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1. Where are fines, court costs and restitution paid?

Fines, costs and restitution are paid in the Butler County Clerk of Court's office located on the first floor of the Butler County Courthouse. Make checks payable to:

• Clerk of Courts
  124 W Diamond Street
  P.O. Box 1208
  Butler, PA 16003 
• Phone: 724-284-5233

2. Do I need a landline phone while on House Arrest/Electronic Monitoring?

You will continually maintain telephone service by either or both cell and landline service. You must always be able to contact or receive calls from your Adult Probation Officer or Electronic Monitoring (EM) Specialist for the duration of supervision under electronic monitoring. Electricity and telephone are required. If either is disconnected you must contact your assigned Adult Probation Officer and EM Specialist immediately. Electronic Monitoring reserves the right to require you to maintain a private telephone line. If EM requires you to do so, you will be responsible for all expenses surrounding the telephone line. 

Failure to maintain the telephone line may disqualify you from the electronic monitoring program. If this occurs your Probation Officer will be contacted.

3. May someone on probation or parole have a firearm?

Offenders under active supervision may not have any weapons, including but not limited to, rifles, shotguns, or handguns on their person, in their residence, or in their vehicle. Additionally, if someone is convicted of a crime that could have carried a maximum penalty of more than two years, or involved a firearm or explosive, they are prohibited from owning or possessing any firearm(s) under the provisions of the Federal Gun Control Act Of 1968 and 1986.

4. May someone on probation or parole leave the state?

Someone under active supervision may only leave Pennsylvania with a temporary travel permit issued by their probation officer. Offenders should request a travel permit well in advance of their anticipated departure date.

5. How are fines, court costs, and restitution determined?

Some of the fines are mandated by law, while others are determined by the Court. Costs are mandated by law or local rule. Restitution is determined based on the amount of damage incurred.

6. How can I find out how much I owe for costs, fines, and restitution?

View the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System website for the lists of all outstanding amounts due by docket number.

7. What is the difference between a county and a state sentence?

Generally a sentence of confinement requires a minimum and a maximum time. In Pennsylvania, a state sentence is one with a maximum of 2 years or more. The Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole is the paroling and supervising authority in state sentences. A county sentence is one in which the maximum sentence is 2 years minus 1 day or less. The sentencing judge grants parole in a county sentence and the county parole office supervises these offenders