If someone was just arrested and booked at Alhambra City Jail, this guide walks you through what happens next — the booking process, how bail is set for felony and misdemeanor charges, which courthouse handles the arraignment, and the typical timeline from arrest to release. Understanding these steps helps families act quickly and avoid costly delays.
Alhambra City Jail — Facility Facts
- Address: 211 S First St, Alhambra, CA 91801
- Booking Phone: (626) 570-5151
- Inmate Lookup: LASD Inmate Information Center
- Average Booking Time: 4–6 hours from arrest to system entry
- Arraignment Courthouse: Alhambra Courthouse, 150 W Commonwealth Ave, Alhambra, CA 91801
Alhambra Police Department books suspects at its on-site city jail. Defendants held longer than 48 hours, or those facing felony charges, are typically transferred to the LA County Jail system (Twin Towers or Men’s Central Jail) prior to arraignment.
What Happens After an Arrest in Alhambra
Step 1 — Booking (1–3 hours)
Officers record personal information, take fingerprints and photos, inventory belongings, and run a criminal history check. The charge(s) are formally entered. The record typically appears in the LASD inmate lookup system within 4–6 hours.
Step 2 — Bail Is Set
For misdemeanor charges, bail is set automatically per the LA County Bail Schedule — no judge required. A bondsman can post bail at this stage, often getting someone released before arraignment. For felony charges, a judge sets bail at the arraignment hearing.
Step 3 — Arraignment (Within 48–72 Hours)
The arraignment takes place at Alhambra Courthouse. The DA formally presents charges, the defendant enters a plea (almost always “not guilty” at this stage), and the judge reviews bail. Having an attorney at arraignment significantly increases the chance of bail reduction for first-time offenders.
Felony vs. Misdemeanor Charges in Alhambra — Bail Differences
| Charge Type | Typical Bail Range | Bond Cost (10%) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Misdemeanor (non-violent) | $1,000–$10,000 | $100–$1,000 | Set by schedule; no judge needed |
| Felony (non-violent) | $20,000–$50,000 | $2,000–$5,000 | Set at arraignment |
| Felony (violent / strike) | $50,000–$250,000+ | $5,000–$25,000+ | Judge may deny bail |
| Drug possession (Prop 47) | $10,000 | $1,000 | Misdemeanor under Prop 47 |
| What Happens if Bail Is Forfeited? | If the defendant misses a court date, bail is forfeited and a bench warrant is issued. The bondsman has 180 days to return the defendant to court before the full bail amount is owed to the court. | ||
Alhambra Courthouse — What to Know
Address: 150 W Commonwealth Ave, Alhambra, CA 91801 | Phone: (626) 308-7711
The Alhambra Courthouse handles misdemeanor and felony arraignments for arrests made by Alhambra PD, Monterey Park PD, and several other San Gabriel Valley agencies. Parking is available on-site. Arraignments for in-custody defendants are typically scheduled in the morning calendar.
Immediate Steps for Families After an Alhambra Arrest
- Wait 4–6 hours, then search the LASD inmate lookup at app4.lasd.org for booking confirmation
- Note the booking number, listed charges, and bail amount once available
- Contact a licensed bail bondsman if bail has been set and you want to post before arraignment
- If no bail is set yet (felony), consider hiring a defense attorney before arraignment to argue for bail reduction
- Write down the arraignment date and courthouse — the defendant will be released with this information
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bail someone out of Alhambra City Jail before their arraignment?
Yes, for misdemeanor charges. Once bail is set per the schedule, a bondsman can post immediately. For felony charges, bail is typically not set until the arraignment hearing.
How do I find out if someone was booked at Alhambra PD?
Use the LASD Inmate Information Center at app4.lasd.org. If the record isn’t showing yet, call Alhambra PD booking directly at (626) 570-5151 — records are manually entered and may take 4–6 hours to appear online.
Which court handles felony cases from Alhambra?
Felony arraignments for Alhambra arrests are held at Alhambra Courthouse (150 W Commonwealth Ave). Serious felonies may be transferred to the Pomona or Pasadena courthouse depending on the charge and assigned judicial district.
When bail is set, our Alhambra bail bond services team is available 24/7 to post bond quickly. Call (818) 244-3389 with the booking number and we handle the rest.