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Misdemeanor Bail Bonds
24/7 Misdemeanor Bail Assistance in Philadelphia
A misdemeanor arrest can leave families uncertain about whether bail is required, where someone is being held, and when release may be possible.
Pennsylvania has different misdemeanor classifications, and not every misdemeanor case requires monetary bail. Center City Bail Bonds provides 24/7 assistance for families throughout Philadelphia and our five-county Pennsylvania service area.
Our team can help you review available bail information, understand the next steps, and discuss professional bond arrangements when appropriate.
Misdemeanor Charges in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania generally grades misdemeanors in three degrees: first-degree (M1), second-degree (M2), and third-degree (M3). They sit above summary offenses, which are the lowest grade of offense, and below felonies.
The grade comes from the specific statute and the facts alleged. The same type of conduct can be a summary offense, a misdemeanor, or a felony depending on circumstances such as value, injury, or prior offenses.
A misdemeanor label does not set a bond amount and does not mean the person must be jailed. Many misdemeanor defendants are released on recognizance or nonmonetary conditions.
Center City Bail Bonds helps with the bail side of the case. We do not provide legal representation or decide release.
Types of Misdemeanor Charges
The three misdemeanor grades and several common misdemeanor charges. A charge is an allegation, and the grade in any case comes from the charging documents.
Misdemeanor Classification
First-Degree Misdemeanors
18 Pa.C.S. § 1104(1)
M1 is the most serious misdemeanor grade. Examples include a first or second retail theft of $150 or more under § 3929, when no felony provision applies.
Charge Classification
General maximum imprisonment of five years. That is a ceiling, not an expected outcome, and many M1 cases end without jail.
Misdemeanor Classification
Second-Degree Misdemeanors
18 Pa.C.S. § 1104(2)
M2 covers mid-level misdemeanors. One example is a second retail theft offense involving merchandise under $150, under § 3929(b)(1)(ii).
Charge Classification
General maximum imprisonment of two years.
Misdemeanor Classification
Third-Degree Misdemeanors
18 Pa.C.S. § 1104(3)
M3 is the lowest misdemeanor grade. Disorderly conduct is an M3 when the person intends to cause substantial harm or serious inconvenience or keeps going after a reasonable warning to stop.
Charge Classification
General maximum imprisonment of one year. Under § 5503(b), disorderly conduct is otherwise a summary offense.
Common Offense Example
Simple Assault
18 Pa.C.S. § 2701
Simple assault includes attempting to cause or causing bodily injury, negligently causing bodily injury with a deadly weapon, or attempting to put someone in fear of imminent serious bodily injury.
Charge Classification
Generally an M2. The statute raises it to M1 in specified circumstances, such as certain offenses against a child under 12 by an adult 18 or older. Mutual fights can be graded lower.
Common Offense Example
Retail Theft
18 Pa.C.S. § 3929
Retail theft covers shoplifting and related conduct such as altering price tags or under-ringing merchandise.
Charge Classification
Can be a summary offense, M2, M1, or a felony. The value of the merchandise and the number of prior retail theft offenses drive the grade.
Common Offense Example
Drug Possession and Other Misdemeanors
35 P.S. § 780-113(a)(16)
Ordinary simple possession of a controlled substance is generally a misdemeanor. Possession with intent to deliver and delivery are separate, more serious charges. See our Drug Charge Bail Bonds guide for the details.
Charge Classification
Many other offenses across Pennsylvania law also carry misdemeanor grades. The specific statute controls.
Pennsylvania Misdemeanor Penalties
Section 1104 sets general maximum prison terms for each misdemeanor grade. These are statutory maximums, not mandatory sentences, and they have nothing to do with bail amounts.
First-Degree (M1)
18 Pa.C.S. § 1104(1)
General maximum imprisonment of 5 years.
Second-Degree (M2)
18 Pa.C.S. § 1104(2)
General maximum imprisonment of 2 years.
Third-Degree (M3)
18 Pa.C.S. § 1104(3)
General maximum imprisonment of 1 year.
- Summary offenses are separate from misdemeanors. Under the general rule in § 1105, the maximum term of imprisonment is 90 days, subject to specific statutory provisions. Many summary matters begin with a citation and never involve arrest, detention, or monetary bail.
- These are possible sentences after a conviction. They are separate from pretrial bail, which the bail authority decides under Rules 523, 524, and 528. Some offenses carry their own penalty provisions, and sentencing guidelines and prior record affect any sentence. No outcome is guaranteed.
Official sources:18 Pa.C.S. § 1104(opens in a new tab)18 Pa.C.S. § 1105(opens in a new tab)18 Pa.C.S. § 106(opens in a new tab)
Types of Bail in Pennsylvania
Rule 524 lists the forms of release a bail authority may order. People charged with misdemeanors are often eligible for release that requires no money at all, and a paid bail bond is only relevant when the court sets monetary bail.
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 Does Misdemeanor Bail Cost?
Pennsylvania has no universal monetary bail amount for M1, M2, or M3 charges, and many misdemeanor cases involve no monetary bail.
When monetary bail is set, the bail authority weighs the Rule 523 criteria, such as the nature of the offense, prior record, employment, and community ties. Rule 528 says the amount must be no greater than necessary to ensure appearance and compliance, and the court must consider the person's financial ability.
A court-authorized percentage deposit is different from a professional bail bond, which has its own written terms.
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. Many misdemeanor cases involve no monetary bail, and this is not 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 HelpCourt-Ordered Bail
The bail authority decides whether any monetary condition applies and sets the amount.
Release Criteria
Rule 523 factors shape the decision. The misdemeanor grade alone does not set a price.
Court Percentage Deposits
A court may allow an eligible percentage deposit under Rule 528. It is not available in every case.
Professional Bail Bonds
A professional surety arrangement may involve fees, collateral, or cosigner obligations set out in writing.
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)
Misdemeanor Bail Bond Payment Options
These questions only matter if the court has set monetary bail. Settle them before signing anything.
Payment Arrangements
We can discuss available arrangements once the bail order is known and the bond is approved.
Collateral
Whether collateral is needed depends on the approved arrangement and its written terms.
Cosigners
A cosigner takes on obligations if the defendant misses court. Read the agreement first.
Written Bond Terms
All fees, duties, and conditions belong in the written agreement. Review them before you sign.
Can You Get Bail for a Misdemeanor?
Most misdemeanor defendants are eligible for release. What the court requires depends on the charge and the person's circumstances.
Charge Classification
An M3 and an M1 are weighed differently, and the specific statute matters more than the label.
Release Without Monetary Bail
Recognizance, unsecured bail, and nonmonetary conditions are common in misdemeanor cases.
Criminal History
Prior record and past compliance with bail are among the Rule 523 factors the court may consider.
Court Appearance Requirements
Every form of release requires attending court. Missing a date can lead to a bench warrant.
Other Warrants or Holds
An open warrant, detainer, or probation hold from another matter can keep someone in custody.
Compliance With Conditions
Breaking a release condition can lead the court to modify or revoke bail.
Official sources:Pa.R.Crim.P. 523(opens in a new tab)Pa.R.Crim.P. 527(opens in a new tab)
What Happens After a Misdemeanor Arrest?
Many misdemeanor cases begin with a summons rather than a custodial arrest, so booking into jail is not inevitable.
Step 1: Arrest or Citation
Police may arrest the person, or the case may start with a summons or citation to appear later.
Step 2: Processing and Identification
After an arrest, processing usually includes fingerprints and photographs. Some summons cases require fingerprinting later.
Step 3: Initial Court Proceedings
After an arrest, the defendant is brought before an issuing authority for preliminary arraignment under Rule 540.
Step 4: Release Determination
The issuing authority decides the type of release and any conditions under Rules 523 and 524.
Step 5: Future Court Responsibilities
The defendant must attend the preliminary hearing and later dates and follow every condition.
Procedures vary by county. No processing or release time is guaranteed. See Pa.R.Crim.P. 540 for preliminary arraignment procedures.
How Misdemeanor Bail Bonds Work
If the court has released someone without monetary bail, no bond is needed. This is what happens when it has not.
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 Case
Share the person's name, county, and where they are held, if known.
Step 2: Confirm Whether Bail Is Required
We check what is known about the bail order. If no monetary bail applies, we will tell you that.
Step 3: Review Available Options
If monetary bail is set, we explain whether a professional bond arrangement may be available.
Step 4: Complete Any Authorized Arrangement
Review the written terms, complete the paperwork, and follow the posting procedure.
Step 5: Understand Court Responsibilities
The defendant must appear at every date and follow all conditions. Cosigners should know their duties.
Misdemeanor Bail Bonds FAQs
Answers to common questions about misdemeanor bail bonds in Pennsylvania.
Usually, yes. Most people charged with misdemeanors are eligible for release, often without monetary bail. The bail authority decides the type of release and any conditions.
There is no set price. Many misdemeanor cases involve no monetary bail. When it is set, the court weighs the Rule 523 criteria and the person's financial ability under Rule 528.
A first-degree misdemeanor, the most serious misdemeanor grade. The general maximum imprisonment is five years under 18 Pa.C.S. § 1104.
A second-degree misdemeanor, with a general maximum of two years of imprisonment. Simple assault is a common M2 charge.
A third-degree misdemeanor, the lowest misdemeanor grade, with a general maximum of one year of imprisonment.
No. Summary offenses are a lower grade with a general maximum of 90 days under § 1105, and they follow separate court procedures.
Yes. Release on recognizance, unsecured bail, and nonmonetary conditions require no payment at release.
No. Many are never held beyond processing, and a misdemeanor charge does not require jail. Each case depends on its facts and the court's decisions.
Yes. An existing warrant, probation detainer, or hold from another county can keep someone in custody even after misdemeanor bail is resolved.
There is no guaranteed time. It depends on the arraignment schedule, the bail decision, facility processing, and any other holds.
We can discuss currently available arrangements when monetary bail is set. Fees and obligations are confirmed in the written 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 misdemeanor 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 Misdemeanor Bail Bond?
If someone you know was arrested on a misdemeanor charge, our team can help you find out whether bail was set and what release requires. We are available 24 hours a day.
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