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Bail bonds in Pennsylvania are similar to other parts of the country. Here are the basics you need to know.
For detailed information about specific Pennsylvania cities:
Bail bonds Philadelphia
Bail bonds Pittsburgh
When arrested for a crime in Pennsylvania, the arrestee will usually be taken to a local detention facility for booking prior to incarceration in a lock-up station or county jail.
After arrest, the defendant has five release options in Pennsylvania:
1. Surety Bond (Common Bail Bond)
A surety bond is a series of contracts that guarantee between the defendant, the court, and the bail bond agency to guarantee the defendant’s appearance in court. In Pennsylvania, the bond agency is fully liable to the insurance company and the court if the defendant does not appear. The bond agency charges a fee (called a premium in Pittsburgh) for providing the bail. A defendant who fails to appear in court is subject to additional charges, but they are not normally liable for any bond forfeitures (unless the guarantor arranges such an agreement with the defendant).
2. Cash Bond
The defendant posts the entire bail in cash. If they do not appear for all court appearances as instructed, they will forfeit it.
3. Own Recognizance (OR)
An administrative pre-trial release. Curt administrators or judges interview individuals in custody and can make a recommendation to the court regarding release without any financial security to insure the appearance.
4. Criminal Summons (Cite Out)
The arresting officer issues a citation to the arrestee, informing the arrestee that he or she must appear on an appointed court date. Cite outs usually occur immediately after an individual is arrested and no financial security is taken
5. Property Bond
In some Pennsylvania jurisdictions, a property bond is allowed. Usually the property has to be twice the value of the bail amount.
How is the bail amount set?
A magistrate normally sets the bail amount for a particular case according to a county bail schedule (Schedule of Bail for All Bailable Offenses). In most jurisdictions like Philadelphia, the Schedule of Bail for All Bailable Offenses usually set annually by a majority vote of superior, municipal, and other judges.
Philadelphia Holding Facilities
Central Unit
8101 State Road
Philadelphia, PA 19136
Modular III
8101 State Road
Philadelphia, PA 19136
Cannery
8207 Torresdale Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19136
Weekender Facilities
8207 Torresdale Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19136
University Avenue (2)
600 University Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Cambria Community Center
2815 North 17th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19132
Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility
P. O. Box 6230
7901 State Road
Philadelphia, PA 19136
Phone: (215) 685-7801
Fax: (215) 685-7848
Detention Center
8201 State Road
Philadelphia, PA 19136
Phone: (215) 685-8580
Fax: (215) 685-8578
House of Correction
8001 State Road
Philadelphia, PA 19136
Phone: (215) 685-8221
Fax: (215) 685-8938
Philadelphia Industrial Correctional Center
8301 State Road
Philadelphia, PA 19136
Phone: (215) 685-7104
Fax: (215) 685-7109
Riverside Correctional Facility
P. O. Box 6230
8151 State Road
Philadelphia, PA 19136
Phone: (215) 685-8146
Fax: (215) 685-8144
Nothing stated herein should be construed or interpreted to grant rights or remedies not otherwise granted under federal or state law. This information is provided as a public service and is not intended as a substitute for legal advice or representation by a lawyer or bail bondsman. We recommend you email a bail bondsman for more information about your situation.