Search Lehigh County Bench Warrants

Lehigh County bench warrants are issued by the Court of Common Pleas in the 31st Judicial District, which includes the city of Allentown. The Sheriff's Office enforces bench warrants across Lehigh County, coordinating with Allentown Police and other local agencies. You can search for bench warrant records through the Pennsylvania court portal or contact the Clerk of Courts for help. Active bench warrants remain on file until the person appears or the judge recalls the order. Taking the time to check for open bench warrants in Lehigh County is an important step.

Lehigh County Bench Warrant Basics

A bench warrant from Lehigh County is a court order telling law enforcement to bring a person before a judge. It comes from the bench, meaning the judge issues it during or after court proceedings. Bench warrants deal with compliance issues, not new criminal charges. The Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas follows Pennsylvania Rule 150 for all bench warrant procedures.

Bench warrants in Lehigh County do not expire. Once signed, they remain active until the person appears or the court withdraws the order. Officers can serve a bench warrant any time, day or night. Police routinely check for warrants during traffic stops and other encounters. An active bench warrant in Lehigh County will show up in those searches.

The Lehigh County Sheriff's Office maintains active warrant files. Deputies execute bench warrants and coordinate with Allentown Police and departments across the county. The office also takes part in multi-jurisdictional warrant task forces. All bench warrants are entered into state and national databases.

How to Search for Bench Warrants

The Pennsylvania Judiciary Web Portal is the primary tool for court records in Lehigh County. Search by name or case number to pull up docket sheets. The portal covers the Court of Common Pleas and Magisterial District Courts. Basic searches are free.

The Lehigh County Clerk of Courts maintains comprehensive bench warrant records. You can visit the courthouse in person to request a search. The office provides certified copies and staff guide you through the process. All requests follow the Pennsylvania Public Access Policy.

You can verify a bench warrant by calling the Lehigh County Sheriff's Office. The office keeps detailed records of all warrant executions and active files. Phone verification is a fast way to check status.

Why Lehigh County Issues Bench Warrants

Failure to appear is the number one cause of bench warrants in Lehigh County. Pa. Rule 430 requires a bench warrant when a defendant does not respond to a citation or summons served by certified mail or in person. This rule applies at every court level in Lehigh County.

Lehigh County bench warrants may also be issued when a person:

• Fails to pay fines or restitution after receiving notice
• Does not show up for sentencing
• Sends less than the full amount with a guilty plea by mail
• Breaks conditions of a court order

For non-payment cases in Lehigh County, the court must first send notice by first-class mail. The person then has 10 days to respond or pay. Only after that time passes can the judge sign the bench warrant. This step ensures due process for people in Lehigh County.

Note: Lehigh County offers specialized treatment courts and diversion programs that may apply to certain defendants before or after a bench warrant is issued.

Lehigh County Bench Warrant Hearings

After arrest on a bench warrant in Lehigh County, a hearing must occur within 72 hours. Rule 150 of the Pennsylvania Code requires this. If the deadline falls on a non-business day, the time extends to the close of the next business day. The jail must notify the court right away when someone is being held on a bench warrant.

The issuing judge normally conducts the hearing. If unavailable, the president judge assigns another judge. Lehigh County courts may use two-way audio-visual communication. This technology helps ensure hearings happen on time and that people are not held longer than the law allows.

When the hearing ends, the bench warrant is vacated. If no hearing is held within 72 hours, the bench warrant expires by operation of law. This rule is a vital safeguard in Lehigh County.

Resolving a Lehigh County Bench Warrant

Act quickly if you have a bench warrant in Lehigh County. Talk to a lawyer who practices in the 31st Judicial District. An attorney can file a motion to lift or quash the bench warrant through the Clerk of Courts. This path lets you address the issue on your schedule rather than waiting for an arrest.

You may also turn yourself in at the Lehigh County courthouse. Doing so signals to the judge that you are willing to cooperate. The court will hold a hearing and set next steps. Voluntary appearance is viewed much more favorably than being picked up by officers in Allentown or elsewhere in Lehigh County.

Lehigh County bench warrants appear in both state and national databases. Officers in other states can see them. Clearing the warrant removes the threat of arrest and gets the matter behind you.

Lehigh County Court Resources

The UJS portal and the PAeDocket app are the top free tools for Lehigh County court record searches. Both let you search by name, case number, or offense tracking number. For direct help, reach the Lehigh County Clerk of Courts or the Sheriff's Office.

Additional information on bench warrant law in Pennsylvania can be found at ciccarelli.com. This resource explains what triggers a bench warrant, what the hearing process looks like, and what options you have. It is a solid starting point for anyone dealing with a bench warrant in Lehigh County.

Note: The Lehigh County Sheriff's Office provides information on resolving outstanding warrants and can answer questions about the process by phone.