A drug arrest at Van Nuys City Jail moves quickly. From booking to the bail hearing at arraignment, families have a narrow window to act. This guide explains exactly what the charges mean, what bail typically looks like for drug offenses at Valley Jail, and what the court process in Van Nuys involves — so you can make informed decisions under pressure.
Arrested for Drug Charges in Van Nuys — The First 48 Hours
Here is the typical sequence after a drug arrest at LAPD Van Nuys Division:
- Hour 0–3: Booking at Van Nuys City Jail (14340 Sylvan St). Fingerprinting, photos, belongings inventoried. Record appears in LASD inmate lookup within 4–8 hours.
- Hour 3–12: Bail is set per the LA County bail schedule (no judge required for most drug misdemeanors). A bondsman can post bail at this stage.
- Hour 12–48: If still in custody, the defendant is arraigned at Van Nuys Courthouse West (6230 Sylmar Ave). The DA formally files charges. A judge may modify bail at this hearing.
- After arraignment: If released, the defendant has a future court date. If not, they’re transferred to Twin Towers or Men’s Central Jail pending trial.
Drug Charges in Van Nuys — What the Codes Mean
California drug charges span a wide range. The specific code section matters enormously for bail amounts and potential penalties. Here are the most common drug charges filed after arrests at Valley Jail:
| Charge | Code | Typical Bail | Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple possession (most drugs) | HS 11350 | $10,000 | Misdemeanor (Prop 47) |
| Simple possession of meth | HS 11377 | $10,000 | Misdemeanor (Prop 47) |
| Possession for sale | HS 11351 | $30,000 | Felony |
| Meth possession for sale | HS 11378 | $20,000 | Felony |
| Transportation / sale of narcotics | HS 11352 | $50,000 | Felony |
| Under the influence | HS 11550 | $2,500–$5,000 | Misdemeanor |
Note: Under California Proposition 47 (passed 2014), most personal-use drug possession charges are misdemeanors, not felonies. This significantly lowers bail for first-time possession arrests compared to pre-2014 amounts.
How Bail Works for Drug Charges at Van Nuys Jail
For misdemeanor possession charges (HS 11350, HS 11377), bail is set immediately per the LA County schedule — typically $10,000. A licensed bail bondsman can post this before arraignment, getting your loved one home within hours. The 10% state-regulated premium means your out-of-pocket cost on a $10,000 bail bond is $1,000.
For felony drug charges (HS 11351, HS 11352), the defendant must typically wait for the bail hearing at arraignment. The judge reviews criminal history, the severity of the alleged offense, and ties to the community before setting or modifying bail. Having an attorney present at arraignment often results in lower bail for first-time felony defendants.
California Drug Diversion Programs — Alternatives to Jail
California has two major diversion programs that can reduce or entirely eliminate jail time for drug possession charges:
PC 1000 — Deferred Entry of Judgment
For first-time, simple possession offenses, PC 1000 allows defendants to complete a drug education program instead of pleading guilty. If completed successfully, the case is dismissed entirely with no conviction on record. Eligibility: no prior drug convictions, charge must be non-sale possession only.
Proposition 36 — Drug Treatment Instead of Incarceration
Prop 36 allows eligible defendants convicted of simple drug possession to receive probation with drug treatment instead of a jail or prison sentence. Can be used for first and second offenses. Cases are handled at the Van Nuys Courthouse by a dedicated drug court calendar.
What Happens at the Arraignment for a Drug Charge in Van Nuys
Most drug charge arraignments for Valley Jail arrests happen at Van Nuys Courthouse West (6230 Sylmar Ave, Van Nuys). Here’s what to expect:
- The DA formally presents the charge(s)
- The defendant enters a plea (almost always “not guilty” at this stage)
- The judge reviews bail and can increase it, decrease it, or grant OR release
- For PC 1000 eligible defendants, the DA may offer diversion at this first appearance
- A future court date is set (typically 4–8 weeks out)
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Proposition 47 apply to all drug possession arrests in Van Nuys?
Yes, for personal-use possession charges. Prop 47 reclassified most simple possession offenses from felonies to misdemeanors. However, charges involving sales, transport, or large quantities remain felonies under HS 11351 or HS 11352.
Can the DA increase the charges between arrest and arraignment?
Yes. The arresting officer’s charge and the DA’s filed charge can differ. Prosecutors review the evidence before filing and may charge differently — sometimes less severely, sometimes more. This is why the arraignment matters even if bail was already posted at the station.
How long does a drug case typically take in Van Nuys?
Misdemeanor drug cases typically resolve in 3–6 months. Felony cases can take 6–18 months or longer if they go to preliminary hearing and trial. Diversion cases (PC 1000) are resolved faster — usually 12–18 months to complete the program.
What information should I have ready when calling a bail bondsman?
Have the following ready: the defendant’s full legal name, date of birth, the facility they’re booked at (Van Nuys City Jail), the booking number (if available from the inmate lookup), and the charge(s) if you know them. The bondsman can verify everything else.
If bail has been set on a drug charge at Valley Jail, our Van Nuys jail bail bond service is available 24/7. We specialize in drug charge cases across LA County and can typically post bond within hours of your call — (818) 244-3389.