Getting Your Money When You're Released from Lawrence County: Debit Card vs. Check

Lawrence County gives you two options for getting your commissary balance back: a MasterCard debit card you can pick up in Booking, or a check mailed to you. The funds belong to the account holder, so you'll make this decision as you process out.

If your account balance is more than $3.95 at release, you can load it onto a debit card while processing out. The facility charges a $3.95 fee per card, deducted from your balance. If you have $3.95 or less, the card option won't work for you.

The debit card works anywhere MasterCard is accepted, including ATMs for cash withdrawals. Speed is the main advantage - funds are typically available within about 10 minutes of swiping at the booking kiosk.

Prefer a check? Complete a Release Authorization Form as you exit Booking. Checks are processed and mailed every Tuesday, so expect this to take longer than the debit card. There's also a $2.00 fee.

Practical Checklist

• ✓ Decide at release whether you want a MasterCard release debit card in Booking or a mailed check.
• ✓ If you choose the debit card, plan for the $3.95 per-card charge and remember it’s only an option when your balance is more than $3.95.
• ✓ If you choose the check, complete the Release Authorization Form as you exit Booking; checks are processed and mailed each Tuesday and include a $2.00 fee.
• ✓ If you’re being transferred to another correctional facility, avoid the debit card option - another facility may not be able to move those funds into a new trust fund account.
• ✓ If you placed a commissary order and are leaving before it’s delivered, don’t assume the refund will land on your debit card; complete a Release Authorization Form so the refund can be mailed once processed.
• ✓ If you’re using the debit card right away, expect funds to be available shortly after funding - usually within about 10 minutes of swiping at the booking kiosk - and you can use it anywhere MasterCard is accepted, including ATMs.