What to Do If There’s a Warrant for Your Arrest in Pennsylvania

If you’re in Philadelphia or anywhere in Pennsylvania, here’s what you need to know—and how a criminal defense attorney can help you take control of the situation before it spirals out of hand.

Types of Warrants in Pennsylvania

There are several types of arrest warrants that may be issued by a court:

🔹 Bench Warrant

• Issued when you fail to appear in court or violate conditions of bail or probation

• Common in cases involving missed hearings, unpaid fines, or pretrial supervision issues

• Allows police to arrest you at any time, even during a routine traffic stop

🔹 Arrest Warrant

• Issued when police present evidence that there is probable cause you committed a crime

• Can be used before formal charges are filed or when charges are filed but you haven’t yet been arrested

🔹 Probation/Parole Detainer

• Issued if you’re on supervision and are believed to have violated conditions

• Often results in being held without bail until a violation hearing is scheduled

How Do You Know If There’s a Warrant for Your Arrest?

In Pennsylvania, warrants are typically not publicized—but you may learn about one if:

• Police contact or visit your home

• You receive a notice from the court or probation office

• You check online court dockets or the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System portal

• You’re denied bail or pulled over and told there’s an active warrant

If you suspect or confirm that there’s a warrant, don’t wait—talk to a criminal defense attorney immediately.

What Happens If You Ignore an Arrest Warrant?

If you ignore a warrant, police may:

• Arrest you at home, work, or in public

• Hold you without bail (especially for bench or detainer warrants)

• Add additional charges, such as failure to appear

• Create a negative impression with the judge, which can affect future outcomes

• Delay your ability to resolve the original issue and qualify for diversion programs or favorable plea offers

The sooner you act, the more control you—and your attorney—have over the outcome.

How a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help

An experienced defense lawyer can:

✅ Confirm whether a warrant exists and what it's for
✅ Contact the court or police to arrange a voluntary surrender
✅ File a motion to quash the warrant in appropriate cases
✅ Argue for bail or ROR (release on recognizance)
✅ Negotiate with the prosecutor before formal charges are filed
✅ Help you avoid jail time by resolving the issue quickly and cooperatively

In some cases, your attorney may be able to appear on your behalf and have the warrant lifted without you needing to go into custody.

Should You Turn Yourself In?

If you have an active warrant, turning yourself in with a lawyer’s help is often the best course of action. Doing so:

• Shows the judge that you’re not a flight risk

• Increases the likelihood of being released on bail

• Prevents a public or embarrassing arrest

• Gives your attorney a chance to control the timing and setting

Never attempt to negotiate with police on your own—always consult with your attorney first.

Can a Warrant Be Lifted or Quashed?

Yes, in some cases. Your lawyer may be able to:

• File a motion to quash a bench warrant (e.g., if you never received notice)

• Argue that your due process rights were violated

• Resolve the underlying issue (e.g., pay fines, reschedule missed court)

Each case is different, and success depends on the nature of the warrant and your criminal history.

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

If you believe there's a warrant for your arrest—or you've been notified by police or the courts—don’t wait until you’re in handcuffs. With over 30 years of experience helping clients resolve warrants and avoid jail in Philadelphia and throughout Pennsylvania, Mark D. Hauser can guide you through every step.

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