An arrest at Burbank Police Department moves through a distinct local process — from booking at the Burbank City Jail to arraignment at the Burbank Courthouse just a few blocks away. This guide explains every stage, including what “charges dismissed” actually means, how long the process takes, and what families can do in the critical first hours.
Burbank Police Department Jail — Facility Facts
- Address: 200 N Third St, Burbank, CA 91502
- Booking Phone: (818) 238-3000
- Inmate Lookup: LASD Inmate Information Center or call Burbank PD directly
- Average Booking Time: 4–8 hours from arrest to system entry
- Arraignment Courthouse: Burbank Courthouse, 300 E Olive Ave, Burbank, CA 91502
Burbank operates its own police department and city jail. Unlike many smaller San Fernando Valley cities, Burbank does not contract with LASD — all arrests go directly to Burbank PD booking. Defendants held longer than 48 hours are transferred to LA County facilities prior to arraignment.
What Happens After an Arrest at Burbank PD
Booking (1–3 hours)
Burbank PD records fingerprints, photographs, personal info, and the formal charge(s). A criminal background check is run. Belongings are inventoried. The record appears in the system within 4–8 hours — you can confirm by calling (818) 238-3000 or checking the LASD inmate lookup.
Bail Is Set
Misdemeanor bail is set immediately per the LA County schedule. For most misdemeanors, this means a bondsman can post bail within hours of booking. Felony bail requires a judge and happens at the arraignment hearing at Burbank Courthouse.
Arraignment at Burbank Courthouse
Address: 300 E Olive Ave, Burbank, CA 91502 | Phone: (818) 557-3600
Burbank Courthouse handles all criminal cases arising from Burbank PD arrests. Arraignment must occur within 48 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays). This is the first court appearance — the defendant hears the formal charges and enters a plea. The judge may reduce bail for first-time offenders or grant OR release.
What “Charges Dismissed” Actually Means
One of the most misunderstood outcomes in a criminal case is when charges are dismissed. Dismissal is not a conviction — it means the case was terminated before a verdict. There are several reasons this happens:
- DA declines to file: After reviewing the arrest report, the District Attorney’s office decides the evidence isn’t strong enough to prosecute. Common with first-time offenses and circumstantial evidence cases.
- Insufficient evidence: The prosecution cannot prove the charge beyond reasonable doubt. Evidence may have been suppressed (illegal search), or key witnesses may not cooperate.
- PC 1385 motion: A judge dismisses charges “in the interest of justice” based on a defense motion.
- Diversion completion: The defendant completes a diversion program (drug court, anger management), and the DA dismisses the charges per the agreement.
When charges are dismissed, any bail posted is returned (minus a small administrative fee if posted in cash). If a bondsman posted the bail, the bond is exonerated — the bondsman’s liability ends. The 10% premium paid by the defendant is still non-refundable.
Bail Timeline at Burbank — What to Expect
| Stage | Typical Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Arrest to booking complete | 1–3 hours | Record in system in 4–8 hrs |
| Bond submitted to jail | As soon as bail is set | Misdemeanors: bail set immediately |
| Release after bond posted | 2–4 hours | Weekends may take longer |
| Arraignment (if still in custody) | Within 48 hours | At Burbank Courthouse |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does booking take at Burbank PD?
The physical booking process (fingerprints, photos, paperwork) takes 1–3 hours. The record then takes an additional 2–5 hours to appear in the online inmate lookup system. Call Burbank PD at (818) 238-3000 for the fastest confirmation.
Which court handles Burbank arrests?
All criminal cases from Burbank PD arrests are heard at Burbank Courthouse, 300 E Olive Ave. This court handles both misdemeanor and felony arraignments for the Burbank judicial district.
Can bail be reduced at the Burbank arraignment?
Yes. A defense attorney can make a bail reduction motion at arraignment. Judges at Burbank Courthouse regularly reduce bail for first-time offenders with strong local ties, stable employment, and no flight risk factors. OR (own recognizance) release is also common for low-level misdemeanors.
If bail has been set at Burbank PD, our Burbank bail bond team can post bond typically within 2–4 hours of your call — available 24/7 at (818) 244-3389.