Client Personal Property Held by Jail or Arresting Agency

Clients are often understandably concerned about personal property taken at the time of arrest. This may include phones, wallets, keys, clothing, cash, or other items. I want to be clear and transparent about my policy in this area.

My scope of representation does not include retrieving, holding, transporting, or taking possession of any client’s personal property that is held by a jail, detention facility, or arresting agency. I do not accept property on behalf of clients and I do not act as a go-between for the release of property.

This policy is not personal. It applies to all clients equally.

The reason is straightforward: taking possession of client property creates significant risk of loss, damage, or dispute, and it can unintentionally place me in the position of a bailee. To protect both clients and my practice, I do not assume that liability under any circumstances.

How Clients Can Retrieve Their Property

If property was booked into the jail:

• You should have received a property or inventory sheet at booking.
• Take that inventory sheet to the property window at the jail or detention facility and follow their procedures for release.

If property is not at the jail:

• Some items may be held by the arresting agency rather than the jail.
• You will need to contact that agency directly for instructions on retrieval.

Each facility and agency has its own procedures, identification requirements, and release hours. Jail staff or the arresting agency can provide the most accurate, current information.

What I Do Handle

My role is to represent you on the legal case itself. That includes defending the charges, protecting your rights, advising you on strategy, and advocating for you in court. While I cannot assist with property retrieval, this limitation allows me to stay focused on the legal work that directly affects the outcome of your case.

If you have questions about where property may be held or need help understanding paperwork you received at booking, I am happy to explain what the documents mean and point you in the right direction. I simply cannot take possession of, store, or retrieve property on your behalf.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS IF YOU WERE ARRESTED IN SAN ANTONIO OR BEXAR COUNTY
(From Bexar County Website:  https://www.bexar.org/3473/Property-Room-Evidence-Unit)

• If your loved one was transferred from the Bexar County Adult Detention Center to TDC (prison) or a secondary facility, and you want to retrieve his/her personal property:
  • Please contact BCSO Inmate Clothing at 210-335-6152 or BCSO Inmate Banking at 210-335-5287.
• If you have been released from the Bexar County Adult Detention Center and you need to pick up property taken as Evidence, Found Property, or Safe Keeping.  
  • Please schedule an appointment with the Evidence/Property room corresponding to the Arresting Agency.  

If you were arrested by a Bexar County Sheriff’s Deputy

• Please schedule an appointment (before the visit) by calling 210-335-6092. 
  
  
• If you wish to email questions before scheduling an appointment, the email address is: [email protected]
  
  
• To retrieve property in the BCSO Property Room you will need the agency case number and a valid form of government-issued ID.
  • Example – 2024-BCSO-XXXXXX
    ** Some items may require a court order or a release order from the BCSO Investigator assigned to the case.**
• IF the release of property requires a release form from the handling BCSO Investigator:
  • Please call the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division at 210-335-6070 during regular business hours.
  • Ask to speak to the Investigator handling your case (please provide case number).
  • Request the Investigator’s email address so that the request can be submitted in writing.

 
Bexar County Sheriff’s Office Property and Evidence Room

127 N. Comal
San Antonio, TX 78207
(Use Door “C” and please use the black box/call button to speak to the attendant)

Please note that Comal Parking Garage validation is not offered by the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office Evidence Property Room. 

• If the arrest was made by a San Antonio Police Officer you can retrieve your belongings from the SAPD Property Room.
  • They can be reached at 210-207-7570.

 
If you are seeking information regarding a towed vehicle, please visit https://www.bexar.org/727/Vehicle-Towing

If you would like to submit a complaint regarding BCSO, please email [email protected].
When submitting a complaint, please include the case number or SID number of defendant if possible.