About Philadelphia County

Philadelphia County occupies a compact but densely developed 134 square miles at the southeastern corner of Pennsylvania, situated at the confluence of the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers. It is geographically unique among Pennsylvania's 67 counties in that it is coterminous with the City of Philadelphia — the city and county share the same borders and government, a consolidation that has been in place since the Act of Consolidation of 1854. This urban geography means Philadelphia County is defined not by rolling farmland or suburban sprawl, but by a rich tapestry of distinct neighborhoods, from the historic cobblestone streets of Old City and Society Hill to the rowhouse communities of Kensington, Fishtown, and South Philly, each with its own character, culture, and history. With a population of approximately 1,603,797, Philadelphia County is the most populous county in Pennsylvania and the urban core of one of the largest metropolitan areas on the Eastern Seaboard. The city has seen demographic shifts over recent decades, with growing immigrant communities, a renaissance in certain neighborhoods driven by younger residents, and persistent challenges related to poverty and inequality in others. Philadelphia is home to a substantial African American community, a long-established Italian American heritage, vibrant Latino neighborhoods concentrated in areas like Norris Square and Fairhill, and a flourishing Asian community centered around Chinatown and the Far Northeast. Philadelphia's economy is large and diversified, anchored by healthcare, education, finance, and tourism. The city is home to world-renowned academic medical centers and universities, including institutions that collectively employ tens of thousands and draw students and professionals from around the globe. The Philadelphia International Airport, the Port of Philadelphia, and robust rail and transit infrastructure make the county a regional hub for commerce and logistics. Philadelphia's rich Revolutionary War history, iconic cultural institutions like the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Liberty Bell, and its famous culinary scene — including the cheesesteak, a cultural institution unto itself — make it one of the most visited cities in the United States. The county seat is the City of Philadelphia itself, home to City Hall and all county and municipal government functions.

Practice Areas in Philadelphia County

Criminal Law
Criminal Law
Charges, arrests, bail and criminal trials.
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DUI
DUI
DUI charges, licence suspension and reinstatement.
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Family Law
Family Law
Divorce, custody, property and support.
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Immigration Law
Immigration
Visas, green cards, deportation and citizenship.
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Traffic Law
Traffic Law
Traffic violations, licence matters and offences.
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Employment Law
Employment Law
Wrongful termination, discrimination, disputes.
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Courts in Philadelphia County

Philadelphia County is served by the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, which is the primary trial court of general jurisdiction handling serious criminal cases (felonies), civil matters, family law, orphans' court, and appeals from lower courts; it is located at City Hall, 1400 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19107. The Municipal Court of Philadelphia, located at 1339 Chestnut Street, handles misdemeanor criminal cases, preliminary hearings in felony matters, and civil claims under $12,000, functioning similarly to a district magistrate court in other Pennsylvania counties. The Philadelphia Traffic Court was consolidated into the Municipal Court in 2013 and those matters — including citations, moving violations, and minor traffic offenses — are now processed through Municipal Court. Family Court, a division of the Court of Common Pleas located at 1501 Arch Street, handles juvenile delinquency, dependency, custody, support, and domestic relations matters. Philadelphia also has a dedicated Drug Treatment Court and a Domestic Violence Court as specialized programs within the Court of Common Pleas, reflecting the particular legal needs of the county's large urban population.

Federal vs State Jurisdiction in Philadelphia County

Residents of Philadelphia County whose legal matters involve federal law, constitutional rights, disputes between citizens of different states exceeding $75,000, bankruptcy, immigration, or federal criminal charges will find their cases heard in federal court rather than the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas or Municipal Court. The federal trial court with jurisdiction over Philadelphia County is the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, located at the James A. Byrne United States Courthouse at 601 Market Street in Philadelphia. This court handles a broad range of federal civil and criminal matters, including civil rights claims under federal statutes, employment discrimination cases brought under federal law, federal drug offenses, and white-collar crime prosecutions brought by the United States Attorney's Office. Appeals from the Eastern District proceed to the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, also headquartered in Philadelphia at the same courthouse complex, which adds an important layer of federal appellate oversight to legal matters arising in the county.

Common Legal Situations in Philadelphia County

Philadelphia County residents encounter a wide range of legal situations that reflect the realities of urban life in a large, densely populated city. Traffic and vehicle code violations are among the most frequent legal matters, given the volume of drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians navigating the city's busy streets, and matters range from minor moving violations to DUI charges. Criminal defense matters are prevalent, including charges related to drug offenses, theft, assault, and firearms possession, often processed through both the Municipal Court and the Court of Common Pleas depending on severity. Family law issues — including custody disputes, child support enforcement, divorce proceedings, and protection from abuse orders — represent a significant portion of court filings, reflecting the complexity of family dynamics in a large urban population. Employment law matters including wrongful termination, wage theft, workplace discrimination based on race, gender, disability, or sexual orientation, and unemployment appeals are common, particularly given Philadelphia's status as a major employment center with workers across many industries. Landlord-tenant disputes, eviction proceedings, and housing court matters are also extremely common in a city where a large portion of residents are renters, and where housing affordability and code enforcement are ongoing civic concerns.

Why Go To Court for Philadelphia County Legal Matters

Go To Court provides Philadelphia County residents with access to experienced legal professionals who understand the local court system, from the Municipal Court on Chestnut Street to the Court of Common Pleas at City Hall, ensuring your matter is handled by someone who knows the terrain. Whether you are facing a criminal charge, a family law dispute, or a civil matter, you can reach the Go To Court team any time of day or night through the free 24/7 legal hotline, meaning you never have to face a legal emergency alone or wait until business hours to get guidance. Go To Court is also working to introduce fixed-fee legal services, giving Philadelphia residents transparent, predictable pricing so there are no surprises when it comes to the cost of quality legal representation. With a dedicated and experienced team committed to accessible justice, Go To Court is a trusted resource for the people of Philadelphia County.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I receive a traffic citation in Philadelphia?

If you receive a traffic citation in Philadelphia, you have the option to pay the fine, which is treated as an admission of the violation, or contest the ticket through the Philadelphia Municipal Court. Contesting a citation can be worthwhile, particularly if points on your license or a suspended registration is a concern, and a legal professional can help you understand your options and represent you at a hearing.

How does the eviction process work for tenants in Philadelphia County?

In Philadelphia, a landlord must provide proper written notice before filing for eviction, and the eviction itself must go through Philadelphia Municipal Court, where a hearing will be scheduled before a judge. Philadelphia has tenant protections that include the right to legal representation in eviction proceedings for income-eligible residents, and all tenants have the right to appear and present a defense, including raising issues like habitability or improper notice. Speaking with a lawyer before your hearing date can make a significant difference in the outcome.

Can I expunge a criminal record in Philadelphia County?

Pennsylvania law allows for expungement of certain criminal records, including summary offenses after five years with no subsequent convictions, arrests that did not result in conviction, and certain charges through the ARD (Acceleratory Rehabilitative Disposition) program for first-time offenders. Philadelphia County residents may also be eligible for limited access orders, which seal records from public view even when full expungement is not available. An attorney can review your specific record and advise you on whether you qualify and how to file a petition with the Court of Common Pleas.

How is child custody determined in Philadelphia Family Court?

In Philadelphia Family Court, custody decisions are governed by Pennsylvania's custody statute, which requires the court to consider 16 statutory factors all focused on the best interests of the child, including the stability of each parent's home, the child's relationships with siblings and extended family, any history of domestic violence, and the willingness of each parent to facilitate the child's relationship with the other parent. Both physical custody — where the child lives — and legal custody — decision-making authority over education, healthcare, and religion — are addressed in a custody order. Parents are encouraged to reach a parenting agreement if possible, but if disputes cannot be resolved, a judge will hold a custody trial and issue a binding order.

What are my rights if I am arrested in Philadelphia?

If you are arrested in Philadelphia, you have the right to remain silent under the Fifth Amendment and the right to an attorney under the Sixth Amendment — you should clearly and calmly invoke both rights immediately and refrain from answering questions until you have legal counsel present. You will typically be processed and have a preliminary arraignment before a bail commissioner, often within hours of arrest, where bail conditions will be set, and it is critical to have legal representation as early in this process as possible. Philadelphia has a public defender's office for those who cannot afford private counsel, but retaining a private attorney when possible can provide more individualized attention to your case.

Neighbouring Counties

Philadelphia County is bordered by Montgomery County to the north and northwest, Delaware County to the west and southwest, and Bucks County to the northeast, with the Delaware River forming its eastern boundary across from Camden County and Gloucester County in New Jersey.