Central Justice Center Bail Bonds
The Central Justice Center in downtown Santa Ana is Orange County's main criminal courthouse. Whether you have a court date coming up or someone was just taken into custody at court, we can help. Call Chad 24/7.
Orange County bail bonds
Call Chad. We’ll handle it from here.
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bonds
If you qualify (homeowners, active military, law enforcement), bail $20,000 and up: 8% with $0 down, 7% with 2% down, or 6% paid in full on $30,000 and up. See all rates
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Anyone can apply. It takes a few minutes, right from your phone. No office visit.
Apply OnlineHomeowner, active military or law enforcement, with bail of $20,000 or more? You may qualify for Fast Track.
See if you qualifyAbout the Central Justice Center
- It's the main courthouse in the Santa Ana Civic Center, close to the Orange County Jail (IRC) at 550 N. Flower Street.
- This is the big one. It's about 11 stories tall, and it's where most of Orange County's really big criminal cases are heard. That's why it has a full cafeteria and its own smoking area.
- Cash bail questions and the court's automated case information: (657) 622-8459, any time. Court staff answer Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM.
Court Day Guide: Central Justice Center
Getting there
- Chad's parking tip: the main parking structure is to the left of the front door as you face the courthouse from the street. Take a ticket and park close to an elevator or stairwell so it's easy to get out. Then walk in the front entrance.
- Parking here is paid. There's usually an attendant who takes cash or a card. Late at night there's no attendant, so it's easiest to pay with a card.
- There's also a paid parking lot (not a structure) right around the corner. It fills up fast. That lot has an entrance with security on the back side of the building, but most people use the front.
- The court also lists metered street parking and other paid lots around the Civic Center.
- Taking an Uber or getting dropped off? This is the only Orange County courthouse with a big, sweeping pull-up driveway along the road, right by the front doors. The overhang doesn't reach the driveway, but it's only about 10 feet away. On a rainy day, in court clothes or heels, it's the best way to arrive.
- You can't miss it: on the parking lot side of the courthouse is Santa Ana Stadium (Eddie West Field), a huge football stadium where local high schools play.
- Right on the other side of the stadium are the Orange County Men's Central Jail, the Women's Central Jail and the IRC (Intake Release Center), all three attached. The Santa Ana Police Department and its city jail are right there too.
- Picking someone up from the jail after court? There's one big parking structure for all of them, between the stadium and the Santa Ana Police Department. Park there for the IRC, the Men's and Women's jails, or Santa Ana PD.
- Everyone goes through a metal detector, and every bag is X-rayed. No weapons, knives, pocket knives, scissors, pepper spray or mace. Chad's tip: don't bring a vape, especially a marijuana vape. Deputies usually won't let it in. A cigarette lighter is OK.
- There's an outside smoking area up by the cafeteria, and it's inside security. Attorneys and anyone else at court can step out for a cigarette and come right back in without going through security again. No other Orange County courthouse has that.
- After security, look for the TV screens on the first floor. Find your name, and it shows your floor and courtroom.
- Hungry? There's a cafeteria open to the public on the 3rd floor of the East Wing, usually 8 AM to 2 PM. Chad says it serves real, warm food: cheeseburgers, grilled cheese and daily meals, plus yogurt, desserts, coffee, pastries, water and sodas. There's a big seating area.
- Careful what you say in the cafeteria. You never know who's sitting next to you. It could be the District Attorney on your case.
If you're out on bail
- Go to every court date, on time. If they miss court, the judge can issue a bench warrant and forfeit the bail.
- Running late or already missed it? Call Chad right away. The sooner we know, the easier it is to fix.
- Here for your arraignment, but your name isn't on the court list? Often that means the charges haven't been filed yet. Your attorney can tell you what it means for your case.
- Protect yourself and your cosigners: ask a deputy where the District Attorney's office is. Tell them you were supposed to be here for arraignment today and your name isn't on the list, and ask for a stamped paper showing you were there. That's your proof. If anything comes up later, Chad can fix it easily.
- When you get to your courtroom, check in with the bailiff. Give your name and say you're here.
- After every hearing, text or call Chad with the next court date.
If bail changes at court, or they're in custody
- Sometimes a judge raises bail or orders a new bond right in the courtroom. Call Chad from the hallway with their full name, case number and the new bail amount.
- If the bond is posted at court, they usually wait right there in the courtroom. The bondsman posts it at the cashier counter, the court enters and approves it and sends it upstairs, and then the courtroom tells them they're free to go. They walk right out of court.
- Chad doesn't have to be in that courtroom. In Orange County he can post the bond at the counter of another courthouse while the hearing is going on. Their attorney tells the judge the bondsman is posting the bond now, and they sit down and wait, just as if Chad were standing there.
- Came to court from jail, in a jumpsuit? Then they go back to the Sheriff's jail that day. The bond can't be posted until the court's minutes and updates are entered into the Sheriff's system. In Orange County that usually happens between about 6 PM and 10 PM. As soon as their record updates, Chad posts the bond.
Questions about bail?
Call Chad. We'll check the bail amount, custody status and the next court date for you. For questions about the case itself, talk to your attorney.
Call (714) 481-0600Official court numbers
- Criminal & Traffic (automated 24/7; staff Mon–Fri 8 AM–4 PM): (657) 622-8459
- Court main information line: (657) 622-6878
- Self-Help Center (Central): (657) 622-8511
After they're home: free help near Santa Ana
Getting out is step one. Chad put these together for families who are stretched thin.
Questions Families Ask
Where do I park for the Central Justice Center?
The main parking structure is to the left of the front door as you face the courthouse from the street. Take a ticket and park near an elevator or stairwell. There's also a paid lot around the corner, but it fills up fast.
Is there food at the Santa Ana courthouse?
Yes. There's a public cafeteria on the 3rd floor of the East Wing, usually 8 AM to 2 PM, with warm food, snacks, coffee and drinks.
Can I bring a vape into court?
Don't. Deputies usually won't let vapes in, especially marijuana vapes. A cigarette lighter is OK.
I'm here for arraignment and my name isn't on the list. What do I do?
Often that means the charges haven't been filed yet, and your attorney can tell you more about the case. To protect the bond, ask a deputy for the District Attorney's office, and ask for a stamped paper showing you were there on your arraignment date. Then call Chad.
Does Chad have to be in the courtroom to post a new bond?
No. If a judge raises bail or orders a new bond, Chad can post it at the counter of another Orange County courthouse while the hearing is going on. Their attorney tells the judge the bondsman is posting, they wait in the courtroom, and once it's approved they walk right out of court.
What does a bail bond cost with you?
Most of Chad's bonds are written at 6%, 7% or 8%. Smaller bonds, under $20,000, can be up to 10% because of posting fees. If you qualify (homeowners, active military, law enforcement, bail of $20,000 and up): 8% with $0 down, 7% with 2% down, or 6% paid in full on bails of $30,000 and up.
Need Help Right Now?
Orange County is home for us, and Chad answers 24/7. Toll-free: 855-BAD-CHAD. Hablamos español: (909) 657-6030.
Call (714) 481-0600