People charged with or convicted of federal crimes in Southern California are often sent to the Federal Correctional Complex in Victorville.
Located in the High Desert north of San Bernardino, the complex includes several separate facilities:
- United States Penitentiary (USP Victorville)
- Federal Correctional Institution, Victorville Medium I
- Federal Correctional Institution, Victorville Medium II
The complex is operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons and houses male inmates only. It holds a mix of pre-trial detainees awaiting federal court proceedings and inmates serving federal sentences.
The address for the Victorville Federal Correctional Complex is:
USP / FCI Victorville
13777 Air Expressway Blvd.
Victorville, CA 92394
(760) 530-5000
Driving directions: Google Maps
How do I post bail for someone at Victorville Federal Prison?
If a defendant is being held at Victorville before trial, bail must be arranged through the U.S. District Court, not at the prison itself.
A federal judge decides whether bail will be granted at the initial appearance or a detention hearing.
If bail is set, you must pay it at the federal courthouse where the case is being heard — usually the United States District Court for the Central District of California.
How to post cash bail
Cash bonds for federal cases are paid in full to the Clerk of the U.S. District Court. Payments are generally accepted during weekday business hours.
Bring a valid photo ID and the defendant’s full name and case number.
If all court appearances are met, the money is returned after the case concludes minus any applicable fees. If the defendant fails to appear, the bail is forfeited.
How to post bail with a cashier’s check or money order
You can also pay bail by cashier’s check or money order made payable to Clerk, U.S. District Court.
Be sure to include the defendant’s name and case number.
Funds must clear before the defendant can be released.
How to pay bail with a bail bond
Bail bonds are less common in the federal system but can be used if the court accepts a surety bond. You will pay a licensed bondsman a non-refundable fee, usually up to 10% of the total bail.
If the defendant fails to appear, you or the bondsman will be responsible for the entire amount.
Once bail is posted and the court orders release, the U.S. Marshals will notify Victorville. Release from the facility typically follows after processing is completed.
How do I look up an inmate’s information?
The Federal Bureau of Prisons provides a free online Inmate Locator. You can search by the inmate’s full name or BOP register number to see their current location, projected release date, and custody status.
You can also call the Victorville facility at (760) 530-5000 during normal business hours to confirm whether an individual is housed there.
For details about charges, bail, or upcoming hearings, you will need to contact the federal court handling the case.
How do I contact someone who is being held at Victorville Federal Prison?
Inmates at Victorville cannot receive incoming personal phone calls. They can make outgoing calls through a monitored phone system using collect calls or funds from their commissary account.
Sending money
You can send money for calls or commissary by:
- Using MoneyGram or Western Union’s offender payment service (requires the inmate’s BOP register number and committed name), or
- Mailing a cashier’s check or money order to the designated BOP deposit address.
Electronic transfers are usually available within a few hours.
Sending mail
All mail should be addressed as follows:
Inmate’s full name and BOP register number
USP or FCI Victorville
P.O. Box [designated box for that facility]
Victorville, CA 92394
Include the inmate’s register number on all correspondence. Do not send prohibited items.
Victorville inmates have access to the BOP’s TRULINCS email system. Friends and family must be approved before exchanging messages.
Visiting
Visitation at the Victorville complex is allowed on scheduled days and times. Visitors must be approved and present valid photo ID.
Schedules vary by facility (USP vs. FCI), so call ahead to confirm visiting hours before you travel.
How to get help for someone in custody
Federal cases are often more complex and carry harsher penalties than state charges. A skilled defense attorney can guide you through federal bail procedures, protect the defendant’s rights, and build a strong defense.
Robert M. Helfend is a SuperLawyers and National Trial Lawyers Top 100 rated federal defense attorney who has practiced in the Los Angeles area for more than 40 years. Call today for help – 800-834-6434.