How Out-of-State Arrest Warrants Are Handled in Pennsylvania

Out-of-state warrants can lead to arrest, jail time, and extradition, even if you’ve been living in Pennsylvania for years. If you’ve been notified of an out-of-state warrant or have been arrested in Philadelphia based on one, it’s critical to understand your rights—and what can be done to resolve the issue before it escalates.

What Is an Out-of-State Warrant?

An out-of-state warrant—also known as a fugitive warrant—is a court order issued by a judge in one state, authorizing law enforcement in any other state to arrest the person and return them to face charges.

These are commonly issued for:

• Failure to appear in court

• Probation or parole violations

• Felony charges filed in another state

• Charges filed after a person moves or travels across state lines

All 50 states participate in interstate extradition, meaning Pennsylvania authorities can detain you if there’s an active warrant elsewhere.

How You Might Learn About the Warrant

You may find out about an out-of-state warrant in several ways:

• You're pulled over for a traffic stop and the warrant shows up during the records check

• You apply for a job, license, or background check

• You’re contacted by police or a government agency

• You receive notice from a bondsman, court, or out-of-state lawyer

In some cases, you won’t know about the warrant until you’re arrested unexpectedly, which is why early legal help is so important.

What Happens If You’re Arrested in Pennsylvania for an Out-of-State Warrant?

If Pennsylvania police arrest you based on another state’s warrant, you may be:

1. Taken into custody

2. Brought before a Philadelphia court (or your local county court)

3. Given the option to waive or fight extradition

The court will typically hold a fugitive from justice hearing, where a judge determines whether to hold you until the requesting state can transport you.

Can You Fight Extradition?

Yes—but it’s not easy. You cannot fight the validity of the out-of-state charge in Pennsylvania, only the process itself. However, your attorney may be able to:

• Negotiate with the requesting state to resolve the case remotely

• Arrange a voluntary surrender in the other state under controlled conditions

• Show that the warrant is invalid, mistaken, or expired

• Challenge your identity (if the warrant is for someone else with your name)

If extradition is ordered, the requesting state must usually pick you up within 30 days (or face release).

Should You Waive Extradition?

Sometimes waiving extradition makes sense, especially if:

• You plan to resolve the case in the other state

• Delaying extradition could harm your chances in court

• You’ve already hired an attorney in that state

However, waiving extradition means you give up the right to challenge the transfer—so never make that decision without consulting a Pennsylvania defense lawyer.

Can You Resolve the Warrant Without Being Extradited?

In some cases, yes. A criminal defense attorney can:

• Contact prosecutors in the other state to negotiate a resolution

• Arrange for you to appear voluntarily in the other state, avoiding arrest

• Work with local courts to minimize time in custody

• Help you clear the warrant before it triggers further penalties

Early action can make a big difference, especially if the warrant stems from an old, non-violent offense.

📞 Contact Mark D. Hauser, Criminal Defense Attorney, Today

If you’ve been arrested or notified of an out-of-state warrant, time is not on your side. With over 30 years of experience in criminal defense across Philadelphia and Pennsylvania, Mark D. Hauser can help you fight extradition, resolve your case, and protect your freedom.

📞 Contact Mark D. Hauser, criminal defense attorney, today for a confidential case evaluation.