CVB refers to those petty offenses (as defined under 18 USC 19) that are issued on federal property, such as federal buildings, national parks, military bases, post offices, Veteran Affairs centers, Social Security Administration Offices, local national forests (i.e., Angeles Crest, Los Padres National Forest), and any other areas that are patrolled or under the jurisdiction of the federal government.   In the Central District of California CVB matters include violations occurring on Vandenberg Air Force Base (VAFB), the Naval bases out of Ventura County (Point Mugu and Port Hueneme), Fort Irwin, Joshua Tree, the U.S. Marine Base in Barstow and on a host of local islands in the District.

Federal tickets are issued by law enforcement agencies such as the Federal Protective Service (FPS), the U.S. Park Police, U.S. Fish & Wildlife, Department of Defense Police, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Provost Marshal, Airforce, Marines & Navy Security Forces, U.S. Postal Police U.S. Customs, U.S. Border Police and, V.A. Police.

No.  CVB offenses do not include any felony offenses. Felony offenses are prosecuted separately by the United States Attorney’s Office.

CVB offenses are governed by 18 U.S.C. §19.  This statute specifically states that petty offenses includes Class B misdemeanors, Class C misdemeanors, and infractions.  We will also see Class A misdemeanors on the CVB docket.  Here is a breakdown of the particulars for each type of citation:

Class A Misdemeanors:  The maximum term of imprisonment is one year, $100,000 fine, $25 special assessment, 5 year probationary term, $25 CVB processing fee, and  up to one year of supervised release.  This includes assaults, simple possession of drugs and petty thefts.  For these cases, our clients will be tried before a U.S. District Court Judge, unless they consent to have a  magistrate judge handle the case.

Class B misdemeanors: The maximum jail sentence is 6 months, a $5,000 fine, a $10 special assessment, 5 years probation, $25 processing fee and up to one year of supervised release.  Most CVB offenses are Class B misdemeanors (DUI’s, trespasses, and a host of other offenses).

Class C misdemeanors: The maximum jail sentence is 30 days, a $5,000 fine, $5 special assessment, five years of probation and a $25 processing fee.

Infractions:  These are offenses for which there is a 5 day maximum jail term, a fine up to $5,000, one year of probation, a $5 special assessment and a $25 processing fee.

The court will appoint an attorney to represent you only if the government is seeking either a jail sentence or a sentence that includes a term of probation.  This will depend on the type of charge.  For example, if you are arrested for a DUI, you will likely be afforded the right to court-appointed counsel.  The reason for this is that DUI convictions will include no less than a sentence of probation. The Federal Public Defender’s Office is also typically appointed on petty theft, drug possession, and disturbing the peace offenses.

If you intend to contest your charges, you must appear in California.  If you are interested in resolving your case through a plea of guilty, there is a provision under Rule 58(c)(2) of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure to allow for a transfer of your case for plea and sentencing.

As set forth in Rule 58 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, United States Magistrate Judges preside over CVB matters.

Los Angeles County Cases:

If you were cited at any of the federal buildings in downtown Los Angeles, or at any of the local federal properties (VA, Social Security), you will have to appear at the date specified at the Roybal Federal Building, located at 255 East Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012.  For directions to the Royal Federal Building and parking information (map to Roybal Courthouse).

Santa Barbara and Ventura County Cases:

If you are cited for an offense that took place at Vandenberg Air Force Base or in Ventura County, the Padres National Forest, Pt. Mugu Naval Base, Pt. Hueneme Naval Base, or the U.S. Channel Islands, your case will be heard at the Santa Barbara Bankruptcy Court, located at 1415 State Street in Santa Barbara, CA 93101.  You will receive written notification from the Central Violations Bureau of your court date.

Other locations:

If you were cited at Fort Irwin, you will have to appear at Fort Irwin.

If you were cited at the U.S. Marine Base in Barstow, you will have to appear in Barstow.

To reschedule a hearing at Vandenberg Air Force Base or in Arroyo Grande, please call (805) 481-7037.

To reschedule a hearing in Ventura or Santa Barbara, please call (805) 963-4325.

To reschedule a hearing in Barstow, Fort Irwin or Yucca Valley, please call (619) 365-5558.

To schedule a hearing on a warrant or driver license hold, please call (213) 894-3642.

You can contact the Central Violations Bureau by calling 1-800-827-2982.  Use option 4 to hear an automated recording with status of your ticket.

If you wish to pay the amount indicated on the violation notice, send your payment to the following address:

  Central Violations Bureau
  P.O. Box 740026
  Atlanta, GA 30374-0026

For additional information regarding CVB matters, you can call 1-800-827-2982 or visit the CVB website at www.cvb.uscourts.gov.