Valley Jail Section (Van Nuys Station)

How Is Bail Set at the Valley Jail Section?

By Jane Un, licensed bail agent #1843448. Updated October 29, 2026.

Bail for someone at the Valley Jail Section comes from the Los Angeles Superior Court's 2026 Felony Bail Schedule, plus enhancements, or from the misdemeanor schedule. Some people qualify for release at $0 before arraignment. The jail can tell you the amount, and (213) 473-6100 gives booking information around the clock.

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Who decides the bail amount in Van Nuys?

Bail at the Valley Jail Section follows the county's schedule. The Los Angeles Superior Court publishes a 2026 Felony Bail Schedule, effective January 1, 2026. It lists a base bail for each offense, and enhancements can add to it. The court's worksheet on page 11 shows how the total is built.

The schedule does not bind the judge. At arraignment, a judge may set the amount differently. The court also cites the 2021 Humphrey decision, which says release cannot depend only on a person's ability to pay.

How do I find the amount?

Ask the jail. Call the Valley Jail Section at (818) 374-9645 or the county line at (213) 473-6100. Have the full name, date of birth and booking number ready.

We cannot say that the online lookup shows bail, because we have not confirmed that. Do not rely on it. A phone call is surer.

You can also read the schedule on the court's site, but charges are complicated and a jail staffer can tell you the actual number faster. Our guide to bail in California breaks the math down. Our search page covers finding the record itself.

Can my Valley loved one be released with no bail?

Maybe. Since October 1, 2023, the court's pre-arraignment protocol lets eligible people go home before arraignment without paying. The offense is marked CR (cite and release), BR (book and release) or MR (magistrate review). CR and BR people go on a promise to appear, at $0 bail.

Some people do not qualify. Capital offenses, certain listed offenses and some with enhancements need money bail or a hold until arraignment. Others on felony probation or parole, or with several missed court dates, go to a magistrate.

Read more in our pre-arraignment release guide.

Can the amount be lowered before the first court date?

The schedule allows a request. An attorney, friend or family member can ask the magistrate for a lower amount, or for release on own recognizance, by calling the court's Pre-Arraignment Support Unit at (213) 633-6350. The call must come within two hours of booking. The unit is open 24 hours.

Police may also ask to raise bail within the same two hours. There is no reduction before arraignment for offenses under Penal Code 1270.1.

Arraignment typically happens within 48 hours of arrest unless a holiday or weekend gets in the way. At that hearing the judge can review the amount again.

What do I do once I know the number?

You can post it in cash, by cashier's check or money order, or by surety bond. LAPD jails take bail 24 hours a day. If cash is not close, a bond lets you pay a premium. Try the calculator or apply online. The rate is filed with the California Department of Insurance. 1% down is the start of a payment plan, and approval is required.

If the person moves to county custody, the amount stays with the case. See the Inmate Reception Center or the women's jail in Lynwood for the next location.

Why do two people with the same charge differ?

Enhancements change the number. A weapon, a prior case or a protected victim can add to the base amount in the schedule. Two people with the same main charge can end up with different totals.

Always ask for the final figure from the jail, not a number from a website or a friend. If the amount seems out of reach, call a licensed agent to talk options. A bond payment plan can help, and approval is required.

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

What schedule applies to felonies?

The Los Angeles Superior Court's 2026 Felony Bail Schedule, effective January 1, 2026.

Will the lookup show bail?

We have not confirmed that it does. Ask the jail or call (213) 473-6100.

Can I ask for a lower amount?

Before arraignment, call the Pre-Arraignment Support Unit at (213) 633-6350 within two hours of booking.

Is $0 bail possible?

Yes, for eligible CR and BR arrestees under the pre-arraignment protocol. Many serious offenses are not eligible.

Does the amount change at court?

The judge at arraignment is not bound by the pre-arraignment amount and can review it.

More about Valley Jail Section (Van Nuys Station)

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.