Foltz Criminal Justice Center
Bail Bonds Guide

Yes. The building was known for decades as the Criminal Courts Building and was renamed in 2002 for Clara Shortridge Foltz. Older paperwork, news coverage, and long-time locals still call it CCB, but 210 W Temple St is the same courthouse.

She was the first female lawyer on the West Coast and the originator of the public defender concept — the idea that a defendant who cannot afford counsel should be provided one at public expense. Naming the county's main criminal courthouse after her in 2002 was a deliberate acknowledgment of that legacy.

Foltz at 210 W Temple St is the county's main criminal courthouse. Stanley Mosk at 111 N Hill St is the civil and general jurisdiction giant. They are blocks apart and constantly confused, and showing up at the wrong one is a common cause of a late criminal appearance — which can put a bond at risk.

For downtown in-custody defendants, the first judicial look at bail happens at Central Arraignment on Bauchet Street. Foltz is where bail is revisited later in the case — reduction motions, increases after new allegations, and bail issues raised at preliminary hearing or trial-setting.

No. Bonds are posted at the facility holding the defendant — Twin Towers, Men's Central Jail, or the Inmate Reception Center on Bauchet Street. The courthouse hears the case; the jail processes the release.

At a felony preliminary hearing the court decides whether there is enough evidence to hold the defendant to answer on the charges. It is not a trial and there is no jury. Bail status is frequently addressed at the same appearance, which is why an active bond needs to be in good standing going in.

On a criminal calendar a missed appearance can mean bond forfeiture and a bench warrant the same day. There is a statutory window to surrender or reinstate before the forfeiture becomes a judgment against the cosigner — call us immediately rather than waiting for a notice in the mail.