NOTICE: Due to a water main break in the Stout Center, 1301 Filbert Street, that occurred last evening the City and the FJD have determined that the Stout Center for Criminal Justice will be closed today, Wednesday, September 10th, 2025. No employees or public should attempt to enter the building while repairs and cleanup are proceeding. ALL COURT OPERATIONS OUTSIDE OF THE STOUT CENTER WILL REMAIN OPEN. Employees of all Departments located in any other area other than the Stout Center must report to work. We are confident that the Stout will be operational by Thursday, September 11, 2025. Updates will be provided as cleanup progresses. Thank you.
NOTICE: Due to emergency building closure of Criminal Justice Center Bail Acceptance will be taking bail payments at 714 Market payment center. For all payment inquiries or ePay confirmation call 215-683-1473 or email bail@courts.phila.gov. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Municipal Court

The Municipal Court

The Seal of the Philadelphia Municipal Court

Welcome to the Philadelphia Municipal Court. Our court handles criminal, civil, and traffic cases. You can see more details below. If you are looking for information on a case in Common Pleas Court, please visit the Court of Common Pleas.

Divisions of the Municipal Court

Find where your case belongs and take your next step

Civil Division

The Civil Division deals with civil cases. Civil cases involve a conflict between people or organizations such as businesses. Personal injury, and contract disputes are a few examples of civil cases. In the Civil Division, the Municipal Court deals with Landlord and Tenant cases, Small Claims cases up to $12,000, and Code Enforcement cases up to $15,000.

Criminal Division

The Criminal Division of Municipal Court processes all arrests in Philadelphia County. Summary and misdemeanor trials are held in the Municipal Court, as well as felony case preliminary hearings. After the preliminary hearings in the Municipal Court, many felony cases move on to the Common Pleas Court for trial.

Traffic Division

The Traffic Division of the Municipal Court deals with city vehicle laws. Vehicle laws involve things like speeding or driving with a broken headlight. The Traffic Division does not deal with parking tickets. It also does not deal with more serious crimes like driving under the influence (DUIs) or red-light camera tickets.

Legal Language 101

Learn common court words and legal terms with this short video

Legal Language 101

Learn common court words and legal terms with this short video

About the Municipal Court

The Philadelphia Municipal Court has 27 law trained judges that deal with criminal cases, civil cases involving Landlord and Tenant cases, Small Claims cases up to $12,000 dollars and Code Enforcement cases up to $15,000, and traffic cases.

The Philadelphia Municipal Court’s Administrative Judge is Joffie C. Pittman, III. He was elected as Administrative Judge of the Philadelphia Municipal Court in January 2024.

The Philadelphia Municipal Court's President Judge is Judge T. Francis Shields. He was elected as President Judge of the Philadelphia Municipal Court in January 2024.

Contact

Business Hours

  • Monday-Friday: 8am to 5pm
  • Saturday: Closed
  • Sunday: Closed

The First Judicial District (FJD) of Pennsylvania is composed of two courts which make up the Philadelphia County Court System: the Court of Common Pleas and Municipal Court.

Latest News

  • NOTICE: Due to a water main break in the Stout Center, 1301 Filbert Street, that occurred last evening the City and the FJD have determined that the Stout Center for Criminal Justice will be closed today, Wednesday, September 10th, 2025. No employees or public should attempt to enter the building while repairs and cleanup are proceeding. ALL COURT OPERATIONS OUTSIDE OF THE STOUT CENTER WILL REMAIN OPEN. Employees of all Departments located in any other area other than the Stout Center must report to work. We are confident that the Stout will be operational by Thursday, September 11, 2025. Updates will be provided as cleanup progresses. Thank you.9/9/2025
  • NOTICE: Due to emergency building closure of Criminal Justice Center Bail Acceptance will be taking bail payments at 714 Market payment center. For all payment inquiries or ePay confirmation call 215-683-1473 or email bail@courts.phila.gov. Thank you for your patience and understanding.9/8/2025
  • NOTICE: View the EMERGENCY JUDGE ASSIGNMENT for Friday, September 5, 2025, through Friday, September 12, 20259/3/2025
  • NOTICE: View the EMERGENCY JUDGE ASSIGNMENT for Friday, August 29, 2025, through Friday, September 5, 20258/28/2025

Useful Links

Contact Us

 City Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
 Phone: 215-686-7000
 Website: www.courts.phila.gov
 Email: Contact Us

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