Property & evidence room release

Property rooms need a signed authorization and photo ID. Fill this in, print it, and call ahead to confirm hours before you drive out there.

Owner of the propertyBooking numberAgency holding the propertyCase or report numberWho is picking it upTheir relationshipTheir IDDriver license or state ID number they will present.

Items to releaseOne per line: phone, wallet, keys, clothing, cash.

Some of this may be held as evidence (a phone taken at arrest, for example).A vehicle is impounded and storage fees are adding up daily.

Your authorization letter

AUTHORIZATION TO RELEASE PERSONAL PROPERTY
TO: Property & Evidence Unit, [agency]
I, [owner name], am the owner of the property listed below, which is currently held by your agency.
I authorize [person picking up], my family member, to take possession of the following items on my behalf:
  (list items)
Signed: [owner name]
Date: 8/19/2026
Bring government-issued photo identification and this signed authorization. Call ahead to confirm the property room's hours.

What these court words mean

First morning court hearing(court word: Arraignment / initial appearance): The first short hearing, usually within 24-48 hours of the arrest, where a judge sets release conditions.
Released on a promise to return (no bail cost)(court word: Release on recognizance (ROR)): The person goes home without paying anything, on their written promise to come back to every court date.
Bail bondsman fee (usually 10%, not refundable)(court word: Surety bond): You pay a company a fee to post the bail. You do not get that fee back, even if the case is dropped.
Request to drop charges form(court word: Affidavit of non-prosecution): A statement asking the prosecutor to drop the case. The prosecutor decides — it is not automatic.
Missed-court arrest order(court word: Capias / bench warrant): A judge's order to arrest someone who did not show up for court.
Strict stay-away rule(court word: No-contact order): A court rule banning calls, texts, messages passed through other people, and social media contact.
Court check-in program(court word: Pre-trial services): Staff who check in with the person and remind them about court while the case is open.
Free court-appointed lawyer(court word: Public defender): The lawyer the court assigns when someone cannot afford to hire one.
The court's list of cases for that morning(court word: Docket / docket call): Your person's name is called from that list; arrive early and stay in the courtroom.

This information helps you navigate court administrative steps and does not constitute legal representation or advice. This is general information, not legal advice, and using these tools does not create an attorney-client relationship. Verify every date, rule and dollar figure with the defense attorney of record and the clerk of court before you act.