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Felony Bail Bonds
24/7 Felony Bail Assistance in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania
A felony arrest can involve serious charges, court proceedings, and questions about whether bail is available.
Center City Bail Bonds provides 24/7 assistance for families seeking information about felony-related bail requirements throughout Philadelphia and our five-county Pennsylvania service area.
Whether the charges involve aggravated assault, burglary, robbery, drug offenses, or another felony allegation, our team can help you understand the available bail information, review possible arrangements, and prepare for the next steps. Release eligibility and conditions are determined by the court.
Felony Charges in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania law classifies many serious criminal offenses as felonies. Felony charges can involve violence, property crimes, weapons, controlled substances, and other conduct defined by statute.
The precise felony grading depends on the offense and its applicable statutory provisions. Pennsylvania generally uses first-degree, second-degree, and third-degree felony classifications, while murder and certain other offenses have separate sentencing rules.
A felony allegation does not automatically determine the bail amount or whether the defendant can be released. The appropriate bail authority determines release eligibility and conditions under Pennsylvania law. For some serious offenses and circumstances, bail may be denied.
Center City Bail Bonds helps families understand the bail-related process, but does not determine bail eligibility, provide criminal defense representation, or guarantee release.
Types of Felony Charges
Common felony allegations and how Pennsylvania grades them. A charge is an allegation, not a conviction, and the exact grade in any case comes from the charging documents.
Aggravated Assault
18 Pa.C.S. § 2702
Covers allegations such as causing or attempting to cause serious bodily injury, causing bodily injury with a deadly weapon, or assaulting specified protected persons such as police officers or emergency workers.
Charge Classification
First-degree or second-degree felony depending on the subsection. Some subsections involving bodily injury to certain protected persons are graded differently, so the specific subsection matters.
Robbery
18 Pa.C.S. § 3701
Robbery involves a theft accompanied by force, injury, or threats, as described in the statute. The grade depends on the level of injury or threat alleged.
Charge Classification
First-degree felony when serious bodily injury is inflicted or threatened, or a first- or second-degree felony is committed or threatened. Second-degree felony for bodily injury or fear of it, and for certain demands on financial institutions. Third-degree felony when property is taken by force however slight.
Burglary
18 Pa.C.S. § 3502
Burglary involves entering a building or occupied structure with intent to commit a crime inside, unless the premises were open to the public or the person was licensed or privileged to enter.
Charge Classification
Under § 3502(c), burglary is generally a first-degree felony. An offense under § 3502(a)(4) is generally a second-degree felony, but it remains a first-degree felony when the intent is to commit theft of a controlled substance or designer drug. Grading turns on the specific subsection charged, not only on whether the building was occupied.
Felony Theft
18 Pa.C.S. § 3903
Theft offenses are graded by the value and type of property involved. Many thefts are misdemeanors, but the statute raises the grade for higher values and certain kinds of property.
Charge Classification
Can become a felony based on value, such as amounts over $2,000, or the type of property, such as a firearm or motor vehicle. Higher values carry higher felony grades under the statute.
Firearm Offenses
18 Pa.C.S. §§ 6105, 6106
Section 6105 prohibits possession by persons with certain disqualifying convictions or circumstances. Section 6106 addresses carrying a firearm without a license. These are separate offenses with separate elements.
Charge Classification
Section 6105 violations are generally felonies, with grading tied to the disqualifying offense. Carrying without a license under § 6106 is generally a third-degree felony, with a misdemeanor exception in specified circumstances.
Felony Drug Charges
35 P.S. § 780-113
Pennsylvania's Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act addresses manufacturing, delivering, or possessing with intent to deliver controlled substances, among other conduct.
Charge Classification
Manufacture, delivery, or possession with intent to deliver under § 780-113(a)(30) is graded as a felony, with maximum penalties set by § 780-113(f) according to the substance and schedule. Simple possession under § 780-113(a)(16) is generally a misdemeanor. Other subsections carry different grading.
Pennsylvania Felony Sentencing Limits
Section 1103 sets general maximum prison terms for each felony grade, and § 1101 sets general maximum fines. These are statutory ceilings, not predictions. Sentencing is separate from bail and applies only after a conviction.
First-Degree Felony
18 Pa.C.S. § 1103(1)
General maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. General maximum fine of $25,000 under § 1101.
Second-Degree Felony
18 Pa.C.S. § 1103(2)
General maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. General maximum fine of $25,000 under § 1101.
Third-Degree Felony
18 Pa.C.S. § 1103(3)
General maximum term of imprisonment of 7 years. General maximum fine of $15,000 under § 1101.
- Murder and certain other offenses have separate sentencing provisions under § 1102.
- Some offenses carry their own statutory penalties, and sentencing guidelines, prior record, and the facts found by the court affect any sentence. No sentence is guaranteed.
Official sources:18 Pa.C.S. § 1101(opens in a new tab)18 Pa.C.S. § 1102(opens in a new tab)18 Pa.C.S. § 1103(opens in a new tab)
Types of Bail in Pennsylvania
Rule 524 lists the forms of release a bail authority may order. A felony charge does not automatically require monetary bail, and the court chooses the type of release and any conditions based on the case.
Release on Recognizance
Release on a written promise to appear in court and follow the bail conditions, with no money required.
Release on Nonmonetary Conditions
Release on recognizance plus conditions set by the court, such as reporting requirements or travel restrictions. Rule 527 describes these conditions.
Unsecured Bail
The person agrees to be liable for a set amount if they fail to appear or follow conditions, but nothing is deposited at release.
Nominal Bail
Release after depositing a nominal amount, such as one dollar, with a designated person or organization acting as surety.
Monetary Bail
Release after depositing the full amount or another security the court accepts. A professional bail bond is one way to meet a monetary condition when the court permits it.
Official sources:Pa.R.Crim.P. 524 (Types of Release on Bail)(opens in a new tab)
How Much Is Bail for a Felony?
There is no standard bail amount for a felony in Pennsylvania. Under Rule 523, the bail authority considers factors such as the nature of the offense, the person's employment, family and community ties, prior record, history of court appearances, and other information relevant to appearance and compliance.
Rule 528 requires that the amount of any monetary condition not be greater than necessary to reasonably ensure the defendant's appearance and compliance, and that the court consider the defendant's financial ability.
A professional bail bond arrangement is different from a court-authorized percentage deposit. Center City Bail Bonds can discuss available assistance once the court has set bail.
Pennsylvania Bail Calculator
Enter a court-ordered monetary bail amount to see the full amount and an illustrative 10% court deposit. A percentage deposit applies only when the court authorizes it. This is not a felony bail predictor or a quote for our services.
Pennsylvania Bail Calculator
Full Monetary Bail
$10,000.00
Example 10% Court Deposit
$1,000.00
Illustration Only. Requires Court Authorization.
This calculator provides an example only. The court determines bail and whether a percentage deposit is allowed. It does not estimate bail bond company fees, guarantee release, or represent a payment quote. Contact Center City Bail Bonds to discuss your situation.
Get Bail HelpThe Court-Ordered Amount
The bail authority decides whether monetary bail applies and sets the amount required.
Release Criteria
Rule 523 factors, including the charge, history, and community ties, shape the court's decision. The felony grade alone does not set the amount.
Court Percentage Deposits
A court may permit an eligible percentage deposit under Rule 528. This is not automatically available in every felony case.
Professional Bail Bonds
A professional surety arrangement may involve fees, written obligations, and security requirements separate from any court deposit.
Official sources:Pa.R.Crim.P. 523 (Release Criteria)(opens in a new tab)Pa.R.Crim.P. 528 (Monetary Condition of Release)(opens in a new tab)
Felony Bail Bond Payment Options
Felony bail amounts can be significant. Settle these questions before signing anything.
Payment Arrangements
Center City Bail Bonds can discuss available payment arrangements after the bail order and financial terms are confirmed.
Collateral
Whether collateral is required depends on the approved bond arrangement and its written terms.
Cosigners
A cosigner may take on contractual and financial responsibilities, including if the defendant misses court. Understand them before signing.
Written Bond Terms
Review all fees, obligations, court conditions, and contractual requirements before completing paperwork.
Can You Get Bail for a Felony?
Most people charged with a felony in Pennsylvania are eligible for bail, but not everyone. Article I, Section 14 of the Pennsylvania Constitution and Rule 520 set out the exceptions.
Bail Is Generally Available
Under the Pennsylvania Constitution, persons are bailable by sufficient sureties before verdict, subject to specific exceptions. A felony charge alone does not remove eligibility.
Capital and Life Offenses
Bail may be denied for capital offenses or offenses carrying a maximum sentence of life imprisonment when the proof is evident or presumption great.
Public Safety Exception
Bail may also be denied when no condition or combination of conditions other than imprisonment will reasonably assure the safety of any person and the community, when the proof is evident or presumption great.
Release Conditions
When release is granted, the court may add nonmonetary conditions such as reporting, travel restrictions, or no-contact orders. Posting a bond does not remove any condition.
Other Holds
Detainers, probation or parole holds, warrants from other counties, and other open matters can keep a person in custody even after bail is satisfied in one case.
Revocation and Modification
Bail can be modified or revoked under the court rules, including after a violation of conditions or a missed court date.
Official sources:Pa. Const. Art. I, § 14(opens in a new tab)Pa.R.Crim.P. 520(opens in a new tab)Pa.R.Crim.P. 527(opens in a new tab)
What Happens After a Felony Arrest?
This is the legal and custody side of a typical case. Procedures vary by county.
Step 1: Arrest
A felony arrest may follow an investigation, a warrant, or an on-scene arrest. The person is taken into custody and transported for processing.
Step 2: Booking and Processing
Processing usually includes identification, fingerprinting, photographs, and arrest records. Timing varies by agency and facility.
Step 3: Preliminary Arraignment
Under Rule 540, the defendant is brought before an issuing authority, who provides the complaint, explains rights, and sets bail when bail is permitted. In Philadelphia, this is handled through the Arraignment Court Magistrates.
Step 4: Bail Decision
The bail authority applies the release criteria and decides the type of release and any conditions. Bail may be denied only under the constitutional exceptions.
Step 5: Release and Court Dates
When release is authorized and requirements are met, custody processing proceeds. The defendant must follow all conditions and attend the preliminary hearing and later proceedings.
A felony case usually moves from preliminary arraignment to a preliminary hearing, where the court decides whether the case proceeds. No release time is guaranteed, and other holds can delay release.
How Felony Bail Bonds Work
This is what you and Center City do together. It runs alongside the court process above.
For the general process in any case, see How Bail Bonds Work in Pennsylvania.
Need help understanding the bail process?
Get Bail HelpStep 1: Tell Us About the Arrest
Share the person's name, date of birth, county, facility if known, and any booking or docket number.
Step 2: Confirm the Bail Order
We review what is known about the court's decision, including the type of bail, the amount, and any conditions or holds.
Step 3: Review Available Options
Our team explains whether a professional bond arrangement may be available and what information or security is needed.
Step 4: Complete the Bond Arrangement
If an arrangement is approved, review the written terms, complete the paperwork, and follow the posting procedures.
Step 5: Understand Court Responsibilities
After release, the person must follow every condition and attend all hearings. Anyone with obligations under the bond should understand them.
Felony Bail Bonds FAQs
Answers to common questions about felony bail bonds in Pennsylvania.
In most cases, yes. The Pennsylvania Constitution makes people bailable before verdict, with exceptions for capital offenses, offenses with a maximum of life imprisonment, and cases where no condition will reasonably assure public safety, when the proof is evident or presumption great.
There is no fixed felony bail amount. The bail authority sets any monetary condition using the Rule 523 criteria, and Rule 528 says it should be no greater than necessary to ensure appearance and compliance.
The seriousness of the charge is one factor the court considers, but Pennsylvania does not set bail by felony grade. Prior record, community ties, and other criteria also matter.
Yes, but only in limited circumstances under Article I, Section 14 and Rule 520. Most felony defendants are eligible for some form of release.
They are felony grades. Under 18 Pa.C.S. § 1103, the general maximum prison terms are 20 years for a first-degree felony, 10 years for second-degree, and 7 years for third-degree. Some offenses have their own penalty rules.
Aggravated assault is generally bailable, subject to the court's decision and any conditions. The amount and terms depend on the subsection charged and the Rule 523 criteria.
These charges are generally bailable. The court considers the specific allegations, the person's history, and other release criteria when setting conditions.
A probation or parole detainer can keep someone in custody even after bail is posted on the new charge. We can discuss what is known about any holds.
There is no guaranteed timeline. Release depends on the preliminary arraignment, the bail decision, completed requirements, facility processing, and any other holds.
Missing court can lead to a bench warrant, bail revocation, and possible forfeiture. A cosigner on a bond may also face financial responsibility under the written terms.
We can discuss currently available payment arrangements and approval requirements. Fees, collateral, and obligations are confirmed in the written bond agreement.
Our service area includes Philadelphia, Delaware, Montgomery, Bucks and Chester Counties, and our Philadelphia team is available 24 hours a day. Detailed local guides on this site cover Philadelphia, Delaware, Montgomery and Chester Counties.
Counties We Serve
Center City Bail Bonds provides felony bail assistance from its Philadelphia office. Detailed county guides cover Philadelphia, Delaware, Montgomery and Chester Counties.
Philadelphia (Philadelphia County)
Pennsylvania
View Philadelphia County
Delaware County
Pennsylvania
View Delaware County
Montgomery County
Pennsylvania
View Montgomery County
Chester County
Pennsylvania
View Chester County
Need Help With a Felony Bail Bond?
If someone you care about is facing felony charges, Center City Bail Bonds is available 24 hours a day to discuss the bail order, available arrangements, and the next steps. Contact our Philadelphia team for confidential assistance.
1238 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147 · (215) 870-8197
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Center City Bail Bonds
1238 South Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147
24/7 bail assistance