How to Find Out if You Have a Warrant in Perry County, PA

Written by Timothy Czekaj

Imagine getting pulled over for a minor traffic violation and suddenly being placed under arrest. This is a real risk if there’s a warrant out for your arrest—and you may not even know it. Whether it’s for missing a court date or being suspected of a crime, having an active warrant is serious.

Here’s how to find out if you have a warrant in Perry County, what to do if you find one, and how a local criminal defense attorney can help protect your rights.

What Is a Warrant?

There are two main types of warrants in Pennsylvania. Both types allow law enforcement to arrest you at any time—sometimes even at your home or workplace. That’s why it’s important to find out about a warrant before the police do.

Bench Warrants

A bench warrant is usually issued when someone fails to appear in court or violates a court order. This can happen in cases involving unpaid fines, missed hearings for traffic tickets, or not following probation rules.

Even though these may seem like minor issues, a bench warrant gives police the power to arrest you at any time. You could be picked up at home, work, or during a routine traffic stop. Once issued, the warrant stays active until you go before a judge.

Arrest Warrants

Arrest warrants are more serious. They’re issued when law enforcement has probable cause—meaning there’s enough evidence to believe you committed a crime. Arrest warrants are usually connected to criminal charges like theft, assault, drug offenses, or other misdemeanors and felonies.

Once an arrest warrant is issued, police can arrest you anywhere, including at your home or workplace. They may even use force if they think you’re trying to avoid being arrested. Because arrest warrants are backed by sworn affidavits and signed by a judge, they carry significant legal weight and can impact everything from your bail to the charges you face in court.

How to Find Out if You Have a Warrant in Perry County

Here are five ways to check for an active warrant:

1. Search Online

Some Pennsylvania counties provide online databases to look up warrants. Unfortunately, Perry County does not currently offer a public online warrant search. However, statewide databases may include relevant information. Be cautious—these databases are not always up to date.

2. Call the Perry County Clerk of Courts or Magisterial District Court

You can contact the Clerk of Courts or your local Magisterial District Judge’s office in Perry County. They may be able to tell you if a warrant has been issued in your name. Be prepared to provide your full name and date of birth. Keep in mind that calling the court directly might alert them to your location, so it’s often best to let a lawyer handle this on your behalf.

3. Contact the Perry County Sheriff’s Office

The Sheriff’s Office may have information about active warrants. You can call their office to ask, but this can carry risk if you confirm your identity and location.

4. Request a Pennsylvania State Police Background Check

You can also request a criminal background check from the Pennsylvania State Police. This may show warrants from across the state, not just Perry County. This process can take time and may require fingerprinting.

5. Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer

An attorney can check for warrants quietly and without putting you at risk of immediate arrest. This is often the safest and most effective way to find out if a warrant exists.

What to Do If You Have a Warrant in PA

Do Not Ignore It

Ignoring a warrant can lead to an unexpected arrest at work, school, or home. It can also make your legal situation worse, especially if the warrant is related to failing to appear in court.

Talk to a Lawyer Immediately

An experienced criminal defense lawyer can review your situation, explain your options, and plan your next steps. They may be able to negotiate with the court to cancel the warrant or arrange for a safe and controlled surrender.

Consider Turning Yourself In (with Legal Support)

Turning yourself in with a lawyer by your side can help protect your rights and may reduce the chances of being held in jail. Your lawyer can also request a bail hearing and argue for your release while your case is pending.

Prepare for Court

Your lawyer will help you get ready for any upcoming court appearances. This may include gathering documents, contacting witnesses, or explaining your side of the story to the judge.

What Happens If You Ignore a Warrant?

Failing to deal with a warrant can have serious and lasting consequences:

• Police may arrest you at your job, school, or in front of your family.
• Ignoring a warrant may lead to extra charges like “failure to appear.”
• Judges may view you as a flight risk and set a higher bail or deny bail entirely.
• In some cases, a bench warrant can lead to the suspension of your driver’s license.
• You may end up spending more time in custody if the warrant leads to harsher treatment by the court.

Ignoring a warrant only makes things worse. Taking action early gives you a better chance to avoid arrest and defend your case.

How a Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help

A local Perry County lawyer knows the court system, the judges, and the prosecutors. This can make a big difference in how your case is handled. Here’s what a defense lawyer can do for you:

• Check for active warrants privately
• Try to have bench warrants lifted without arrest
• Help you turn yourself in safely
• Argue for affordable bail or release on your own recognizance
• Build a defense for the charges connected to the warrant

Perry County has its own court procedures and local rules. A local attorney will know how to navigate these processes, including which Magisterial District Court you may need to appear in. They may also be familiar with the habits and expectations of local judges, which can help in negotiating better outcomes.

Having the right attorney can help you avoid unnecessary jail time and make sure your side of the story is heard.

Questions about Warrants? Czekaj Law LLC Can Help

Having a warrant is not something you can afford to ignore. Whether it’s for a missed court date or a new criminal charge, acting quickly and carefully can make a big difference in how things turn out. Start by checking for a warrant safely and make a plan to deal with it the right way.

If you think you might have a warrant in Perry County, don’t wait for the police to come to you. Contact Czekaj Law LLC or call 717-275-9770 for a confidential consultation. We’ll help you check your status, understand your rights, and take the steps needed to protect your future.