An arrest for a criminal defense can be extremely chaotic. There is a lot of information to keep track of and you may feel overwhelmed. The Philadelphia resources compiled on this page are for general information purposes and may help lighten your stressful burden during this difficult time.
Criminal Defense Resources in Pennsylvania
Track Your Criminal Case in Philadelphia Online: This website, managed by Pennsylvania's Unified Judicial System, allows you to retrieve certain details about your case online. You can use your name, attorney name, date, or courtroom to begin a search.
Philadelphia Municipal Courts – If you have been charged with a felony or misdemeanor in Philadelphia, your preliminary hearing will be conducted in this municipal court. However, note that some cases may be heard in other courts after the preliminary hearing, most notably felony cases.
Municipal Court - Criminal DivisionSupervising Judge: Honorable Frank T. Brady
Philadelphia City Hall, Room 400
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: (215) 686-7036
Fax: (215) 686-9503
Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas – Since 1776, Philadelphia's Court of Common Pleas has served as the area's general trial jurisdiction. Nearly 70 judges oversee the civil and criminal trial division. The supervising judge of the criminal division has jurisdiction over all felony cases and appeals from the Municipal Court.
Philadelphia City Hall, Room 300Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: 215 686-7344
Fax: 215 686-2831
The Unified Justice System of Pennsylvania – This is the oldest appellate court in the nation. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court makes final interpretations of state law. Thousands of cases are submitted to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court each year; however, the court retains the discretion to hear only the cases that it deems important for the state.
Commonwealth Court Chief Clerk's OfficePennsylvania Judicial Center
601 Commonwealth Avenue, Suite 2100
P.O. Box 69185
Harrisburg, PA 17106-9185
Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing – This Commission was created by the General Assembly in 1978 with the mission of creating a consistent and rational statewide sentencing policy that is fair, no matter the severity of the crime. According to 42 Pa.C.S. §2154, the court is to adopt sentencing guidelines that are to be "considered by the sentencing court in determining the appropriate sentence for defendants who plead guilty or nolo contendere to, or who were found guilty of, felonies and misdemeanors."
009 Brumbaugh HallThe Pennsylvania State University
University Park Campus
Phone: 814-863-2797
Pennsylvania Criminal Code – This online database contains reference material for Pennsylvania's state statutes. The website reflects changes effective through 43 Pa.B. 202 (January 5, 2013).
Pennsylvania State Police – Created in 1905, this is the oldest uniformed police organization in the country. The Pennsylvania State Police are responsible for many criminal investigation and support services, in addition to highway safety supervision.
Pennsylvania State Police Department Headquarters1800 Elmerton Ave.
Harrisburg, PA 17110
(717) 783-5599
Philadelphia Police Department – The men and women of the Philly Police Department are responsible with protecting and serving the needs of roughly 1.5 million residents. The department is divided into several districts and work to provide proactive patrol and education, as well as efficient responses to calls.
Police Headquarters750 Race Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Non-Emergency Phone: 311
Philadelphia Sheriff's Office – The role of Philly's sheriff's office is distinct from that of the local police department. The Sheriff's Office is largely responsible for the safety of the county's court buildings, including the transport of criminals to court appearances and trials from jail. The Fugitive Warrant Unit also works to get violent criminals off the streets.
