In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, bail is set in almost all cases, including misdemeanors and felonies, except murder cases punishable with a life sentence or the death penalty. Also, a court may deny bail if that is the only possible way to make sure the defendant appears in court.
Most bond agreements include travel restrictions, confining you to a specific geographic area such as your county or state. These limitations are designed to ensure your availability for court dates. If travel is necessary, you must seek prior approval from the court or your bail bondsman.
After an arrest in Pennsylvania, a criminal defendant is taken before a Magisterial District Judge (MDJ) who sets the bail amount. If the defendant pays the bail amount or uses a bail bond service, he or she will be released from jail while awaiting further developments in the case.
In determining the conditions of bail, the court may consider the following factors for a specific case: The nature and severity of the alleged crime and any mitigating or aggravating circumstances regarding the alleged crime. The defendant's employment history, nature of employment, and financial means.
Common Bond Conditions: The Essentials to Know Mandatory Court Appearances. One of the primary conditions of being out on bond is attending all scheduled court appearances. Travel Restrictions. Maintaining a Law-Abiding Lifestyle. No Contact with Certain Individuals. Compliance with Substance Abuse Testing.
Bail is the right to be released from custody before the case is concluded, or sentence is passed, assuming there is no risk of absconding or committing further offences while on bail or attempting to interfere with witnesses or otherwise pervert the course of justice.
WHAT ARE THE FACTORS THAT A JUDGE LOOKS AT WHEN DETERMINING BAIL AMOUNT? The defendant's flight risk. The defendant's criminal history. The severity of the alleged crime. The defendant's ties to the community. The defendant's employment status and financial resources. The defendant's mental health and substance abuse history.
In determining the conditions of bail, the court may consider the following factors for a specific case: The nature and severity of the alleged crime and any mitigating or aggravating circumstances regarding the alleged crime. The defendant's employment history, nature of employment, and financial means.