Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC)
How Phone Calls Work for Someone at the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC)
By Jane Un, licensed bail agent #1843448. Updated October 29, 2026.
California law gives a person at least three completed phone calls after booking, no later than three hours after arrest. Calls within the local area are free. They can call a lawyer, a bail agent or a relative. Calls to a lawyer are not monitored. We could not confirm that the public can call in to MDC.
What calls does someone get at MDC after arrest?
Under California Penal Code 851.5, a person who is arrested gets at least three completed calls. They should happen right after booking and no later than three hours after the arrest, unless it is physically impossible. LAPD's custody plan says the same, and says a sign explaining the three calls must be posted.
Calls inside the local calling area are free. If the call is outside it, the person pays. They can call an attorney or public defender, a bail agent, or a relative or other person.
Who should the first calls go to at MDC?
Think about what the person needs most. A lawyer helps with the case. A family member can find money and gather facts. A bail agent can start a bond. Many people burn a call on someone who cannot answer, so tell your loved one ahead of time, if you can, who will pick up.
If they dial us, we can start right away. We ask for the full name, date of birth and booking number. Our number is (213) 725-2815. Our 1% down page explains payment terms, and the full premium is shown there.
Are the calls private?
Calls to an attorney, a religious advisor or a physician are not monitored or recorded, according to LAPD's plan. Other calls may be. Tell your loved one to stay away from talking about the case on any call that is not to their lawyer.
The public defender line printed in LAPD's plan is (213) 974-2811.
What if the person has kids at home?
A custodial parent may ask for two additional free local calls to arrange child care. If that is your situation, tell the booking staff. Arrange who is watching the children before you do anything else, then work on bail.
Can I call MDC and talk to my person?
We could not confirm that people can receive incoming calls at MDC. Assume they cannot, and do not count on it. The jail's number is (213) 356-3400 and it can answer questions about the person, or pass on a message in some cases. Ask them.
For where someone is held, use the 24 hour custody line at (213) 473-6100. If they are moved to county custody, LASD says a person who is not yet classified cannot get calls or visits at all, and that can take weeks. Our MDC inmate search page shows how to keep checking.
How can our family be ready for the call?
Tell everyone close to the person to keep a phone on and answer unknown numbers that night. Pick one person to be the main contact so the three calls are not wasted on people who cannot help. Keep a pen near you. When the call comes, write down the booking number, the charge if they know it, and the name of the jail.
The call may be short. Do not argue, and do not talk about the facts of the case. Ask three things. Where are you held, do you need medicine, and who do you want me to call. Then start on bail. Our release after bail page shows what comes next.
Keep in mind that the jail may not give out much by phone. Be patient and polite.
1% down is a down payment on approved credit, not the price of the bond. The premium is the rate on file with the California Department of Insurance, 10% of the bail amount, or 8% when a private attorney is retained or you or the defendant is a veteran. The balance goes on a payment plan.
Questions people ask
How many free calls do they get?
At least three completed calls after booking, free within the local calling area. Custodial parents may request two more local calls for child care.
Can I reach MDC by TTY?
Yes. LAPD lists the MDC TTY line as (213) 356-3406.
What if they have no phone number memorized?
Write down numbers for them if you can, since phones are often not on them. Give the jail a number to try.
Can a bail agent be called?
Yes. California law lists a bail agent among the people who may be called.
What if there is no answer on the call?
The person may try another number. Leave a voicemail only if it is allowed. Call the jail at (213) 356-3400 to ask about messages.
More about Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC)
Sources
Jane Un Bail Bonds is a private bail agent licensed by the California Department of Insurance, License #1843448. We are not part of LAPD, LASD or the courts. Rules change, so check the official source before you go.