Coshocton County License Hearing Guide

Coshocton County DUI License Suspension & ALR Hearing

After a DUI arrest in Coshocton County, Ohio, you face two separate legal processes: a criminal case in court and an administrative license suspension imposed by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). This guide focuses on the administrative side, specifically the license suspension and your right to an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing. The ALR hearing is your opportunity to challenge the suspension of your driver's license before your criminal case is resolved.

CRITICAL DEADLINE: Request Hearing Within 15 Days

You have only 15 days from the date of your DUI arrest to request an ALR hearing. This is a strict deadline. Missing it results in an automatic suspension of your driver's license.

To request a hearing, contact the Ohio BMV. While the specific method for requesting a hearing may vary, you can typically initiate the process by contacting the BMV.

What happens if you miss the deadline? If you fail to request an ALR hearing within 15 days, your license suspension will automatically go into effect. You will lose your driving privileges for the duration of the suspension period, regardless of the outcome of your criminal case.

Automatic License Suspension

Even if you plan to fight your DUI charge in criminal court, the Ohio BMV can suspend your license administratively based on the circumstances of your arrest. The length of the suspension depends on whether you took a breath, blood, or urine test and, if so, the results.

If You Took the Breath/Blood Test and Failed

If you submitted to a chemical test and your blood alcohol content (BAC) was 0.08 or higher, the Ohio BMV will suspend your license. The specific duration of the suspension depends on Ohio law.

Upon arrest, you may have been issued a temporary permit. This permit allows you to drive until your ALR hearing or until the suspension officially begins, whichever comes first.

If You Refused Testing

Under Ohio's "implied consent" law, any person who operates a vehicle on Ohio roads has implicitly consented to submit to chemical testing if arrested for DUI. Refusing to take a breath, blood, or urine test carries a longer license suspension than failing the test.

Refusal suspensions are typically longer than suspensions for failing a test.

The ALR/Administrative Hearing

The ALR hearing is a critical opportunity to challenge your license suspension. It is a separate proceeding from your criminal case, meaning that the outcome of the ALR hearing does not automatically determine the outcome of your criminal case, and vice versa.

What It Is

The ALR hearing is an administrative proceeding, not a criminal trial. Its sole purpose is to determine whether the Ohio BMV has sufficient evidence to justify suspending your driver's license. The burden of proof is lower than in a criminal trial. The BMV only needs to show that it is more likely than not that you were driving under the influence.

How to Prepare

Preparing for your ALR hearing is crucial. Here are some steps you can take:

• Gather evidence: Collect any evidence that supports your case, such as witness statements, dashcam footage, or medical records.
• Understand what you can challenge: At the ALR hearing, you can challenge several aspects of the BMV's case, including whether the officer had reasonable suspicion to stop you, whether you were properly advised of your rights, and whether the chemical test was properly administered.

Possible Outcomes

There are three possible outcomes of an ALR hearing:

• Suspension upheld: The BMV finds sufficient evidence to justify the suspension, and your license remains suspended.
• Suspension overturned: The BMV does not find sufficient evidence to justify the suspension, and your license is reinstated.
• Restricted/hardship license granted: The BMV may grant you a restricted or hardship license, allowing you to drive for limited purposes, such as work, school, or medical appointments.

Hardship/Restricted License in Ohio

Even if your license is suspended, you may be eligible for a hardship or restricted license, allowing you to drive under specific circumstances.

Eligibility requirements vary, but generally, you must demonstrate a need to drive for essential purposes, such as getting to work, school, or medical appointments. You will need to provide documentation to support your claim.

If granted a restricted license, you will only be able to drive for the approved purposes. Violating these restrictions can result in further penalties.

Ohio law may require the installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) as a condition of a restricted license, even for a first-time DUI offense.

Getting Your License Back

Once your license suspension period is over, you will need to take steps to reinstate your driving privileges.

After Criminal Case Concludes

Reinstatement typically involves the following:

• Paying reinstatement fees: The Ohio BMV charges fees to reinstate a suspended license.
• Providing proof of insurance: You may need to provide proof of SR-22 insurance, which is a certificate of financial responsibility required for high-risk drivers.
• Completing required classes/programs: You may be required to complete a DUI education program or other court-ordered classes.

Contact the Ohio BMV for specific reinstatement requirements based on your case.

Coshocton County DMV Offices

The BMV Deputy Registrar License Agency in Coshocton County is located at:

• 275 Downtowner Plaza, Coshocton, Ohio 43812
• Phone: (844) 644-6268

Contact the BMV to confirm hours of operation.

Special Programs

• Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Program: Ohio law may require the installation of an IID in your vehicle as a condition of license reinstatement or a restricted license.
• Occupational License: An occupational license allows you to drive for work-related purposes even while your license is suspended.

Frequently Asked Questions

1How much is bail for a first-offense DUI in Coshocton County?

For Coshocton County residents, bail for a first-offense DUI is typically $104, which includes a $50 cash deposit, a $29 state fee, and a $25 surcharge. Ohio residents (out-of-county) pay $154, while out-of-state residents face a $554 bail.

2Where is the Coshocton County Justice Center located?

The Coshocton County Justice Center is located at 328 Chestnut Street, Coshocton, Ohio 43812.

3Does the Coshocton County Justice Center provide inmate information over the phone?

No, the Coshocton County Justice Center has a restrictive communication policy and does not provide inmate release information or status updates over the phone. You can use the V.I.N.E. system (1-800-770-0192) or the Coshocton Sheriff app to find this information.