Franklin County OVI Guide

DUI Arrest in Franklin County, OH: Complete Guide

Being arrested for DUI (also known as OVI in Ohio) in Franklin County can be a disorienting experience. With over 1.3 million residents, Franklin County sees a significant volume of OVI arrests. This guide provides immediate, practical information to help you navigate the process, understand your rights, and take the necessary steps to protect your future. This guide will walk you through what to expect and how to handle the immediate aftermath.

What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Franklin County

After being pulled over and arrested for OVI in Franklin County, you'll likely be taken to the Franklin County jail for processing. This involves fingerprinting, photographing, and potentially a breathalyzer or blood test. You'll be informed of the charges against you and held until you can post bail or are released on your own recognizance (ROR). Your driver's license will likely be confiscated, and you'll be issued a temporary license. The next crucial steps involve understanding your court dates, potential license suspensions, and how to navigate the legal system in Franklin County.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

• Timeline:

• Arrest: You are pulled over, investigated for OVI, and arrested.

• Booking: You are taken to the Franklin County jail (likely the Franklin County Regional Jail) for processing.

• Breath/Blood Test: You will be asked to submit to a chemical test. Refusal can lead to immediate license suspension.

• Initial Appearance/Arraignment: This is your first court appearance, where you will be formally charged.

• Release: You can be released on bail or ROR.

• Booking Process: The booking process at the Franklin County jail involves:

• Providing personal information

• Fingerprinting and photographing

• Inventorying your belongings

• Medical screening

• Phone Calls: You are typically allowed to make a reasonable number of phone calls after the booking process is complete. Use these calls wisely to contact family, friends, or an attorney.

• Bail:

• Franklin County courts often allow a "10% appearance bond," meaning you only need to pay 10% of the total bond amount plus a $25 state surcharge (e.g., $150 on a $1,500 bond).

• Local residents with steady employment and no prior record may be released on their own recognizance (ROR), requiring no money.

• For 2nd or 3rd OVI offenses, bail amounts increase significantly (e.g., $15,000+), often with a "No 10%" stipulation, requiring the full amount to be paid.

• Bonds can be posted 24/7 at the Clerk of Court's office on the 2nd floor of 375 S. High St., Columbus, OH 43215, or at the Jackson Pike jail release window.

• Accepted payment methods include cash, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover (cardholder must be present with ID). Payments are NOT accepted over the phone.

• A dedicated line exists for professional bondsmen (614-724-0659) to expedite the process.

Critical Deadlines

• ALR Hearing: Request an Administrative License Suspension (ALS) hearing within 30 days of your arrest to challenge the suspension of your driver's license. This is crucial and time-sensitive.
• Arraignment: Your first court appearance (arraignment) will be scheduled shortly after your arrest. Pay close attention to the date and time on your release paperwork.
• License Suspension: If you fail the breathalyzer or refuse to take one, your license will be suspended. The length of the suspension varies based on prior offenses and BAC level.

DUI Enforcement in Franklin County

While specific checkpoint locations are not regularly publicized, Franklin County law enforcement actively patrols for OVI offenses, especially during weekends and holidays. Be aware of increased enforcement during these times.

Local Resources

• Franklin County Municipal Court:
• Address: 375 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
• Court Phone: (614) 645-8186
• Case Search: www.fcmcclerk.com or https://www.fcmcclerk.com/case/search or https://fcdcfcjs.co.franklin.oh.us/CaseInformationOnline/
• Court Hours: Doors open at 8:30 AM (Courtroom 4C), 8:15 AM (Courtrooms 1A & 1B), 9 AM (Courtroom 4D) Monday through Friday. Courtroom 4D is open Saturday at 9 AM.
• Franklin County Inmate Lookup: https://fcsojmsweb.franklincountyohio.gov/Publicview
• Vehicle Impound Lot: 2700 Impound Lot Road, Columbus, OH 43207
• Virtual Jail Visitation: https://franklinOH.GtlVisitMe.com/app
• Bail Bondsmen: (Refer to online directories for local listings – we do not endorse specific companies). A dedicated line exists for professional bondsmen (614-724-0659) to expedite the process.
• DUI Attorneys: (Refer to online directories for local listings – we do not endorse specific attorneys).

What Makes Franklin County Different

Franklin County has several unique aspects to consider when facing a DUI charge:

• Courthouse Security: The Franklin County Municipal Court (375 South High Street) has a strict "No Cell Phone Policy" for the general public. There are no public storage lockers, so if you bring your phone, you may be denied entry. Attorneys with Bar IDs are exempt.
• "Monday Morning" Rush: Expect long security lines at the courthouse on Monday mornings due to weekend arrests. Arrive at least 30-45 minutes early. Aim for 8:15 AM for a 9:00 AM hearing.
• Arraignment Courtrooms: If you bonded out of jail, your arraignment is in Courtroom 4C. If you are still in custody, it's in Courtroom 4D. OVI arraignments in 4D often start at 10:00 AM. Traffic tickets are handled in Courtrooms 1A and 1B, but OVI cases are on the 4th floor.
• Shift Change at Jail: If posting bail at the Jackson Pike jail, avoid shift change times (approximately 45 minutes before and after 7:00 AM, 3:00 PM, and 11:00 PM) to prevent delays in release.
• Inmate Communication: In-person jail visitation is largely eliminated in favor of video visitation via GTL Viapath Technologies. Register online at franklinOH.GtlVisitMe.com. Physical mail is scanned and delivered digitally to tablets, creating a communication lag.
• Plea in Absentia: If you cannot miss work, your attorney can file a "Plea in Absentia" (PIA) before the hearing, allowing them to appear on your behalf.

Navigating the Franklin County OVI process requires awareness of these unique local rules and procedures. Your next step should be to review your release paperwork for your court date and contact information, and strongly consider contacting an attorney specializing in OVI defense in Franklin County, Ohio.