Pennsylvania public procedure guide
Understanding Warrants in Pennsylvania
An educational overview of arrest warrants, bench warrants, and the role of the Pennsylvania State Constable.
A clear, factual overview
What the public should understand
Warrants are often misunderstood. This page explains what a warrant is, who issues and serves warrants, what may happen after issuance, the rights individuals retain, and what a Constable can and cannot do.
This is general educational information. It does not provide legal advice or determine whether a warrant exists in any individual matter.
The basic definition
What is a Warrant?
A warrant is a written order issued by a judge or other authorized judicial officer directing or authorizing a specific action permitted by law.
Not every warrant is an arrest warrant. Different warrants serve different purposes and follow different legal procedures.
Common categories
Types of Warrants
The name and effect of a warrant depend on the proceeding and the issuing court.
Arrest Warrants
Issued by judicial authority after criminal charges or another proceeding authorized by law. The warrant directs an authorized officer to take the named person into custody under its terms.
Bench Warrants
Issued by a court when a person fails to respond, fails to appear, defaults in payment under applicable procedure, or does not comply with a court order. The precise grounds and next steps depend on the court and governing rules.
Summary Warrants
In Pennsylvania summary cases, a warrant may initiate proceedings or compel a response or appearance under the Rules of Criminal Procedure. Pennsylvania Constables frequently perform court-assigned work involving warrants issued by Magisterial District Judges for summary offenses.
Court-assigned public duty
The Role of the Pennsylvania State Constable
A Constable acts under lawful court process, applicable law, court rules, and judicial-district policy.
Constables may
- Serve warrants when authorized by law and assigned through the court process
- Execute warrants within their lawful authority
- Transport prisoners when authorized or assigned
- Return required paperwork to the court
- Maintain the peace while performing official duties
Constables do not
- Decide guilt or innocence
- Issue warrants
- Dismiss, cancel, or remove warrants
- Provide legal advice or legal representation
- Accept private requests to arrest another person
Warrant service is court-assigned work. The public cannot hire this office to arrest someone or request a private arrest.
Non-emergency warrant information may be submitted as a tip. This office does not pay for warrant tips and does not offer rewards.
Frequently asked questions
General warrant information
These answers describe general procedure only. Court staff or an attorney should address questions about a particular case.
How do I know if I have a warrant?
Public availability of warrant information varies by court and applicable record rules. Contact the court that may have issued the warrant or consult an attorney. This website is not a warrant lookup and cannot confirm an individual's status.
Can a Constable remove a warrant?
No. A Constable does not issue, dismiss, cancel, or remove a warrant. Only the issuing court or another authority permitted by law can change its status.
What happens after I am arrested?
The next step depends on the type of warrant and its instructions. In a Pennsylvania summary case, an authorized officer may accept an amount or collateral permitted by the warrant or bring the person before the proper issuing authority without unnecessary delay.
Can I call the Constable about my case?
You may contact the office about its procedures or an official contact from this office. The office cannot promise disclosure of warrant information, interpret charges, predict court action, or give legal advice. Contact the issuing court for official case information.
Can someone else pay my fines?
Payment options and whether another person may make a payment are controlled by the court and the warrant instructions. Contact the issuing court before attempting payment. Do not send money based on an unsolicited call, message, or social-media contact.
Can a warrant expire?
Do not assume a warrant has expired because time has passed. Its status depends on the issuing authority and applicable law. Confirm the current status with the appropriate court or an attorney.
Office contact
Hopewell Township Pennsylvania State Constable
For general questions about this office's procedures or an official contact from this office, use the information shown here. Contact the issuing court or an attorney about a specific warrant or legal matter.