The Release Process

The release process has many steps, which must be completed before the inmate is released from the Detention Center. Detention staff must verify the release documents, complete a criminal "want" inquiry through the NCIC computer system and check for outstanding warrants (charges) in the Magistrate Court computer system. This process normally takes about 30-minutes, but it can take up to an hour or more depending upon existing circumstances.

• Release through the Courts - Once an inmate has been released from an outside court, he/she must be returned to the Detention Center to be officially released from the Center. Sometimes court documents or release documents are not sent from General Sessions Court until the end of the day (around 5:00 pm). When this occurs, the inmate cannot be released until the proper paperwork has been received at the Center.
• Time Served – Sentenced inmates assigned to the Minimum Security Building are provided with their release date well in advance. These times, however, can change when work credits and good time credit are calculated in. For example, if an inmate fails to work a day it may change his release date. The normal release time will be around 10:00 am and 2:00 pm, but many inmates will be required to work their last day in order to get the work credit. Some work details may not return to the Detention Center until 4:30 pm.
• General Sessions Court - Even if an inmate receives time served in General Sessions Court there still may be a delay in the release process because the Detention Center may be required to forward their sentencing documents to the South Carolina Department of Corrections for processing prior to release. This process may take up to two (2) business days. There also may be a delay in receiving the documents from the courts. This problem occurs sometimes when an inmate returns from court after 5:00 pm and the court staff have left for the day and the paperwork was not brought back with him/her or cannot be verified.
• Payment of Bond or Fine – Once an inmate's bond has been paid, the Magistrate will prepare the release document and send it to our booking/release section.
• Combined Payment of Fine and Time Served - In some cases the payment of a fine and time served may be required for an inmate to be released from the Center. When this occurs, the inmate cannot be released until all requirements have been satisfied.
• Employee shift change is at 6:00 am and 6:00 pm daily. During this process, inmate movement is restricted and afternoon releases at 6:00 pm may be delayed until the shift change has occurred.
• Cash and Dash Bond Release - Recent changes in the bonding laws now permit Detention staff to accept cash payment for certain minor traffic and minor criminal charges without having to wait to go before a Magistrate. The specific charges and bond amounts have been predetermined by the courts. You may inquire about this with our booking staff.

Transportation

Inmates are responsible for transportation away from the Center after release. The transit bus (CRPTA) does not currently makes scheduled stops at the Detention Center. CRPTA will make "Demand Response" pick-ups at the Center. The fare for a "Demand Response" is currently $3.00. "Demand Response" functions similarly to a taxi service and will drop off a fare anywhere in the immediate Conway area. Please be aware that the response time for "Demand Response" is often an hour or more. The Center is unable to provide a bus pass for "Demand Response." The fare from Conway Bus Station to Myrtle Beach is an additional $1.50. Upon release, indigent inmates needing transportation from Conway to Myrtle Beach can request a bus pass from our administrative staff.

Judicial System – Jail Magistrate Office

Normal office hours for the Jail Magistrate's Office are Monday through Friday from 8:00 am – 8:00 pm, excluding holidays. Magistrate Court is conducted Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, at 9:00 am and 3:00 pm for bond hearings and guilty pleas. Bond Court will be conducted Saturdays, Sundays and holidays at 9:00 am and 6:00 pm. The scheduled times may vary according to the availability of the Magistrate on duty.

You should call the Magistrate's Office at 915-5145 to confirm that a Magistrate will be available prior to coming.

• Cash and/or surety bonds can be posted in the Magistrate's Office. They accept cash, money orders and major credit cards, but they cannot accept personal checks.
• The Public Defender's Office interviews inmates at the Detention Center to determine whether they qualify for a Public Defender. Their office number is 843-915-5385.
• Jury Trials – Personal clothing for court appearances in General Sessions court must be taken to the Sheriff's Office at the Courthouse. The inmate's attorney must receive approval from the trial judge.

Victim Rights

The Victim Rights Bill affords victims of certain crimes the right to be present during the criminal justice proceedings, including bond hearings and sentencing. The Detention Center's Victim Advocates are required by law to attempt to contact victims to determine whether they wish to attend the proceedings. If you need to contact the Victim Advocate's Office, you may call 915-5140.