Somerset County Jail Inmate Bail & Bonds
Bail and bond basics for Somerset County
Somerset County is in the Laurel Highlands along the Turnpike. Most arrests in Somerset, Windber, Meyersdale, and Berlin lead to the Somerset County Jail. Inmate search: Somerset County Inmate Search.
Is my relative in the Somerset County jail?
Check the Somerset County Inmate Search first.
For questions, reach the Somerset County Jail, 127 East Fairview Street, Somerset, PA 15501 (814-445-1500).
Tips for the call:
- Share the person's legal name.
- Give their date of birth.
- Ask whether bail is set.
Charge details may not be shared.
Where is the courthouse in Somerset County?
The Somerset County Courthouse is at 111 E. Union Street, Somerset, PA 15501 (814-445-1473).
The Clerk of Courts office in Somerset keeps criminal files and bail papers (Pa.R.Crim.P. 535(C)).
Ask which payment forms they accept.
Which Somerset County district judge has the case?
Each MDJ office covers certain towns (Pa.R.Crim.P. 130). Find offices on the UJS MDJ directory. Docket numbers start with MJ on the UJS Portal.
The arrest papers list the MDJ office.
After a Somerset County arrest, who sets bail?
In Somerset County, a magisterial district judge usually sets bail (Pa.R.Crim.P. 540; 42 Pa.C.S. §1515(a)(4)). This happens at 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)). Common Pleas may change it later (Pa.R.Crim.P. 529(c)).
What should we expect at a Somerset arraignment?
The judge reads the complaint aloud (Pa.R.Crim.P. 540(F)). No one argues the evidence yet (Pa.R.Crim.P. 540(F)). The defendant gets a copy (Pa.R.Crim.P. 540(C)). The judge explains the bail terms (Pa.R.Crim.P. 540(F)). Next comes a date for the preliminary hearing (Pa.R.Crim.P. 540(G)). If held only on this case, it comes within 14 days (Pa.R.Crim.P. 540(G)). Otherwise, it is set within 21 days (Pa.R.Crim.P. 540(G)).
What kinds of bail can Somerset County judges set?
There are five kinds of release (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 token sum like $1.
- Monetary condition: Money bail, no higher than needed.
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.).
How do Somerset County judges decide on bail?
All known facts must be weighed (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)). The prior record and any past flight count (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.).
Will my loved one get bail in Somerset County?
Most charges allow bail (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). Any denial must be explained (Pa.R.Crim.P. 520(A)).
Do we pay the full amount in Somerset County?
Money bail has to be reasonable (Pa.R.Crim.P. 528(B)). Your loved one's finances must be considered (Pa.R.Crim.P. 528(A)). Sometimes a 10% deposit is enough (Pa.R.Crim.P. 528(C)). Cash and some government bonds are accepted (Pa.R.Crim.P. 528(D)(1)–(2)). So can real estate or a bondsman (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 Somerset County bail?
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 any refund goes 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)). Staff must explain this before you pay (Pa.R.Crim.P. 535(B)).
What rules apply to a Somerset bondsman?
A bondsman needs an insurance producer license (42 Pa.C.S. §5742). They must register with the Somerset County Clerk of Courts (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 also an offense (42 Pa.C.S. §5749). A lawyer cannot act as surety for a client (Pa.R.Crim.P. 531(B)).
What rules come with release in Somerset County?
Every bond has the same basic rules (Pa.R.Crim.P. 526(A)):
- Show up for all hearings.
- Obey later court orders.
- Report a move within 48 hours.
- Never threaten a witness or victim.
- Stay out of trouble with the law.
Judges can add reporting or travel rules (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 if someone skips court in Somerset County?
The judge may issue a bench warrant (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).
Contact the Clerk of Courts office in Somerset as soon as possible.
Who can reduce bail in Somerset County?
Early on, the MDJ can change it (Pa.R.Crim.P. 529(a)). Either side may ask (Pa.R.Crim.P. 529(a)). The preliminary hearing is another chance (Pa.R.Crim.P. 529(b)). A motion can go to the Somerset County Court of Common Pleas (Pa.R.Crim.P. 529(c)). From then on, only Common Pleas can change it (Pa.R.Crim.P. 529(d)).
How are bail refunds handled in Somerset 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). Acceptance into ARD ends the bail period (Pa.R.Crim.P. 534 cmt.).
Ask the Somerset County Clerk of Courts about refund timing.
Can we get a free lawyer in Somerset County?
The right to a free lawyer is explained early (Pa.R.Crim.P. 540(F)(1); Pa.R.Crim.P. 122). Ask about the Somerset County Public Defender. Counsel can file a bail motion (Pa.R.Crim.P. 529(c)).
What if someone waits months in a Somerset 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)).
What happens when a Somerset County teen is arrested?
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 child has the right to counsel (42 Pa.C.S. §6332).
Does a Somerset County bond cover federal charges?
Somerset County is in the Western District of Pennsylvania (28 U.S.C. §118). The nearest clerk's office is at 319 Washington Street, Johnstown, PA 15901. A federal judge decides release (18 U.S.C. §3142).
A county bond does not cover it.
What should we confirm before paying Somerset County bail?
Call the Clerk of Courts office in Somerset and the Somerset County Jail before you go.
- Ask about hours.
- Ask what payment they take.
- Bring photo ID.
- Have the docket number handy.
Somerset County bail contacts
- Jail / booking
- Somerset County Jail, 127 East Fairview Street, Somerset, PA 15501, 814-445-1500
- Courthouse
- Somerset County Courthouse, 111 E. Union Street, Somerset, PA 15501, 814-445-1473
- Judicial district
- 16th Judicial District
- Public defender
- Somerset County Public Defender
- Federal court
- U.S. District Court, Western District, 319 Washington Street, Johnstown, PA 15901, 814-533-4504
- Inmate search
- Somerset County Inmate Search
Judges set release terms case by case. Nothing here is legal advice.
Somerset County Jail
Address:
127 East Fairview Street
Somerset, PA 15501
Phone:
814-445-1500
Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in Somerset County
Does Somerset County have bail?
What kind of bonds are accepted in Somerset County?
Who can set bail in Somerset County?
When is bail set in Somerset County Pennsylvania?
Does Somerset County have bail?
Yes, Somerset County recognizes most types of bonds.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Somerset County?
Bail in Somerset 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 Somerset County?
Bail is set by a judge, either at a District Court or the Court of Common Pleas.
When is bail set in Somerset 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 Somerset 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 Somerset 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 Somerset 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, Somerset 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 Somerset 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 Somerset County Pennsylvania have bail?
Yes, Somerset County recognizes most types of bonds.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Somerset County?
Bail in Somerset 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 Somerset County Pennsylvania?
Yes, your attorney may file a request for bail reduction or modification.
In Somerset 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 Somerset County Pennsylvania?
Yes, all Pennsylvania counties offer online bail payment.
You can also contact the jail by going to the Somerset County Jail for more information about online bail payments in Somerset County.
In the alternative, the Somerset County Clerk of Court or District Court staff can assist during working hours.
What options are there to pay bail in Somerset 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 Somerset County Jail for more information about posting bail in Somerset 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 Somerset 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 Somerset 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.