Allegheny County Jail Inmate Bail & Bonds
How bail works in Allegheny County
Allegheny County is home to Pittsburgh and more than 100 other municipalities. For Pittsburgh, McKeesport, Monroeville, and Bethel Park, the main lockup is the Allegheny County Jail. Inmate search: Allegheny County Inmate Search.
Where is the Allegheny County Jail?
The Allegheny County Jail is at 950 Second Avenue in downtown Pittsburgh. Call 412-350-2000.
To find someone, use the Allegheny County Inmate Search. For property pickup, call 412-350-2267. Visit registration is 412-350-2413.
Who sets bail in Allegheny County?
City of Pittsburgh cases go to the arraignment court at Pittsburgh Municipal Court, 660 First Avenue. It runs 24 hours a day, every day.
It also handles certain arrests from outside the city. Other county cases may go to a local magisterial district judge.
For the arraignment court phone menu, call 412-350-3240. Bail may be set at any hour (Pa.R.Crim.P. 520(B)).
What should we expect at a Pittsburgh arraignment?
The judge reads the charges (Pa.R.Crim.P. 540(F)). No one argues the evidence yet (Pa.R.Crim.P. 540(F)). They get the complaint in writing (Pa.R.Crim.P. 540(C)). Release terms are explained, too (Pa.R.Crim.P. 540(F)). A preliminary hearing is then scheduled (Pa.R.Crim.P. 540(G)). Jailed only on this case? The 14-day limit applies (Pa.R.Crim.P. 540(G)). Everyone else gets a hearing date within 21 days (Pa.R.Crim.P. 540(G)).
Where do I post bail in Allegheny County?
Go to the Bond Counter in Room 114 of the Courthouse, 436 Grant Street. It is open weekdays, 8:30 to 4:30.
After hours and on weekends, post at the Municipal Court building, 660 First Avenue.
There is a $50 filing fee. Bring cash, a money order, or a cashier's check for the exact amount.
How do Allegheny County bail refunds work?
Refunds are mailed by check after the case ends, minus fees. Ask about one at 412-350-5239 or 412-350-6063.
State rules call for return within 20 days of the final result (Pa.R.Crim.P. 535(D)).
What does Allegheny County Pretrial Services do?
Allegheny County Pretrial Services is in the Manor Building, 564 Forbes Avenue, 4th floor. Call 412-350-4732.
It is the county's bail agency and supervises people on release.
Anything said to the agency may be used in court (Pa.R.Crim.P. 530(B)).
What is percentage bail in Allegheny County?
Here, percentage bail means posting 10% of the full amount.
Whoever signs as surety still owes the full amount on a violation (Pa.R.Crim.P. 535(B)).
Can we ask for a bail change in Allegheny County?
Pretrial Services schedules bail modification hearings at no cost.
Usually there is one per case unless something big changes.
Common Pleas judges have the final say once they rule (Pa.R.Crim.P. 529(d)).
What if someone missed court in Allegheny County?
They can walk in to Pretrial Services by 8:30 a.m. on a weekday to try to fix it.
After an arrest on a bench warrant, bail is reviewed within 72 hours.
Is electronic monitoring used in Allegheny County?
Yes. A Motions Court judge decides whether to order home electronic monitoring.
Ask the defense lawyer to raise it.
How do we get a public defender in Allegheny County?
The Allegheny County Office of the Public Defender is at 542 Forbes Avenue, Suite 400. Call 412-350-2401.
For youth cases, call 412-350-3504. A lawyer referral line is 412-261-5555.
Where are youth held in Allegheny County?
The Highland Detention Center opened in July 2024 for youth held before court.
A detention hearing must follow within 72 hours (42 Pa.C.S. §6332).
What kinds of bail can Allegheny County judges set?
There are five kinds of release (Pa.R.Crim.P. 524(C)):
- ROR: Just a written promise.
- Nonmonetary conditions: Rules like reporting or travel limits.
- Unsecured bail bond: Nothing paid unless rules are broken.
- Nominal bail: A tiny deposit, such as $1.
- Monetary condition: A cash amount that must be reasonable.
The judge starts with ROR (Pa.R.Crim.P. 524 cmt.). No bail may be set to keep someone locked up (Pa.R.Crim.P. 524 cmt.).
What does a Pittsburgh judge weigh for bail?
The judge must weigh all known facts (Pa.R.Crim.P. 523(A)). The charge, job, and money situation matter (Pa.R.Crim.P. 523(A)). So do family ties and local roots (Pa.R.Crim.P. 523(A)). Past missed court dates count, too (Pa.R.Crim.P. 523(A)). Staying silent cannot make bail higher (Pa.R.Crim.P. 523(B)). A risk tool can only be one input (Pa.R.Crim.P. 523 cmt.).
Can bail be denied in Allegheny County?
Pennsylvania's constitution makes most charges bailable (Pa. Const. art. I, §14). Charges carrying life are an exception (Pa. Const. art. I, §14). Bail can also be denied for public safety (Pa. Const. art. I, §14). The proof must be strong (Pa. Const. art. I, §14). Reasons for denial must be stated (Pa.R.Crim.P. 520(A)).
Do we pay the full amount in Allegheny County?
The amount must be reasonable (Pa.R.Crim.P. 528(B)). The judge must consider ability to pay (Pa.R.Crim.P. 528(A)). Sometimes a 10% deposit is enough (Pa.R.Crim.P. 528(C)). Cash or certain bonds work (Pa.R.Crim.P. 528(D)(1)–(2)). Property or a bondsman's bond also works (Pa.R.Crim.P. 528(D)(3)–(5)). The person paying gets an itemized receipt (Pa.R.Crim.P. 535(A)).
Is a home accepted for bail in Allegheny County?
Yes. Land in Pennsylvania can be used (Pa.R.Crim.P. 528(D)(3)). The equity must cover the full amount (Pa.R.Crim.P. 528(D)(3)). All co-owners have to sign (Pa.R.Crim.P. 528(D)(3)). It need not sit in Allegheny County (Pa.R.Crim.P. 531 cmt.).
Ask the Clerk of Courts office in Pittsburgh which deed papers to bring.
What if a relative pays bail in Allegheny County?
A signer can owe the full bail (Pa.R.Crim.P. 528(F)). You can instead deposit money without signing (Pa.R.Crim.P. 528(F)). Then the money belongs to the defendant (Pa.R.Crim.P. 528(F)). A deposit in the defendant's own name may pay fines (Pa.R.Crim.P. 535(E)). You must be told this before signing (Pa.R.Crim.P. 535(B)).
Can we use a bondsman in Allegheny County?
Bondsmen are licensed by the Insurance Department (42 Pa.C.S. §5742). They also register in Allegheny County (42 Pa.C.S. §5743.1). The filing lists their bond limit (42 Pa.C.S. §5743.1). No soliciting in court offices (42 Pa.C.S. §5749). Overcharging is a crime (42 Pa.C.S. §5749). A lawyer cannot act as surety for a client (Pa.R.Crim.P. 531(B)).
What must someone do after Allegheny County bail?
Every bond has the same basic rules (Pa.R.Crim.P. 526(A)):
- Show up for all hearings.
- Follow every new order.
- Report a move within 48 hours.
- No contact meant to scare witnesses.
- No new crimes.
Judges can add reporting or travel rules (Pa.R.Crim.P. 527(A)). In abuse cases, victim safety counts (Pa.R.Crim.P. 523 cmt.; 18 Pa.C.S. §2711).
What if someone skips court in Allegheny County?
A bench warrant can follow (Pa.R.Crim.P. 536(A)). Bail may be revoked or changed (Pa.R.Crim.P. 536(A)). The money is not taken right away (Pa.R.Crim.P. 536(A)). Missing court can be its own crime (18 Pa.C.S. §5124).
Call the lawyer and the Allegheny County Clerk of Courts right away.
How long does an Allegheny County bondsman have to act?
First comes a notice by certified mail (42 Pa.C.S. §5747.1(a)). After 90 days, the notice becomes a judgment (42 Pa.C.S. §5747.1(b)). Payment is due by the 91st day (42 Pa.C.S. §5747.1(b)). If the person is back in custody first, nothing is owed (42 Pa.C.S. §5747.1(b)). Only missed court costs a bondsman (Pa.R.Crim.P. 536(A)). If the person is found later, some money comes back (42 Pa.C.S. §5747.1(b)).
Is there a limit on Allegheny County pretrial jail?
The usual limit is 180 days (Pa.R.Crim.P. 600(B)). Then nominal bail may be sought (Pa.R.Crim.P. 600(D)(2)). Defense delays may not count (Pa.R.Crim.P. 600(C)). Non-bailable cases are excluded (Pa.R.Crim.P. 600(B)).
Are minors held in Allegheny County before court?
A child can be detained only for reasons the law lists (42 Pa.C.S. §6325). Intake staff release most youth right away (42 Pa.C.S. §6331). A detention hearing follows within 72 hours (42 Pa.C.S. §6332). The youth may have a lawyer there (42 Pa.C.S. §6332).
What if the charge is federal in Allegheny County?
Allegheny County is in the Western District of Pennsylvania (28 U.S.C. §118). The nearest clerk's office is at 700 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Federal release follows its own law (18 U.S.C. §3142).
State bail does not carry over.
How do criminal cases move through Allegheny County courts?
The county makes up the 5th Judicial District (42 Pa.C.S. §901). The MDJ holds the preliminary hearing (Pa.R.Crim.P. 543). Held cases go to the Common Pleas court in Pittsburgh. The bail order normally carries over (Pa.R.Crim.P. 543(C)). Dockets are online at the UJS Portal.
Who can confirm Allegheny County bail details before we go?
Call the Allegheny County Clerk of Courts and the Allegheny County Jail before you go.
- Ask about hours.
- Ask what payment they take.
- Bring photo ID.
- Bring the docket number.
Allegheny County bail contacts
- Jail / booking
- Allegheny County Jail, 950 Second Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, 412-350-2000
- Courthouse
- Allegheny County Courthouse, 436 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, 412-350-5410
- Judicial district
- 5th Judicial District
- Public defender
- Allegheny County Public Defender
- Federal court
- U.S. District Court, Western District, 700 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, 412-208-7500
- Inmate search
- Allegheny County Inmate Search
Judges set release terms case by case. Nothing here is legal advice.
How do Bail Bonds work at Allegheny County Jail
Allegheny County has an online method for you to use a credit card to bail out someone online.
You can submit electronic bail payments on Magisterial District Court and Common Pleas Court cases for inmates in Allegheny County Jail. This website has been approved by the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania
- Payments may be made using a Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, or ATM card.
- The maximum amount that can be charged to a credit card for electronic bail payments is $20,000 per transaction.
- A non - refundable convenience fee of $2.75 will be assessed on each transaction submitted.
Allegheny County Jail
Address:
950 Second Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Phone:
412-350-2000
Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in Allegheny County
Does Allegheny County have bail?
What kind of bonds are accepted in Allegheny County?
Who can set bail in Allegheny County?
When is bail set in Allegheny County Pennsylvania?
Does Allegheny County have bail?
Yes, Allegheny County recognizes most types of bonds.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Allegheny County?
Bail in Allegheny County is available in several different forms including release on recognizance (ROR), release on non-monetary conditions, non-secured bail, nominal bail and monetary conditions.
Who can set bail in Allegheny County?
Bail is set by a judge, either at a District Court or the Court of Common Pleas.
When is bail set in Allegheny County Pennsylvania?
Bail will be set during the first/initial court hearing, also called an arraignment. This court hearing may be the same day as the arrest or the next day depending on the court schedule. Hearings are not held on weekends or holidays.
What is Bail?
Bail is what the arrested in Allegheny County must pay or do to stay out of jail until the first court appearance.
The agreement to bail acts as a promise that the arrested will return to court for court dates and trial. Bail usually refers to a dollar amount, but bail can also mean something that has to be done, or a condition such as reporting to an officer of the court, a curfew, restraining orders or attending a treatment program.
Bail is usually a significant enough amount of money and/or condition that the person will be negatively impacted and has incentive to return to court and not flee. A flight risk usually means that the person would flee the area, and not necessary that they are going to take an airplane.
If a judge in Allegheny County feels that the arrested will return to court for further proceedings, the arrested could be released under a conditional release without needing to pay bail money. This is called Released on Own Recognizance, or ROR.
Conditions for ROR might be to obey all court orders and laws, maintain contact with the lawyer, report changes in residence or have no contact with the victim. Family support will show the court that there are people who will make sure that the defendant makes it to court.
If the judge or bail schedule determines that the defendant would be a danger to the public if they were released, bail can be denied, and the person will be detained in the Allegheny County Jail until the case is resolved or goes to trial.
Bail can be denied if the defendant did not comply with bail conditions from a previous arrest. Bail is usually denied in cases of violent offenses.
What is the difference between Bail and Bond?
Bail and bond are used interchangeably to mean the same thing but technically, they are different. The bail is the amount to be paid and a bond is a signed document promising payment of the bail amount with certain conditions. Think of a bond as a loan to pay for the bail.
The bond payment is always written to the court in your municipality, Allegheny County or district directly and does not go through the defendant. Chances of obtaining a bond from a bond company or clerk of court are better if family is involved.
The thought of being in jail can cause the arrested to panic and try to secure a bond immediately.
DO NOT panic and take the time to understand all the options.
More courts are now trying to work with defendants to make bail work and might provide non-monetary options or even reduce the bail.
Payments to a bond company are not refundable. It is a long process to get back property title or money that was given to the clerk of court or bondsperson to secure the bond. This could put your loved ones into a difficult financial situation.
Another reason not to unnecessarily rush into securing a bond is that if the court notes that you came up with the money to pay a bond company, they may assume you have resources to pay a defense attorney and decline public defense.
On the other hand, as anyone who has ever been involved in their criminal defense understands, fighting your case while ‘out on the streets’ gives you a much better chance of either winning, or getting a more favorable sentence.
What are the different types of bonds in Allegheny County?
Based on a review of information from the arrest, the judge or bail officer will determine and notify the accused of which types of bonds are available to them.
To describe the types of bonds, let’s use an example of buying your neighbor’s car. Your neighbor decides the price of the car and how they would be paid.
Similarly, the court (meaning a police or bail officer, clerk of court, bail magistrate or judge) determines the bail amount and how it would be paid.
Here are different options that the seller of the car or the court might consider:
You could pay full asking price for the car in cash. This is similar to paying cash bail. The full amount of bail would be paid to the town or county clerk or at the jail. Cash, cashier’s checks and credit cards are usually accepted.
You could sign an agreement on your own or with another person to pay for the car at a future date knowing that your neighbor would know where to find you if you stopped payment. This would be similar to a cash bond or a personal recognizance (PR) bond which are bonds to where someone representing the defendant signs paperwork promising to pay the bail amount if the defendant does not show up to court. There is no money due up front.
If the defendant does not show up, the full amount of the bail will be due to the court and the people who signed the paperwork will be responsible for paying the court and the court will send the sheriff’s department to arrest you.
Cash bonds and PR bonds are types of unsecured bonds because you are not securing it with any money down. In bond terms, a surety is a person who will be responsible for making sure that you will show to court and will be responsible to pay the bond if the arrested person does not show up.
Surety can be family, friend or a bondsperson. Your attorney cannot act as a surety.
You can put a deposit down for your neighbor’s car and sign an agreement that the car will be paid off at a later date. Cash percentage in lieu of bonds is when the defendant pays a percentage of the bail amount, usually 10%, to the court which then holds the money until the case is over.
The amount is returned to the person who paid the 10% after the case is over. In most cases, the full amount is not returned if there are court fees or fines due. This is a type of surety bond if another person signs the bond paperwork.
You could sign an agreement that if the car were not paid off, that your neighbor would get your house or something of value.
A property bond is a bond that the courts might consider in which the bond is pledged in land or home real estate (mobile homes are not accepted).
Usually, the property must be in the same state as the courts, and it must be worth at least 1 ½ - 2 times the amount of the bond.
There are multiple court fees involved to execute a property bond with the courts and a tedious process to get the property deed back. This is another type of surety bond if another person or a bond company is used to secure the bond.
You could also go to a local bank and take out a car loan offering property or anything of value for collateral. You may get someone to co-sign on the loan and offer their property. The bank charges fees, interest and could keep your property if you did not pay the loan back, or even on time.
A professional bondsperson makes money, at least 10% of the bond amount by providing you with a “loan” called a bond. The percent that they charge is fixed by the state and cannot be negotiated. The defendant or surety does not get that 10% or more back even if the terms of the bail are met.
With a property bond, the property deed would need to be signed over to the bondsperson and everyone on the deed would need to be involved.
Since the bondsperson signed off, to be responsible that you show to court as your surety, they can send a bounty hunter to bring you to court if you flee. A bondsperson does not have to give you a bond if the defendant seems to be too much of a risk.
Ask the bondsperson to explain all the costs: percentage, fees or court fees. There is never a reason to rush through signing the paperwork with a bond company. Make sure that everything told to you is in writing and that you understand what you are signing. Ask questions, and if you feel rushed or don’t understand the contract with the bond company, you might want to call another one.
(There have been phone scams where a bond company calls and informs a person that their family member has been arrested and they ask for financial information. A bondsperson will not call asking for money without involvement of the arrested.)
Does Allegheny County Pennsylvania have bail?
Yes, Allegheny County recognizes most types of bonds.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Allegheny County?
Bail in Allegheny County is available in several different forms including release on recognizance (ROR), release on non-monetary conditions, non-secured bail, nominal bail and monetary conditions.
Who can set bail in Pennsylvania?
Bail is set by a judge, either at a District Court or the Court of Common Pleas.
When is bail set in Pennsylvania?
Bail will be set during the first/initial court hearing, also called an arraignment. This court hearing may be the same day as the arrest or the next day depending on the court schedule. Hearings are not held on weekends or holidays.
Can I get the bail or bond reduced in Allegheny County Pennsylvania?
Yes, your attorney may file a request for bail reduction or modification.
In Allegheny County Pennsylvania, who can pay bail for me?
The person posting bail should be a relative or close friend, called a surety, because they are promising and taking responsibility that you will return to court to get their money back.
A surety is not responsible for court fees or paying off personal debts for the defendant. A professional bondsperson who is approved by the State of Pennsylvania could be the surety and execute a bond to the court on your behalf.
Can bail be paid online in Allegheny County Pennsylvania?
Yes, all Pennsylvania counties offer online bail payment.
You can also contact the jail by going to the Allegheny County Jail for more information about online bail payments in Allegheny County.
In the alternative, the Allegheny County Clerk of Court or District Court staff can assist during working hours.
What options are there to pay bail in Allegheny County Pennsylvania?
Cash, credit card, or debit card. Access the PA ePay Bail option.
Please contact the jail for specific information on how to pay cash. Go to the Allegheny County Jail for more information about posting bail in Allegheny County.
Will I get all my bond money back in Pennsylvania?
Bail money is returned to the person who paid the bail; in whole or in part once the case is finished. There may be fees, restitution (money to pay for damage caused by the crime) or fines that come out of that amount. If you used a bondsperson, you would not get your 10% back. Property is returned by the court or bondsperson after the appropriate requests and formal paperwork are completed with the court.
Can I get bail or a bond with no money down in Allegheny County?
The judge or officer who sets bail determines which kind of bail will be an option for you, but a cash bond and PR bonds usually do not require cash down, though you might have to pay court fees.
A cash bond or a personal recognizance (PR) bond are bonds where someone representing the defendant signs paperwork promising to pay the bail amount if the defendant does not show up to court. There is no money due up front.
If the defendant does not show up, the full amount of the bail will be due to the court and the people who signed the paperwork will be responsible for paying the court and the court will send the sheriff’s department to arrest you.
Cash bonds and PR bonds are types of unsecured bonds because you are not securing it with any money down. In bond terms, a surety is a person who will be responsible to make sure that you will show to court and will be responsible to pay the bond if the arrested person does not show up. A surety can be family, friend or a bondsperson. Your attorney cannot act as a surety.
What are the least expensive and affordable bail bonds in Pennsylvania?
The Allegheny County Jail or court in this jurisdiction can provide you with a list of approved and licensed bond companies, but they cannot recommend a specific company. You are not obligated to use the first company available and can call several companies to compare what kind of bonds that the bondsperson is willing to execute.
The percentage of bail that the bond company can charge is set, usually at 10%, by the state and cannot be negotiated.