Jefferson County Court of Common Pleas Bail Bonds & Bond Information

After arraignment at Jefferson County Court of Common Pleas

In Jefferson County, initial criminal arraignments and bond settings for cases arising in the Steubenville area generally occur in Steubenville Municipal Court (115 South Third Street, Steubenville), a court of limited jurisdiction that handles all misdemeanor criminal and traffic matters and conducts preliminary hearings in felony cases. At arraignment, the municipal judge sets bond, choosing among personal recognizance, cash, 10% deposit, surety, or property bond based on the charge, criminal history, and flight/safety risk. Misdemeanor cases typically remain in the municipal court through resolution. For felonies, the municipal court holds a preliminary hearing, or the matter is presented to a Jefferson County grand jury; if probable cause is found or an indictment is returned, the case is bound over to the Jefferson County Court of Common Pleas, General Division (301 Market Street, Steubenville). There, a Common Pleas judge presides over the felony case and may continue, set, or modify bond at subsequent hearings.