Tustin sits in the middle of Orange County, wrapped around by Santa Ana, Orange and Irvine. Roughly 80,000 people live here, split between the older grid around Old Town and the newer development on the former Marine Corps Air Station land to the south.

Being surrounded by three larger cities creates the most common Tustin problem: people are not sure which city actually made the arrest, and therefore which agency to call.

Who makes the arrest in Tustin

Tustin operates its own municipal police force. The Tustin Police Department is at 300 Centennial Way, Tustin, CA 92780, with a published number of (714) 573-3225.

If the arrest happened just over a boundary, it may be Santa Ana, Orange or Irvine police instead — and in the case of Irvine, a different courthouse as well. Tell us as precisely as you can where it happened.

Where someone is held

Short-term holding at the police department during booking, then typically into county custody at the Orange County Intake Release Center at 550 N. Flower Street in Santa Ana — which is only a few minutes away. Longer-term housing, if release does not happen first, is usually Theo Lacy in Orange or Musick in Irvine.

Under Penal Code section 1269b, the superior court judges of each county must adopt and annually revise a uniform countywide bail schedule, and the officer in charge of the jail may approve and accept bail. The amount is usually fixed before any court appearance.

Which courthouse handles a Tustin case

• Central Justice Center — 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701

Tustin is a central county city, grouped with Orange, Santa Ana and Villa Park. It is not a Harbor Justice Center city, despite bordering Irvine, and it is not a West Justice Center city despite being close to Garden Grove.

Our nearest office to Tustin

American Freedom Bail Bonds has no office in Tustin. Our three physical offices are Anaheim, Brea and La Habra. Tustin is a service area covered from them, principally Anaheim.

Because the county Intake Release Center and the Central Justice Center are both in neighbouring Santa Ana, our agents are in that district constantly. Paperwork can be completed electronically and an agent can meet you at the jail or the court.

Charges we see most often in Tustin

• DUI — often on the 5, 55 and 261 corridors that converge here. Vehicle Code section 23152 sets 0.08% for most drivers and 0.04% for commercial drivers and those carrying passengers for hire.
• Domestic violence — Penal Code section 1270.1 requires a hearing in open court, on two court days’ written notice, before release on own recognisance or at a non-schedule amount for certain of these charges.
• Misdemeanours and felony charges — Penal Code section 17 draws the distinction, with the wobbler rule in section 17(b).
• Drug charges and warrants.
• All bail services and payment plans.

Nearby cities we also serve

• Santa Ana — to the west, same courthouse, and where booking happens
• Orange — to the north, same courthouse
• Irvine — to the south, but a different courthouse
• Anaheim — office location, to the north-west

See also Orange County bail bonds and our service areas.

Common questions

I am not sure whether it was Tustin or Santa Ana police.

That is a very common Tustin question and it matters, because it decides which agency has the person. Tell us roughly where the arrest happened and we will identify the agency and the facility.

Tustin borders Irvine. Is the case at Harbor Justice Center?

No. Tustin is assigned to the Central Justice Center in Santa Ana. Irvine goes to Harbor in Newport Beach. Adjacent cities, different courthouses.

Where is the person being held?

Short-term at the Tustin police department on Centennial Way, then likely the county Intake Release Center in Santa Ana. We confirm which before you travel.

Do we have to come to your office?

No. Documents can be completed electronically, and an agent can meet you at the jail or the courthouse.

Anaheim office — (714) 520-2002La Habra office — (562) 690-8303

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Please note: American Freedom Bail Bonds is a licensed bail bond agency, not a law firm. Nothing on this page is legal advice, and we cannot guarantee a bail amount, a release time, eligibility for release, or the outcome of any case. Court and jail information can change — always confirm details directly with the facility or the court. California bail licence 1841014.