Bail, Bonds, Detectives and Constables

Bail

Bail may be posted at the Clerk of Courts Office for cases at the Court of Common Pleas from 8:30AM to 4:00PM Monday through Friday. Payments may be made by cash, certified check, money order and online by credit card through PAePay. 

During non-business bail acceptance hours, bail may be posted at the Chester County Prison. You must call the Prison in advance at 610-344-5040. The Prison accepts credit card payments through PAePay and cash up to $9,500.

For more information, please see the procedure for posting of bail after hours.

Bonds & Bondsman

A bail bondsman is a person who engages in the business of giving bail as surety for compensation. Under Title 42 Pa.C.S.A. 5741 and 5742 and Act 16, a professional bondsman must be “registered and currently licensed as a professional bondsman by the Insurance Department” … “and has filed a copy of his/her license in the office of the clerk” in order to be licensed as a surety. Requirements for application for bail bondsman license are:

  • A copy of the license issued to the bail bondsman by the department.
  • A statement identifying an office address for service of legal process.
  • A qualifying power of attorney issued by an insurer authorizing the bail bondsman as a producer on behalf of the insurer. The qualifying power of attorney must set forth, in clear and unambiguous terms, the maximum monetary authority of the bail bondsman per bond.
  • Bail Bondsmen Authorized to Act as Sureties in Chester County


Detective Licenses

A private detective is a licensed citizen who is authorized by the court to conduct investigations in criminal and civil matters. It is unlawful to act as a private detective without obtaining a license.

Constable

A constable is an elected or appointed officer of a municipality whose duties are similar to those of a sheriff, though with less authority and within a smaller jurisdiction. Constables serve two main functions:

  • Preserve the peace specifically at the polls during primary and general elections.
  • Perform judicial duties to serve writs, warrants, bail pieces, etc. which can include finding and transporting defendants to prison.

To become an appointed Constable or Deputy Constable, an Appointment Petition must be filed in the Clerk of Courts Office before being presented to the President Judge.

Constable Information

For more information about constables and constable service, contact the District Court Administration Office at 610-344-6173.

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