The Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in downtown Los Angeles is the federal jail for the U.S. District Court.
It is located at:
535 N. Alameda St.,
Los Angeles, CA
90012
Get driving directions on Google Maps.
The MDC is operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons and holds both male and female inmates. It is an administrative-security facility that houses persons of all security levels. MDC inmates are generally federal detainees awaiting trial or sentencing; the center also briefly houses inmates serving short federal sentences.
Federal release is governed by the court’s order and applicable federal procedure. A court appearance by itself is not a release event, and release may be conditioned on an unsecured bond, a deposit, property or other requirements.
In practice, inmates remain at MDC until one of the following occurs:
- A federal judge orders pretrial release and all required conditions are satisfied; or another lawful release or transfer order applies.
- Bail is posted in the federal court system (see below); or
- Arraignment, trial and sentencing determine case events; attending one of those hearings does not itself require release.
MDC inmates are not released directly by the jail, all release decisions and bail arrangements are handled by the U.S. District Court. The MDC functions as a temporary holding facility in the heart of downtown L.A., close to the federal courthouse.
How do I post bail for someone at the Metropolitan Detention Center?
Federal bail is arranged through the U.S. District Court, not at the jail. At the initial court hearing (usually a federal magistrate appearance), a judge may set bail or other conditions of release.
Read the actual bond order. Federal release does not universally require a full cash deposit. If money or property is required, follow the court’s instructions; payment is not made to MDC.
In the Central District of California, bond payments are submitted in person at the Criminal Intake window during business hours (typically 9:00 AM, 4:00 PM). Only cashier’s checks or money orders are accepted for bail; the court will not accept large cash payments (over $5,000) or personal checks.
- Bail hearing – A federal judge sets the bail amount and conditions during the initial appearance.
- Posting bail – To pay the bail, go to the U.S. District Court’s Criminal Intake office and provide a cashier’s check or money order payable to the “Clerk, U.S. District Court.” Make sure the defendant’s name and case number are included on the payment. The court’s bond receipt will then be processed by the U.S. Marshal.
- Bond type matters: an unsecured appearance bond, cash deposit, property bond and an approved surety obligation are different. The court’s order controls which documents or security must be presented.
After required conditions are satisfied, the court and custody agencies must process the release. Other holds, identity checks and operational processing can affect timing; there is no universal 30-minute release promise. Cash-bond return depends on exoneration and any forfeiture or other lawful order.
How do I look up an inmate’s information?
To find information about someone at MDC Los Angeles, use the Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator.
The BOP website has a “Find an Inmate” tool where you can search by the inmate’s full name or register number.
This will show the inmate’s current location and basic status. Note that the locator only covers inmates from 1982 to the present. If the inmate is no longer at MDC, the tool may list them as “Released” or “Not in BOP Custody.” In that case, the person has left federal prison.
You can also call MDC Los Angeles directly at (213) 485-0439 and provide the inmate’s full name and register number. The administrative staff can confirm whether the person is currently at MDC. However, detailed case information (charges, bail amount, next court date) will come from the federal court or the U.S. Marshals, not from the jail itself.
How do I contact someone who is being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center?
Inmates at MDC have limited means of communication. They cannot receive incoming personal calls.
Instead, they may make outgoing calls through a monitored system, either collect or using prepaid phone accounts. To help the inmate stay in touch, family or friends can deposit funds into the inmate’s commissary account, which the inmate can use to make phone calls, buy items, or send mail.
The Federal Bureau of Prisons supports the following methods to send funds to a federal inmate: MoneyGram ExpressPayment and Western Union Quick Collect (both electronic), or U.S. mail (cashier’s check or money order).
- Sending money (for calls/commissary) – Use MoneyGram or Western Union’s offender payment service. You will need the inmate’s BOP register number and committed name. Funds are generally available to the inmate within a few hours. For details on account setup, see the BOP’s Sending Money instructions.
- Mail – You can correspond by traditional mail. All letters and approved publications (books/magazines) must be sent through the U.S. Postal Service. Address all correspondence to:
“Inmate Name & Register Number”
Metropolitan Detention Center, Los Angeles
P.O. Box 1500
Los Angeles, CA 90053
Include the inmate’s register number on the envelope. Do not send contraband (see BOP mail policies). - Email – Inmates can also use the BOP’s TRULINCS electronic mail system to send and receive messages. Friends or family must first fill out a registration form, obtained from the inmate or the facility, and then use an approved vendor site. Ask the inmate or MDC staff for details on the email program.
- Social visiting and attorney access use different procedures. Counsel must arrange and confirm a legal visit; professional visitors cannot assume unrestricted admission at any hour. Call MDC at 213-485-0439 to confirm the applicable process.
Getting help for a federal detainee
The federal criminal justice system is complex. If someone you know is being held at MDC Los Angeles on federal charges, a skilled federal criminal defense attorney can explain the process and protect your loved one’s rights throughout the court proceedings.
Practicing since 1984, federal defense attorney Robert M. Helfend of the Helfend Law Group has extensive experience helping federal defendants fight their charges. Call today for help – 800-834-6434.
Published September 26, 2025.
What should you check in a federal bond order?
| Order detail | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Unsecured versus secured bond | A stated bond amount does not necessarily require a deposit of that amount. |
| Required signers and documents | A third-party surety or property condition may require additional approvals and forms. |
| Nonfinancial conditions | Pretrial supervision, residence, travel or other conditions can remain even when no deposit is required. |
| Other holds and custody status | A release order in one case may not resolve another basis for detention. |
The Central District’s bond-posting instructions explain how to obtain the bond from the docket and submit required documents. For a required money payment, the page specifies cashier’s checks or money orders and rejects personal checks and cash over $5,000. Verify current intake hours and the order before traveling.
Sources and legal standards
Legal information checked October 10, 2026. The charge, evidence and applicable version of the law control the analysis of an individual case.
"Straight Shooter, Real Results"
Robert was my criminal defense lawyer in a traffic case. Having never been involved in anything like this before, Robert continuously reassured me that everything would work out and that he was working hard to get the case settled in my favor. Robert is a straight shooter, easy to talk to, and really takes care of his clients inside and outside the courtroom. Ultimately my case was dismissed, thanks to Robert’s great work.