What to Expect During an Inmate Release and When to Pick Up Personal Property at Hill‑Finklea
Release days are stressful enough without guessing how long processing takes or when you can pick up belongings. Here's what Hill‑Finklea posts about release timelines and property pickup, so you can plan your travel and waiting time.
Once Hill‑Finklea receives all required documentation, the release process takes between 1 and 4 hours. If you need to pick up an inmate's personal or valuable property instead, there's a specific window: Monday through Thursday from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The inmate must approve the release of that property.
Hill‑Finklea's posted guidance says release processing takes 1 to 4 hours. That clock starts after the detention center receives all required documentation, not when the person is told they're going home. It's a processing window that begins once paperwork is complete on the facility's end. If you're arranging a ride, childcare, or time off work, plan around the full 1 to 4 hours. Some releases move faster, but the facility's own timeline gives you a realistic range so you're not caught off guard.
Tip: Plan for the full 4 hours. Even after documentation is received, release isn't always immediate.
Property pickup follows a set schedule and requires the inmate's approval. Personal or valuable property can only be released Monday through Thursday from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, and only when the inmate has signed off.
- ✓ Go only Monday through Thursday, 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
- ✓ Make sure the inmate has approved the property release before you try to pick it up
Have questions about a release timeline or property pickup? Hill‑Finklea's 24-hour main line is 843-719-4546.
- Call before you leave - Use the main line (843-719-4546) to check on release or property questions before you drive over.
- Ask whether documentation has been received - The facility’s stated release window (1 to 4 hours) starts once all required documentation has been received at the detention center.
- Confirm property pickup timing and approval - If you are picking up personal or valuable property, confirm the inmate has approved the release and that you are coming Monday through Thursday between 5:00 pm and 8:00 pm.
Note: If you have a special circumstance and need to ask about timing or accommodations, call the 24-hour main line at 843-719-4546. Confirm any arrangement directly with detention center staff.
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