Berks County Jail Inmate Bail & Bonds
Bail and bond basics for Berks County
Berks County centers on the city of Reading in southeastern Pennsylvania. Most arrests in Reading, Wyomissing, Kutztown, and Boyertown lead to the Berks County Jail. Inmate search: Berks County Inmate Search.
How do I find someone in a Berks County jail?
Start with the Berks County Inmate Search.
Booking questions go to the Berks County Jail, 1287 County Welfare Road, Leesport, PA 19533 (610-208-4800).
On the phone:
- Share the person's legal name.
- Add a birth date, if known.
- Ask whether bail is set.
Charge details may not be shared.
Where does Common Pleas sit in Berks County?
Court business happens at the Berks County Courthouse, 633 Court Street, Reading, PA 19601 (610-478-6208).
Bail deposits are kept by the Berks County Clerk of Courts (Pa.R.Crim.P. 535(C)).
Call ahead about hours and payment types.
Which Berks County district judge has the case?
Each MDJ office covers certain towns (Pa.R.Crim.P. 130). The courts list each office on the UJS MDJ page. Search MJ dockets on the UJS Portal.
The arrest papers list the MDJ office.
Who decides bail in Berks County?
For arrests in Berks County, a magisterial district judge usually sets bail (Pa.R.Crim.P. 540; 42 Pa.C.S. §1515(a)(4)). That first hearing is the preliminary arraignment (Pa.R.Crim.P. 540(F)). Bail is set day or night (Pa.R.Crim.P. 520(B)). The hearing may use video (Pa.R.Crim.P. 540(A)). A judge of the Common Pleas court in Reading can review it later (Pa.R.Crim.P. 529(c)).
What is the first Berks County bail hearing like?
The judge reads the complaint aloud (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)). The judge explains the bail terms (Pa.R.Crim.P. 540(F)). A preliminary hearing is then scheduled (Pa.R.Crim.P. 540(G)). If held only on this case, it comes within 14 days (Pa.R.Crim.P. 540(G)). Everyone else gets a hearing date within 21 days (Pa.R.Crim.P. 540(G)).
Which types of bail does Berks County use?
The bail rules name five options (Pa.R.Crim.P. 524(C)):
- ROR: A signed promise to show up.
- 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.
ROR must be considered first (Pa.R.Crim.P. 524 cmt.). No bail may be set to keep someone locked up (Pa.R.Crim.P. 524 cmt.).
What factors shape bail in Berks County?
All known facts must be weighed (Pa.R.Crim.P. 523(A)). The charge, job, and finances count (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 score cannot decide alone (Pa.R.Crim.P. 523 cmt.).
Can bail be denied in Berks County?
Pennsylvania's constitution makes most charges bailable (Pa. Const. art. I, §14). Life-sentence charges are an exception (Pa. Const. art. I, §14). Bail can also be denied for public safety (Pa. Const. art. I, §14). Strong evidence is required (Pa. Const. art. I, §14). Any denial must be explained (Pa.R.Crim.P. 520(A)).
Do we pay the full amount in Berks County?
The amount must be reasonable (Pa.R.Crim.P. 528(B)). Your loved one's finances must be considered (Pa.R.Crim.P. 528(A)). A 10% deposit may be allowed (Pa.R.Crim.P. 528(C)). Cash and some government bonds are accepted (Pa.R.Crim.P. 528(D)(1)–(2)). Property or a bondsman's bond also works (Pa.R.Crim.P. 528(D)(3)–(5)). Ask for the itemized receipt (Pa.R.Crim.P. 535(A)).
Am I liable if I post Berks County bail?
Signers risk the full amount (Pa.R.Crim.P. 528(F)). You can instead deposit money without signing (Pa.R.Crim.P. 528(F)). Then any refund goes to the defendant (Pa.R.Crim.P. 528(F)). That money can also cover court costs (Pa.R.Crim.P. 535(E)). Staff must explain this before you pay (Pa.R.Crim.P. 535(B)).
Can we use a bondsman in Berks County?
Bondsmen are licensed by the Insurance Department (42 Pa.C.S. §5742). They also register in Berks County (42 Pa.C.S. §5743.1). The filing lists their limit per bond (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). Your lawyer cannot be the surety (Pa.R.Crim.P. 531(B)).
What rules come with release in Berks County?
Every bond has the same basic rules (Pa.R.Crim.P. 526(A)):
- Show up for all hearings.
- Obey later court orders.
- Give a new address within 48 hours.
- Never threaten a witness or victim.
- No new crimes.
Check-ins or travel limits may follow (Pa.R.Crim.P. 527(A)). Abuse cases weigh danger to the victim (Pa.R.Crim.P. 523 cmt.; 18 Pa.C.S. §2711).
What follows a missed hearing in Berks County?
A bench warrant can follow (Pa.R.Crim.P. 536(A)). Bail can be revoked (Pa.R.Crim.P. 536(A)). The money is not taken right away (Pa.R.Crim.P. 536(A)). Failing to appear is a separate offense (18 Pa.C.S. §5124).
Contact the Berks County Clerk of Courts as soon as possible.
Can bail be lowered in Berks County?
The MDJ can change it early (Pa.R.Crim.P. 529(a)). Either side may ask, after notice (Pa.R.Crim.P. 529(a)). The preliminary hearing is another chance (Pa.R.Crim.P. 529(b)). A motion goes to Common Pleas (Pa.R.Crim.P. 529(c)). From then on, only Common Pleas can change it (Pa.R.Crim.P. 529(d)).
Is cash bail returned in Berks County?
Refunds are due within 20 days (Pa.R.Crim.P. 535(D)). Authorized fees can be taken out (Pa.R.Crim.P. 535(D)). Fees must relate to actual costs (Pa.R.Crim.P. 535 cmt.). The bond lasts through direct appeals (Pa.R.Crim.P. 534). ARD counts as the end (Pa.R.Crim.P. 534 cmt.).
Ask the Clerk of Courts office in Reading about refund timing.
Who helps Berks County families without a lawyer?
The right to a free lawyer is explained early (Pa.R.Crim.P. 540(F)(1); Pa.R.Crim.P. 122). Ask about the Berks County Public Defender. Counsel can file a bail motion (Pa.R.Crim.P. 529(c)).
What if someone waits months in a Berks County jail?
The usual limit is 180 days (Pa.R.Crim.P. 600(B)). A lawyer can then seek release (Pa.R.Crim.P. 600(D)(2)). Some delays are excluded (Pa.R.Crim.P. 600(C)). Non-bailable cases are excluded (Pa.R.Crim.P. 600(B)).
How does juvenile detention work in Berks County?
A child is held only for safety or flight risk (42 Pa.C.S. §6325). Most youth go home from intake (42 Pa.C.S. §6331). A hearing comes within 72 hours (42 Pa.C.S. §6332). The child has the right to counsel (42 Pa.C.S. §6332).
What if the charge is federal in Berks County?
Federal cases go to the U.S. District Court, Eastern District (28 U.S.C. §118). The nearest clerk's office is at 601 Market Street, Room 2609, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Federal release follows its own law (18 U.S.C. §3142).
A county bond does not cover it.
How do we confirm a Berks County bail amount?
Call the Berks County Clerk of Courts and the Berks County Jail before you go.
- Ask about hours.
- Ask what payment they take.
- Bring photo ID.
- Bring the docket number.
Berks County bail contacts
- Jail / booking
- Berks County Jail, 1287 County Welfare Road, Leesport, PA 19533, 610-208-4800
- Courthouse
- Berks County Courthouse, 633 Court Street, Reading, PA 19601, 610-478-6208
- Judicial district
- 23rd Judicial District
- Public defender
- Berks County Public Defender
- Federal court
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District, 601 Market Street, Room 2609, Philadelphia, PA 19106, 215-597-7704
- Inmate search
- Berks County Inmate Search
Judges set release terms case by case. Nothing here is legal advice.
Paying an Inmate's Bail or Bond in Berks County
The Berks County Sheriff recommends that you might want to use a bail bond agent licensed to do business in Berks County.
However if you don't want to use a bail bond agent:
- You can always pay a cash bond yourself, or use your home in Berks County, or in some cases the state of Pennsylvania, but the benefit of using a bail bond agent is that they take responsibility for making sure the inmate shows up for court in Berks County, and if they don't, then they take the financial responsibility.
- The typical fee for a bond in Pennsylvania is between 10-20% of the bail amount; usually 15% or less. So if an offender has a bail of $10,000.00, their bond will be $1,500.00.
- Pay by cash, cashier's check, money order or credit card at the Berks County Jail, or the courthouse in Berks County where the offense took place.
Call 610-208-4800 to find out the exact bond (plus other fees) amount, or look it up online by looking up the information on the Berks County inmate locator.
Berks County Jail
Address:
1287 County Welfare Road
Leesport, PA 19533
Phone:
610-208-4800
Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in Berks County
What kind of bonds are accepted in Berks County?
Who can set bail in Berks County?
When is bail set in Berks County Pennsylvania?
Does Berks County have bail?
Yes, Berks County recognizes most types of bonds.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Berks County?
Bail in Berks 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 Berks County?
Bail is set by a judge, either at a District Court or the Court of Common Pleas.
When is bail set in Berks 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 Berks 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 Berks 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 Berks 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, Berks 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 Berks 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 Berks County Pennsylvania have bail?
Yes, Berks County recognizes most types of bonds.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Berks County?
Bail in Berks 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 Berks County Pennsylvania?
Yes, your attorney may file a request for bail reduction or modification.
In Berks 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 Berks County Pennsylvania?
Yes, all Pennsylvania counties offer online bail payment.
You can also contact the jail by going to the Berks County Jail for more information about online bail payments in Berks County.
In the alternative, the Berks County Clerk of Court or District Court staff can assist during working hours.
What options are there to pay bail in Berks 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 Berks County Jail for more information about posting bail in Berks 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 Berks 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 Berks 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.