Allegheny County Court Arraignment - Pittsburgh, PA

Allegheny County Formal Arraignment Court

Function and Legal Process

The Allegheny County Court Arraignment, specifically located in Room 519 of the historic Allegheny County Courthouse, handles the Formal Arraignment stage of the criminal justice process. This is distinct from the Preliminary Arraignment (which occurs immediately after arrest); the Formal Arraignment takes place after a case has been held for court following a preliminary hearing. At this critical juncture, the Criminal Division of the Court of Common Pleas officially informs defendants of the final charges filed against them by the District Attorney's Office. This proceeding ensures that the defendant is aware of their rights, including the right to legal counsel, the right to file pretrial motions, and the upcoming schedule for their trial or pretrial conference.

• Review of Charges: The official Information (charging document) is presented, listing the specific counts the defendant faces.
• Scheduling: Defendants are assigned a judge and given dates for their Pretrial Conference and potential trial.
• Counsel Assignment: Verification that the defendant has retained a private attorney or requires representation from the Public Defender's Office.
• Bail and Bond: While usually set earlier, bail conditions may be reviewed, and issues regarding bond forfeiture or modification can be addressed administratively.

Location and Courtroom Protocols

Situated within the Allegheny County Courthouse, a National Historic Landmark designed by H.H. Richardson, Room 519 serves as a hub for case flow management. It is not a trial courtroom but an administrative courtroom where procedural steps are finalized. Attendance is mandatory for defendants scheduled for formal arraignment; failure to appear can result in the issuance of a bench warrant. The atmosphere is strictly professional, and visitors must adhere to the decorum of the Court of Common Pleas.

Security and Access

Entry to the Allegheny County Courthouse is heavily regulated. All visitors must pass through metal detectors and x-ray screening at the main entrances on Grant Street or Ross Street. Prohibited items include all weapons, pepper spray, knitting needles, and scissors. While cell phones are generally permitted in the building, they must be silenced and are strictly prohibited from use for recording or photography within any courtroom or hearing room. The facility is accessible to individuals with disabilities, with elevators and ramps available.