Philadelphia Criminal Justice Center (CJC)

The Center of Criminal Justice in Philadelphia

The Philadelphia Criminal Justice Center (CJC), officially known as the Justice Juanita Kidd Stout Center for Criminal Justice, serves as the primary facility for criminal courts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Located at 1301 Filbert Street, directly across from City Hall, this 17-story building acts as the central hub for the First Judicial District’s criminal operations. Opened in 1994 to modernize the city’s legal infrastructure, the CJC processes a massive volume of cases annually, from summary citations to the most serious felony trials.

Court Divisions and Functions

The center houses courtrooms and administrative offices for two major judicial bodies:

• Philadelphia Municipal Court (Criminal Division): Handles the initial stages of all adult criminal cases, including preliminary arraignments and preliminary hearings. It also adjudicates misdemeanor trials (for offenses carrying up to five years incarceration) and summary offenses.
• Court of Common Pleas (Trial Division – Criminal): Responsible for the trial phase of felony cases, including homicides and major felonies, as well as appeals from Municipal Court judgments.

24/7 Arraignment and Bail Services

Unlike most government buildings, critical parts of the CJC operate around the clock. The Preliminary Arraignment Court is located in the basement (Room B-08) and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Here, magistrates preside over the initial processing of arrested individuals. Adjacent to this is the Bail Acceptance Office (Room B-01), where bail can be posted for defendants at any time of day or night.

Security and Mobile Phone Policy

The CJC enforces some of the strictest security measures in the city. All visitors must pass through metal detectors and have bags x-rayed. A strict Yondr Pouch policy is in effect for mobile phones. Upon entry, all members of the public (except jurors and attorneys with ID) must place their cell phones in a lockable neoprene pouch provided by security. Visitors retain the pouch, but the phone remains inaccessible while inside the building to prevent witness intimidation and courtroom disruptions. The pouch is unlocked upon exit.

Records and Administration

The facility includes essential administrative departments for case management:

• Office of Judicial Records (Criminal): Located in Room 206, handling active case filings and motions.
• Disposed Records Unit: Located in Room 310, managing closed files and expungement requests.
• Bench Warrant Surrender: Individuals with outstanding warrants can surrender themselves at the designated basement office (Room B-04) during specific morning hours.

Location and Transit Access

Situated in the heart of Center City, the CJC is highly accessible. It is steps away from Jefferson Station (Regional Rail) and the 13th Street and 15th Street subway stations. Numerous bus routes stop immediately outside or around the block. The building is fully ADA compliant, featuring elevators that serve all 17 floors and accessible facilities.