Alvin S Glenn Detention Center Attorneys

Our experienced Alvin S Glenn Lawyers have a proven track record of success. We handle every type of case from misdemeanor DUI to murder. The lawyers at Strom Law Firm, LLC can also advise you on the bail bond and release process at the Alvin S Glenn Detention Center.

The Strom Law Firm, LLC’s experienced Alvin S Glenn Lawyers provide an aggressive and proactive defense to every client we represent.

The Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center (ASGDC) – also known as the Richland County Detention Center – is located in Columbia, South Carolina. This massive complex houses detainees and/or inmates to minimum, medium, or maximum security dorms based on a thorough classification and assignment system. The American Correctional Association (ACA) designated the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center as a nationally accredited detention center for meeting 100% of the 69 mandatory standards of the ACA and 96.3% of the 300 non-mandatory standards.

The Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center has its own policy and protocols for inmates and visitors. If you have a loved one or friend being held at the Richland County Detention Center in Columbia, you may have questions about how to assist them. Over the years, the Criminal Defense Lawyers at the Strom Law Firm, LLC have helped clients and their families navigate through these processes at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center. We have summarized the answers to the most frequently asked questions we receive about the Richland County Detention Center process.

Bond Hearings

If you or a loved one has been arrested for a crime in Richland County, they will be booked into the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center and formally charged. The person will wait for a few hours before seeing the magistrate judge at the jail who will determine if a bond will be set. At the bond hearing, a magistrate does not consider evidence or make any decisions about the merits of the case. The judge considers two factors: (1) risk of flight and (2) danger to the community. The judge may ask about the person’s education, employment, family, ties to the community and criminal history to determine whether a bond should be set and if so, what the amount should be. The judge can set a Personal Recognizance bond (PR bond) where you will not have to post money or property to secure your release from jail, but will sign yourself out with a  promise to appear for all court dates. In other situations, a surety bond may be set where a certain amount must be paid before you can be released. In a few circumstances, bond may be denied completely and you would be required to stay in jail. Pete Strom and the attorneys at the Strom Law Firm will work diligently to get the best possible bond for you in your case.

What Next?

After you are formally charged with a crime and have bonded out of jail, you now have a pending criminal case against you. At the bond hearing, you will be given a court date. You must always appear for every scheduled court appearance or hearing that you are given. Failure to appear could result in a bench warrant being issued for your arrest. Representing yourself or going before a judge without the proper representation could have devastating consequences. You should always have an attorney present when you are required to appear in court for criminal charges.

Types Of Courts:

There are many different courts that handle varying levels of criminal charges.

Federal Courts – federal courts handle charges brought for violations of federal law or for charges arising from conduct taking place on a military base. Many times, the investigations in these cases may span long periods of time before an arrest is made.

General Sessions Courts – General Sessions Courts handle charges brought for felony or misdemeanor violations of state law. General Session Court is where murder cases, serious drug cases, and other felonies and upper level misdemeanors.

Magistrate and Municipal Courts – Magistrate and municipal courts handle traffic tickets and lower-level misdemeanors such as DUIs, Shoplifting, Public Disorderly Conduct, Minor in Possession of Alcohol, Public Drunkenness, Trespassing, and Simple Possession of Marijuana.

Preliminary Hearings

You are entitled to a preliminary hearing for any charges that are handled in General Sessions Courts. The purpose of these hearings is to determine whether your charge is supported by probable cause. At the preliminary hearing, you are not allowed to present a defense or speak.The investigating officer will testify under oath about what probable cause he or she had to make the arrest and charge. If your attorney has a motion, the judge will hear that motion and any response from the prosecution. At the close of the hearing, the judge will decide whether to dismiss the charge, remand it to a lower court or reduce the charge, or to send it on to General Sessions. The criminal defense attorneys at the Strom Law Firm will ask the right questions on cross-examination and present any appropriate motions to the judge at your preliminary hearing.

Sentencing

Sentencing is handled by the judge, subject to the range set by the legislature in the statute you’re charged with violating. If you plead guilty or you are found guilty at a trial, your sentence could include jail or prison time, fines, community service, or probation. The experienced and qualified attorneys at the Strom Law Firm are excellent at presenting mitigating evidence at your sentencing to assist the judge in making the right sentencing decision.

Trial

While many cases are resolved outside of trial, many proceed to a trial by jury or a judge. Depending on the charge and the court in which it is adjudicated, trials can last a few hours, a few days, or even a few weeks. Many attorneys may be hesitant to go to trial. At the Strom Law Firm, we do not shy away from trial. The criminal law attorneys at the Strom Law Firm will work tirelessly to provide you with the best possible defense at trial.

When your freedom, personal and family stability, economic survival, and reputation are at stake, you need an Alvin S Glenn lawyer who understands what is at stake, and who will fight to protect your interests. We handle bond hearings at Alvin S Glenn. We regularly do inmate visits at Alvin S Glenn.

What is the Address of the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center?

The Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center is located at 201 John Mark Dial Drive, Columbia, SC 29209. Their phone number is (803) 576-3200.

Who is Held at or Sent to Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center? 

The Richland County Detention Center serves as the intake center for unsentenced misdemeanor and/or felony detainees in Richland County, South Carolina. It also serves as an incarceration facility for individuals who have already been sentenced and are serving short sentences. Depending on their classification and assignment, inmates may be placed in minimum, medium, or maximum dorms.

The Alvin S. Glenn Detention also houses juvenile offenders until their incarceration status is determined by a family court judge for placement in the Department of Juvenile Justice. 

Inmates who have been arrested by a federal agency and are pending sentencing may also be housed at the Richland County Detention Center.

How Do I Find Information About an Inmate at Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center?

It is difficult to obtain information about inmates during the booking process. While the booking process can take a while to complete, some information is generally available within a couple of hours of the arrest. Once the inmate has been booked in and processed, you can obtain general information on the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center website through a search of the inmate’s name. The inmate will not appear to be in the facility unless the jail has completed the booking process. You can also call the Inmate Records division at (803) 576-3238 or (803) 576-3239 for any additional information. 

When you search for inmate information, you will need to provide the inmate’s name. Information that will be provided in that search includes the inmate number, the date of arrest, the charges they’ve been arrested for, and any updated bond information. It should be noted that information on any juvenile or federal detainees is not accessible or provided through the online search.

How Can I Post Bond (Bail) for an Inmate at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center? 

When an inmate is booked and processed, he or she may be eligible for a bond hearing at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center. In most cases, a magistrate or municipal judge will determine if a bond will be set in a case. Bond can be based on a person’s own recognizance (a promise to return to court for any scheduled hearings) or a monetary amount to be paid. Inmates who are set a surety bond will remain in jail until the amount of bail set by the court has been posted. You can help to secure the release of an inmate by posting bail on his or her behalf or contacting a bail bondsman in the area to assist you.

The Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center accepts cash, cashier’s checks, or money orders as appropriate forms of payment. 

How Can I Visit an Inmate at Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center?

Visitation is scheduled Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; however, you cannot visit during meal times, shift changes, or lockdown periods. The inmate is allowed to choose a single one (1) hour visitation time slot per week. Only two visitors are allowed to visit at one time and any person under the age of 18 is considered as one of those visitors. 

Visitors must have a photo ID for identification and must be properly dressed. Any decisions concerning a visitor’s manner of dress is determined by the jail’s staff. In general, visitors should avoid short shorts, low-cut shirts, bathing suits, short skirts, sleeveless shirts, or any items that reveal midriff or cleavage. If a visitor is not dressed appropriately, the jail staff can refuse to allow visitation. 

How Can I Put Money on an Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center Inmate’s Account? 

Inmates are provided with an inmate account in order to purchase items from the Commissary once a week. The Inmate Accounts office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Money can be deposited to an inmate account through a money order left at the front lobby of the facility, through the kiosk in the front lobby for cash and credit card deposits, or through the internet account by visiting McDaniel Supply Company. 

Money orders can be left for deposit in the front lobby or mailed to the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. seven days a week. The money order should include the inmate’s full and complete name, date of birth, and their inmate number.

To mail a money order to the Detention Center, include the following information:

(Inmate Name, Inmate Number, Housing Unit)

Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center

201 John Mark Dial Drive

Columbia, SC 29209

Deposits must be made by 12pm on Wednesdays in order for the inmate to order commissary for that week.

How Do I Get an Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center Inmate’s Property Back? 

Any personal property in the inmate’s possession will be collected, cataloged, and stored while he or she is in the custody of the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center. The property will be returned upon the person’s release from the facility. 

If you are charged with a crime, you are innocent until proven guilty, which is a right guaranteed by our constitution. It becomes the state’s burden to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.  For experienced criminal defense attorneys who will fight for you and protect your rights, contact the criminal defense attorneys at the Strom Law Firm, LLC today.  We offer a free consultation to discuss your arrest, possible defenses, and what you may be facing. Call us today for a free consultation. 803.252.4800. 

FINDING THE RIGHT ATTORNEY TO HANDLE A RICHLAND COUNTY DETENTION CENTER CRIMINAL CASE

Inmates are often placed in the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center for a short time while they await a bond hearing, but can also remain in custody there during the pendency of their cases. The experienced criminal defense attorneys at Strom Law Firm LLC are knowledgeable about the jail system and South Carolina state laws. We can assist you in navigating through your loved one’s case. Call (803) 252-4800 today to see how the attorneys at the Strom Law Firm can help.