How Long After Cashing A Check Will A Bank Release Held Funds?

I cashed a check today at my bank, and now the amount of the check is on hold in my checking account. How long until the funds are released?
Also, where can I cash a check to prevent this from happening again?

Incoming search terms:

• wilton corporation had beginning retained earnings of $764 000 an ending retained earnings of $833 000 during the year they issued common stock totaling $47 000 what was their net income for the year (2)