Defiance County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Defiance County

After a DUI arrest in Defiance County, Ohio, your vehicle is typically impounded. This is standard procedure under Ohio law, designed to prevent further operation of the vehicle by an impaired driver. Understanding the process for retrieving your vehicle is crucial to minimize storage fees and avoid further complications. This guide provides the steps you need to take to get your car back as quickly as possible.

Where Is Your Car?

Following a DUI arrest, your vehicle will be towed to an impound lot. The arresting agency dictates the tow destination based on proximity and vendor contracts. Here are some impound lot options that may be used in Defiance County:

• John's Towing & Repair Service / City of Defiance Police Impound: 21799 State Route 18, Defiance, OH 43512, (419) 782-8778
• Hutch's Towing & Recovery Services: 14066 Co Rd M-50, Holiday City, OH 43543, Phone: N/A
• Paulding Automotive Towing & Recovery: 130 Dooley Dr, Paulding, OH 45879, Phone: N/A
• Gideon's Towing & Recovery: Highway OH 18 (Exit: Defiance to IN State Line), Defiance, OH, (419) 399-4242
• VJ's Towing & Rescue: Regional dispatches serving Defiance, Wood, and Lucas counties, (419) 874-3251

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should provide documentation indicating where your vehicle was towed. The tow company's name and contact information will be listed.
• Call the Defiance County Sheriff's Office: If you cannot locate the paperwork, contact the Defiance County Sheriff's Office to inquire about the impound location.
• Reference your booking number: When contacting the Sheriff's Office or potential impound lots, provide your booking number to help them locate your vehicle.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Retrieving your vehicle requires specific documentation and payment. Be prepared to present the following:

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: The person retrieving the vehicle typically needs a valid driver's license. However, because the arresting officer physically seizes the defendant's driver's license and initiates an Administrative License Suspension (ALS) on the spot after an OVI arrest involving a failed chemical test or a test refusal, you may not possess the required credential.
• Vehicle registration or title: You must provide proof of ownership. A copy of the vehicle registration or the vehicle title is acceptable.
• Proof of insurance: Current proof of insurance for the vehicle is required.
• Police release authorization: You will need authorization from the arresting agency to release the vehicle.
• Payment for fees: You will need to pay all applicable towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended, you can still retrieve your vehicle by having someone else drive it.

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: Another person with a valid driver's license can pick up the vehicle on your behalf.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license
• A signed authorization letter from you, notarized if you are incarcerated. Ohio tow yards require the original, physically stamped and notarized document.
• Vehicle title or registration

Costs & Fees in Defiance County

Be prepared for fees associated with towing and storage.

• Daily Storage Rate: If your vehicle was impounded by the City of Defiance Police Division, the storage fee is capped at $15.00 per day. Other lots may have different rates.
• Tow Fee: Towing fees are regulated by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) and are considered "reasonable cost" limits based on the vehicle's GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating).
• Admin/Processing Fee: There may be administrative or processing fees, especially if certified mail notifications are triggered after 72 hours.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day. Retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible to minimize expenses.

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm accepted payment methods. John's Towing & Repair Service accepts cash, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover, but applies a 4% convenience fee to all credit card transactions. Representatives must arrive with exact cash to mitigate the escalating financial burden.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day costs more money.

After 10 Days

Under ORC 4513.61, vehicles left unclaimed for 10 days following the issuance of a certified mail notice may be declared a nuisance and disposed of.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you are struggling to pay the impound fees:

• Contact a family member or friend to help cover costs.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available. Some impound lots may offer payment plans or reduced rates in certain circumstances.

After Retrieval

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: Carefully examine the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Document any damage with photos: Take detailed photographs of any damage.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Notify the impound lot manager in writing about any damage before you leave the premises. This creates a record of the damage and can help with any claims you may need to file.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where will I be taken after being arrested for OVI in Defiance County? You will likely be transported to the Corrections Center of Northwest Ohio (CCNO) in Stryker, OH, as Defiance County does not operate a long-term holding facility.
2. What is the "Five-Day Rule" in Defiance Municipal Court? By Ohio law, your initial court appearance must be held within 5 days of an OVI arrest.
3. Can I get my personal belongings from my impounded car in Defiance County without paying the fees? Yes, under ORC 4513.61, you retain the statutory right to retrieve necessary personal items from the impounded vehicle without paying the tow fees, provided the items have not been secured as evidence.