Do you have an outstanding warrant in Bucks County, Pennsylvania? If so, you might believe a common myth. Many people think that if they wait long enough, the warrant will expire. They think it will just go away.
Unfortunately, that is not how the legal system works in Pennsylvania. Outstanding warrants do not have an end date. They never disappear on their own. If you have an active warrant, Attorney Michael Kotik reviews your case so you understand your options. But if the warrant is real, you must face it to clear your name.
This simple guide will explain what you need to know about warrants in Bucks County. It covers how police track them, and how you can resolve yours safely.
Arrest Warrants vs. Bench Warrants: What is the Difference?
The word “warrant” can mean different things under the law. In Pennsylvania, there are two main types of criminal warrants. They are issued for completely different reasons.
When the Police Are Looking for You: Arrest Warrants
An arrest warrant is issued during a criminal investigation. This happens when the police believe they have enough proof to charge you with a crime. Under Pennsylvania Rule of Criminal Procedure 513, officers must submit a written complaint to a local Magisterial District Judge. They must write down the facts of the case. If the judge agrees with the facts, they will sign the warrant.
Once signed, the police will actively try to find you and arrest you.
When You Miss a Court Date: Bench Warrants
A bench warrant is different. It is not issued because of a new crime. Instead, a judge issues it directly “from the bench” because you did not follow court rules. The most common reasons for a bench warrant include:
- Missing a mandatory court date (like a trial or a preliminary hearing)
- Violating your probation or parole rules
- Ignoring a court subpoena to testify as a witness or show up as a defendant
- Failing to pay court fines, child support, or other fees
A bench warrant orders any police officer to arrest you. They must bring you directly to court to see the judge.
The Truth About Warrants: They Do Not Just Disappear Over Time
A very dangerous belief is that warrants have a “statute of limitations.” This is a time limit for filing charges. While Pennsylvania does have time limits to start a case, once a judge signs a warrant, it stays active forever.
It does not matter if the warrant is five months old or fifteen years old. It will stay open until a judge formally lifts it.
How Bucks County Police Find Active Warrants
You cannot easily hide from an active warrant today. When a judge signs a warrant in Pennsylvania, the system uploads your name to digital databases:
- The CLEAN System: This is Pennsylvania’s state database. If a police officer pulls you over for a broken taillight, they will run your ID. The CLEAN system will instantly show them your active warrant.
- The NCIC Database: This is a national database run by the FBI. If you leave Pennsylvania, police in other states can still see your warrant. They can arrest you and send you back to Bucks County.
Because of these databases, an active warrant means you face the constant threat of getting arrested. It can happen at work, during a routine traffic stop, or when you are traveling.
The Safest Ways to Handle an Active Warrant in Pennsylvania
If you have a warrant, ignoring it is a bad idea. It is much better to take control of the situation. Handling the warrant on your own terms is always safer than waiting for the police to find you.
Why a Simple Phone Call Won’t Clear Your Name
Some people think they can clear a warrant easily. They think an attorney can just make a quick phone call to the court. Or they think they can do a quick Zoom video call. In almost all cases, this is not true.
In Pennsylvania, you must physically turn yourself in to resolve a warrant. The judge will want to see you in person. They want to hear why you missed court. Then, they will decide whether to release you or keep you in jail.
Turning Yourself In: Voluntary Surrender vs. Getting Arrested
You have a choice in how you face the court. Turning yourself in with a lawyer is called voluntary surrender. It is much better than getting arrested unexpectedly.
- Voluntary Surrender (Proactive): When you turn yourself in, you show respect to the court. Your attorney can plan your surrender with the court in advance. They can schedule a hearing at the Bucks County Justice Center on Court Street in Doylestown. Your lawyer can prepare a strong argument to keep you out of jail. The goal is to get you in front of the judge quickly and ask for your immediate release on low bail.
- Unexpected Arrest (Reactive): If you get arrested on a routine traffic stop, you have no control. You will go straight to jail. You must wait until a judge is free to hear your case. The prosecutor will likely argue that you are a flight risk because you ran away. This can lead to very high bail or staying in jail.
Your Rights in Custody: The PA 72-Hour Rule
Under Pennsylvania Rule of Criminal Procedure 150, when you are arrested on a bench warrant, the court must act quickly. They must give you a hearing “without unnecessary delay.”
The law says the court must hold this hearing within 72 hours of your arrest. If they do not hold the hearing within 72 hours, the warrant expires, and they must let you go. However, this rule only helps you after you are already locked in a jail cell. While you are free, the warrant stays active, and you can be arrested at any time.
How a Bucks County Criminal Defense Attorney Can Protect Your Freedom
Facing a warrant is scary, but you do not have to do it alone. A local defense lawyer who knows the Bucks County courts can help you in many ways:
- They can find out exactly why the warrant was issued and what bail is set.
- They can file a motion asking the judge to lift or “quash” the warrant.
- They can arrange a safe, fast surrender process to keep your time in custody as short as possible.
- They can speak for you in front of the judge in Doylestown to argue for your release.
Taking the first step to clear your warrant is the best way to get your life back and protect your freedom.
This information is for general educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Every case and warrant is different.
Leave a Reply