprehension.
Case Number: The docket number or other identifying case information associated with the warrant.
The court case information available through the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania provides access to these warrant details, subject to applicable privacy laws and court rules.
Search Warrant Records in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Members of the public seeking to access warrant records in Philadelphia may utilize several official resources. The City of Philadelphia provides general information about accessing public records, while specific warrant information is available through the judicial system.
For comprehensive warrant searches, individuals may submit a Request for Access to Case Records to the First Judicial District. This form allows requestors to specify the type of records sought, including warrant information, pursuant to the Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System.
The Pennsylvania Warrant Search service provides information about accessing warrant records throughout the state, including Philadelphia. Users should note that certain warrant information may be restricted if related to ongoing investigations or sealed by court order.
First Judicial District of Pennsylvania
City Hall, Room 336
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: (215) 686-7000
Official Website
Philadelphia Police Department Records Unit
750 Race Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: (215) 686-3009
Official Website
