Most of the in-custody defendants for the Central District of California are held at the Los Angeles Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC LA) [1], the San Bernardino County Central Detention Center [2], the San Bernardino County West Valley Detention Center [3], or Santa Ana City Jail [4].  The CJA Office has put together a chart [5] summarizing helpful contact information and procedures for these detention facilities on topics related to legal visits for attorneys, paralegals, and investigators; inmate medical treatment; inmate access to discovery; and rules regarding the admission of electronic devices for defense team members.  CJA counsel should review this chart [5], as well as the information provided on those facilities’ own websites, before visiting in-custody clients.

CJA counsel must also review MDC LA’s newest inmate policies and procedures regarding mail and electronic discovery, as summarized in the BOP’s October 30, 2018 Memorandum [6].   

In addition, the United States Marshals Service has instituted specific cellblock procedures for client in-court appearances at the Court's two Los Angeles courthouses, the First Street U.S. Courthouse and the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building & U.S. Courthouse.  CJA counsel should review this USMS Memorandum [7] to ensure compliance.