The Criminal Justice Center (CJC) in Philadelphia serves as the central courthouse for criminal matters in the city, handling an extensive range of cases and judicial proceedings every day. It is a sprawling facility designed to manage complex criminal trials, municipal court cases, preliminary hearings, bail postings, and various administrative functions. This comprehensive article provides detailed information about the Criminal Justice Center’s location, courtroom functions, types of cases heard, security protocols, judges presiding there, bail payment procedures, hours, and other useful information, especially valuable for visitors or those new to Philadelphia’s legal system.
Location and Contact Information
Criminal Justice Center (Justice Juanita Kidd Stout Center for Criminal Justice)
1301 Filbert Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
View on Google Maps
Telephone: 215-683-7200
Website: Philadelphia Courts
The Criminal Justice Center is located in Center City Philadelphia, within walking distance of the Pennsylvania Convention Center, City Hall, and numerous public transportation hubs. The building is part of the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania and named in honor of Justice Juanita Kidd Stout, the first African-American woman to serve on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.
Overview of the Criminal Justice Center
Opened in 1994, the CJC is a modern, 17-story steel-framed courthouse housing criminal courts for the city. This facility was built to consolidate Philadelphia’s criminal hearing operations, which were previously scattered across different buildings, including City Hall. It primarily administers:
- Criminal Division of the Court of Common Pleas (handling felony and serious misdemeanor trials, preliminary hearings, motions, and trials)
- Municipal Court Criminal Division (handling preliminary arraignments, summary offenses, bail hearings, and some misdemeanor trials)
- Bail Acceptance and Refund Offices
- Probation and Pretrial Services
Types of Cases Handled
The Criminal Justice Center hears a broad spectrum of criminal matters:
- Felonies: Homicide, robbery, assault, drug trafficking, sexual offenses, etc.
- Misdemeanors: Theft, simple assault, DUI, drug possession
- Preliminary hearings to determine if cases should move to trial
- Bail hearings and bond-related issues
- Motions, plea agreements, trials, and sentencing
- Appeals from lower courts and administrative hearings
- Certain juvenile cases are handled elsewhere, but this center directs adult criminal cases and related hearings
Many specialized courtrooms within the building host particular case types, such as homicide divisions, major trial divisions, and motions courts.
Judicial Officers Presiding at the CJC
Numerous judges from the First Judicial District preside over proceedings inside the CJC, including:
- Court of Common Pleas Judges: They handle felony trials, serious criminal motions, and complex cases. Judges such as Hon. C. Darnell Jones II preside over major divisions.
- Municipal Court Judges: Handling preliminary hearings, bail, and lesser offenses.
- Administrative Judges and Hearing Officers: Oversee case flow, hearings, and procedural rulings.
A detailed organizational chart of judicial assignments is available from the Philadelphia Courts court chart PDF.
Courtroom Information
The CJC has dozens of courtrooms spread throughout multiple floors:
- Courtrooms vary in size from small hearing rooms to large trial courts equipped with jury boxes and advanced audiovisual equipment.
- Technology facilitates video arraignments, remote testimonies, and evidence presentation.
- Security personnel and court officers maintain order and safety in the courtrooms.
- Electronic displays and signage help visitors navigate the facility and locate courtroom assignments.
- Public seating is available in designated areas, though entrance may require specific passes or court business.
Bail Payments and Bail Office
Bail can be posted or recovered at the Bail Acceptance Office, located in Room B-03, Basement Level of the Criminal Justice Center. Important points on bail include:
- The Bail Office operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays.
- Bail is usually accepted in cash or a bank cashier’s check; credit cards may not be accepted.
- Identification matching the person making bail is required.
- Bail refunds are available approximately 31 days after the case concludes, less court fees retained by the city.
- Questions regarding bail can be directed to the Bail Office at 215-683-7727.
More information on bail is available here: Philadelphia Pretrial Services on Bail.
Security Procedures
To ensure safety for all court participants, strict security measures are in place:
- Entry Screening: All visitors must pass through metal detectors and screening stations.
- Prohibited Items: Weapons, recording devices, and electronic devices capable of calls or data transmission are not allowed inside.
- Mobile Phone Policy: Cell phones must be locked in a magnetic pouch (Yondr™ system) upon entrance; use during proceedings is prohibited.
- Identification: Valid photo ID required for entry.
- Escort: Only authorized individuals permitted beyond public waiting areas.
- Security staff assist visitors with directions and enforce courthouses rules.
Details on security policies can be found in the CJC Security Policy PDF.
Court Hours and Schedules
- The Criminal Justice Center is open Monday through Friday, generally from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM though some court sessions and functions can operate longer.
- Emergency and bail services are available 24/7.
- Court calendar and hearing dates are available through the Philadelphia Court’s online case lookup systems.
- Visitors should confirm scheduled times with their attorney or through official court websites to avoid delays.
Paying Fines and Fees
- Fines related to criminal cases can be paid at the court cashier’s windows during business hours.
- Payments accepted include cash, credit/debit card, and checks.
- Online payment options for certain fees and fines are offered on the Philadelphia Courts payment portal.
- Failure to pay fines can lead to warrants and other enforcement actions.
Visitor and Defendant Information
- Legal Representation: Defendants have the right to counsel and are frequently provided public defenders or assigned counsel if needed.
- Resources: Self-help centers are often available inside the CJC for those without attorneys.
- Accessibility: ADA-compliant facilities include ramps, elevators, and accommodation services.
- Language Services: Interpreters available upon request for non-English speakers.
- Parking: Parking garages are available near the CJC; options include the Penn Center Garage at 1320-1340 Chestnut Street and others within walking distance.
Additional Resources
- Philadelphia Municipal Court Judges Directory
- Philadelphia Courts Website
- Office of the Defender Association of Philadelphia
- Philadelphia Bar Association
- Public Transit to CJC – SEPTA Schedules
The Criminal Justice Center, located at 1301 Filbert Street, is the cornerstone of Philadelphia’s criminal adjudication system. It handles everything from arraignments to major felony trials, providing comprehensive judicial services under strict security and organized courtroom management. For visitors and participants, understanding where to go, what to expect, paying bail, and following courthouse procedures minimizes stress during what is often a challenging time.
Judges, clerks, bail officers, and security staff work collaboratively in this sophisticated facility dedicated to justice and public safety. Whether facing criminal charges or simply attending as a witness or juror, knowing the CJC’s important details equips you to navigate Philadelphia’s criminal justice system with confidence and clarity.
If more information or detailed guidance is needed, representatives at the Criminal Justice Center’s main information desk or legal professionals can be contacted to provide assistance.
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