If you are not sure if you have an outstanding warrant for your arrest, there are several methods of finding out. The first way is to look at the official websites in your area. In Pennsylvania, there are several ways to review your records online. You can also contact your local police station or courthouse directly for this information.
Depending on your circumstances, you may have a bench warrant initiated by a judge. For example, if you have failed to make a court appearance, a judge may issue a warrant that seeks your presence. An arrest warrant authorizes a law enforcement officer to detain or arrest you on behalf of the state. Just because you have an outstanding warrant does not necessarily mean you are guilty of any crime or misconduct. Whether you are guilty or innocent can only be determined in a court of law. Our Montgomery County Criminal Defense Lawyer are here to help you on this matter.
You Can Initiate an Online Warrant Search
Many records in Pennsylvania are available to the public upon request. The Pennsylvania Right to Know Act of 2009 consists of laws and doctrines that authorize certain documents to be available for public access. These records include public, legislative, and financial records. Under this act, you may request information online, in person, or through a written request.
County Sheriff’s Office Website
Some counties in Pennsylvania allow you to look up active warrants directly from the website for their sheriff’s office. For Montgomery County, you can search for warrants on its Active Warrants page. In some cases, these county sites will only list warrants issued within their jurisdiction.
Pennsylvania Judiciary Web Portal
If you are not sure which Pennsylvania county may have issued you a warrant, you can also check for warrants state-wide on Pennsylvania’s Unified Judicial System web portal. Click on the case Information icon and follow the instructions for Public Web Docket Sheets.
If any uncertainty remains after visiting this online database, a criminal defense lawyer may be able to give you a definitive answer on any outstanding warrants in your name.
Other Ways to Find Out if There is an Outstanding Warrant for Your Arrest
If you cannot find any details online, you have other options for discovering the status of an arrest warrant.
Visit the Police Station
Although visiting the police station is not a situation you may want to deal with, it will clarify whether there is an outstanding warrant. This action could also result in your arrest. Before you take this step, a consultation with a criminal defense lawyer may be able to explain the potential legal consequences of visiting a police station with your case.
Get a Friend or Family Member to Visit or Call the Police Station
If you do not want to go to the police station yourself, you could ask a friend or family member to go for you. They may be able to confirm if there is a warrant in your name and seek additional information. Another method is to call your local police station or sheriff’s office to determine if you have an outstanding warrant.
Visit the Relevant County Courthouse
If you know which court issued the arrest warrant, you can visit the local courthouse and ask to see their records in person. However, this can be one of the most time-consuming ways of finding out a warrant status, and again, you may run the risk of arrest.
The Consequences of an Outstanding Warrant
In Pennsylvania, being stopped by a police officer and discovering there’s an outstanding warrant in your name can initiate a complex legal process with serious implications. If arrested, you will be taken to the nearest local jail, where the booking process identifies you formally and records the arrest in law enforcement databases. Depending on the specifics of the warrant—whether it involves a misdemeanor or a felony—the court may set a bond. This bond acts as a financial guarantee of your return to court; failing to afford it means remaining in custody until your scheduled court appearance.
The timing of your arrest can significantly affect the duration of your stay in jail. While Pennsylvania law aims to ensure a preliminary hearing within 72 hours of arrest, this period can be extended over weekends or federal holidays when courts are closed. During this time, you remain in custody, potentially complicating your personal and professional life.
Upon learning of an outstanding warrant, it’s natural to experience anxiety and uncertainty about your future. It’s critical to consult with a criminal defense lawyer who can provide clarity on the legal process. A criminal defense attorney can explain the nature of the charges against you and discuss potential defenses or plea bargains. In some cases, your lawyer may negotiate terms allowing you to avoid jail time, such as agreeing to a voluntary surrender or arranging for bail before your initial court appearance.
Moreover, your attorney can advise on the best strategies to handle your outstanding arrest warrant, potentially including challenging the warrant’s validity if there were procedural errors or factual inaccuracies in how it was issued. Understanding your rights and the available legal avenues is crucial. Early legal intervention mitigates the potential consequences of an outstanding warrant on your life.
Let McKenzie Law Firm, P.C. Advocate on Your Behalf
If you discover that you have an outstanding warrant, you may be uncertain about the best way to proceed. Questions about warrants and the consequences you face, how to defend yourself, and where to start are common for people in your situation.
You do not need to face these charges alone. McKenzie Law Firm, P.C. can help to clarify your situation, request your records, and discuss your concerns and questions. When you hire us for legal representation, we can also investigate your case. If necessary, we can help build your defense and act as your advocate while supporting you through any possible legal proceedings.
Attorney David C. McKenzie III is a former criminal prosecutor who now defends people facing criminal charges. To find out more, contact McKenzie Law Firm for a free consultation with a member of our team. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
