How to Handle a Bench Warrant in Philadelphia County

If you’ve learned that a bench warrant has been issued against you in Philadelphia County, don’t panic. But don’t ignore it either. There are steps you can take to resolve the issue safely and strategically, ideally with help from an experienced criminal defense attorney.

What Is a Bench Warrant?

A bench warrant is a type of warrant issued by a judge when a person fails to appear in court or violates a court order. Common reasons include:

• Missing a scheduled court appearance

• Failing to pay fines or restitution

• Violating probation or bail conditions

• Ignoring a subpoena

• Not completing community service or other obligations

Once the warrant is issued, it becomes part of a statewide and sometimes national database. That means even a routine traffic stop could lead to your arrest.

What Happens If You're Arrested on a Bench Warrant?

If police find you during a traffic stop, at home, at work, or in public, they can arrest you on the spot. You may be taken into custody and held until you can appear before a judge.

In Philadelphia, that usually means being brought to the Criminal Justice Center (CJC) for a bench warrant hearing. Depending on the nature of the original charge, the judge could:

• Release you with a new court date

• Set new bail or increase existing bail

• Order you held in jail until your case is resolved

This is why it’s so important to handle the warrant before you’re arrested.

How to Find Out If You Have a Bench Warrant

You may not always be notified directly. If you missed a court date or suspect there’s a warrant, you can:

• Check with the Philadelphia Warrant Unit or Clerk of Courts

• Call your criminal defense attorney

• Run a background check through a private service (not always reliable)

It’s not recommended that you walk into court alone to check—doing so could result in immediate arrest. Always consult an attorney first.

How a Lawyer Can Help Resolve a Bench Warrant

An experienced defense attorney can often help resolve a bench warrant without you being taken into custody. This may involve:

• Filing a motion to quash the warrant and schedule a voluntary court appearance

• Negotiating with the judge or prosecutor to explain the missed appearance

• Arguing for your release at a hearing if surrender is required

• Helping you avoid additional penalties or jail time

Courts often respond more favorably when a person takes proactive steps through legal counsel rather than waiting to be arrested.

Consequences of Ignoring a Bench Warrant

A bench warrant won’t go away with time. The longer it’s active, the worse the consequences can become. Possible outcomes include:

• Additional charges (such as contempt of court)

• Bail revocation

• Loss of driver’s license (for certain violations)

• Difficulty renewing immigration documents or applying for jobs

• Embarrassing public arrest

The judge may also treat you less favorably when you do eventually show up in court, especially if you're facing other criminal charges.

What If You Live Outside of Philadelphia or Pennsylvania?

Even if you’ve moved out of the city or state, an active bench warrant in Philadelphia can follow you. You could be extradited back if arrested elsewhere, or have difficulty traveling. A defense attorney can work to handle the matter remotely or coordinate a voluntary return.

Don’t Wait to Fix a Bench Warrant

If you've missed court or suspect a warrant has been issued in your name, the worst thing you can do is ignore it. Taking action now—with a lawyer's help—can often prevent arrest and give you a better chance at a fair outcome.

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

With over 30 years of experience handling criminal matters in Philadelphia courts, Mark D. Hauser has helped countless clients resolve bench warrants safely and strategically—without unnecessary jail time or penalties.

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