Franklin County OVI Bail Information

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Franklin County DUI Bail and Release Procedures

Franklin County bail for a first-offense DWI typically ranges from $2,500 - $5,000. Here's a breakdown of typical bail amounts:

Where to Post Bail in Franklin County

You can post bail at two locations in Franklin County:

• Franklin County Clerk's Office: Located on the 2nd Floor of the Criminal/Traffic Division at 375 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215. Bail can be posted here Monday through Thursday between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM, excluding holidays.

• Franklin County Regional Jail: Bonds are accepted here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays, for times outside of the Clerk's Office hours.

How Bail Bonds Work in Franklin County

When arrested for a DUI in Franklin County, you will have the opportunity to be released on bail. There are generally three ways this can happen:

• Cash Bail: This involves paying the full bail amount set by the court. If all conditions of release are met (appearing for all court dates, remaining law-abiding), the full amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, regardless of the outcome.

• Surety Bond (Bail Bond): Instead of paying the full bail amount, you can use a bail bondsman. Typically, you will pay a percentage (usually 10%) of the bail amount to the bondsman. This fee is non-refundable, even if you are found not guilty. The bail bondsman then guarantees to the court that you will appear for all required court dates.

• Personal Recognizance (PR) Bond: If eligible, the court may release you on a PR bond. This means you are released on your own recognizance, without having to pay any money. This is typically granted for lower-level offenses and individuals with strong ties to the community and a clean criminal record. Failure to appear on a PR bond results in a warrant for your arrest, and potential financial penalties, equivalent to the full bail amount.

Co-Signer/Indemnitor Warning

If someone co-signs or acts as an indemnitor on your bail bond, they are financially responsible for the full bail amount if you fail to appear in court. This means they could be liable for tens of thousands of dollars, even if the initial fee paid to the bondsman was only a small percentage. Make sure your co-signer fully understands the risks involved. This responsibility remains even if the charges against you are later dismissed.

Release Timeline After a Franklin County DUI Arrest

The typical release timeline following a DUI arrest in Franklin County looks like this:

1. Booking: After arrest, you will be taken to jail for booking. This process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording your personal information. This can take anywhere from 2-6 hours.

2. Arraignment: Your first court appearance, where you will be formally charged and enter a plea. This usually occurs within 24-72 hours of your arrest, but can be longer on weekends or holidays. Bail will be set at this time if it has not been already.

3. Bail Posted: Once bail is set, you or someone on your behalf can post bail at the Franklin County Clerk's Office or the Regional Jail, depending on the time of day.

4. Release: After bail is posted and processed, you will be released from custody. Processing can take 1-4 hours.

Critical Deadlines After Release

After being released on bail for a DUI in Franklin County, it's crucial to remember these deadlines:

• Administrative License Suspension (ALS) Hearing: You have only 15 days from the date of your arrest to request an Administrative License Suspension (ALS) hearing. Failure to request this hearing within the deadline results in the automatic suspension of your driver's license.

• Vehicle Retrieval: You will need to arrange for the retrieval of your vehicle from impound. There are often fees associated with towing and storage, so act quickly to minimize these costs.

• First Court Date: Remember the date and time of your next scheduled court appearance. Missing this date can result in a warrant for your arrest and forfeiture of your bail.

Payment Methods

The Franklin County Clerk's Office accepts cash for bail payments. The Franklin County Regional Jail typically accepts cash only. It's advisable to confirm accepted payment methods prior to arriving to post bail.

Weekend/Holiday Timing

If your DUI arrest occurs on a weekend or holiday, posting bail at the Clerk's Office will not be possible until the next business day (Monday through Thursday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, excluding holidays). However, bail can be posted 24/7 at the Franklin County Regional Jail located at the current jail address.