How do I resolve a warrant and turn myself in in Pennsylvania?

The path to resolving a warrant in Pennsylvania

You do not have to wait to be caught off guard. This is the ordered, on-your-own-terms way to handle it — each step points to an official source.

1. Step 1

   Confirm the warrant and identify the issuing court

   Look up your case on the free statewide UJS Web Portal, then contact the Magisterial District Court (for summary and lower-court matters) or the county Clerk of Courts (Court of Common Pleas) in the issuing county to confirm a bench or arrest warrant and to get the docket number, the charge, and any scheduled date. Provide your full name and date of birth.

   Official source

2. Step 2

   Ask the court about recalling or quashing a bench / failure-to-appear warrant

   For a warrant issued because a court date, hearing, or payment was missed, ask the clerk how that court re-sets the matter and how the warrant can be lifted; filing a motion to recall or quash the warrant is one available procedural option. This is noted only as an option, not as a recommended strategy. In Pennsylvania, the warrant this applies to is typically a bench warrant / failure-to-appear (FTA) warrant — issued by a judge (often a Magisterial District Judge) for a missed appearance, unpaid fines/costs, or contempt, and only the court that issued it can recall or re-set it.

   Official source

3. Step 3

   Arrange to appear or self-surrender on scheduled terms

   Depending on the warrant and the court's instructions, you may resolve it by appearing before the Magisterial District Court on a re-set date or by surrendering through the county sheriff or local police who hold the warrant. Call ahead to confirm the correct location, hours, and procedure before going. In Pennsylvania, this is a matter of timing, not a legal outcome. In Magisterial District Court cases, unresolved missed hearings or unpaid fines and costs can escalate (additional costs or contempt proceedings).

   Official source

4. Step 4

   Preliminary arraignment and bail-setting follow

   After booking you are brought for a preliminary arraignment, often before a Magisterial District Judge, who sets bail. That may be ROR, non-monetary conditions, an unsecured bond, or a monetary condition. A monetary bail can be posted as cash with the court, secured by realty, or through a licensed bondsman for a non-refundable fee.

   Official source

Turning yourself in on your own terms in Pennsylvania

Addressing a warrant on your own terms means choosing the timing and location within the court's procedures, typically during regular court or jail-intake business hours, rather than being taken into custody unexpectedly during a traffic stop or at home or work. This is a logistical consideration about timing and preparation only and does not predict any legal result.

How bail and release work in Pennsylvania

Where a surety (commercial) bond is used, the bail agent charges a non-refundable premium, commonly around 10 percent of the bond amount. Cash bail posted directly with the court is returned at the end of the case (less any court costs) if all required appearances are made. Ask the court whether release on recognizance, non-monetary conditions, or a direct cash/percentage deposit is available before assuming a bondsman is required.

Your rights. You have the right to talk to a lawyer about your situation, and if you cannot afford one, you can ask the court about a public defender.

A few cautions before you go

• Confirm the warrant directly with the Magisterial District Court, the county Clerk of Courts, or the sheriff before acting; do not rely on unofficial third-party 'warrant lookup' or bail-lead websites.
• A UJS Web Portal docket search reflects a docketed warrant but is not a live warrant-status system; confirm the current status with the court.
• Ask the court whether ROR, non-monetary conditions, or a direct cash/percentage deposit is available before paying a bondsman.
• A warrant does not expire on its own; ignoring it leaves you subject to arrest at any law-enforcement contact, and unresolved matters or unpaid fines and costs can escalate or affect driving privileges.
• Call the court, sheriff, or jail ahead of time to confirm the correct location, intake hours, and surrender procedure, which vary by county.

Contact the issuing court or county sheriff in Pennsylvania

A warrant is issued by a court and served by the county sheriff — they are who can confirm it and tell you the exact way to resolve it. Start with these official Pennsylvania sources.

• State courts
• Online Case Search
• State police
• Criminal-history records

Common questions about resolving a warrant in Pennsylvania

Sources & last verified

Everything here links out to official government or public-reference sources. We don't store or republish records.

• en.wikipedia.org
• ujsportal.pacourts.us
• pacourts.us
• pa.gov
• epatch.pa.gov

Last verified 2026-07-23 · 5 sources