Lake County Bail Information

Navigating Bail After a DUI Arrest in Lake County, Ohio

If you've been arrested for a DUI (Operating a Vehicle under the Influence, or OVI) in Lake County, Ohio, understanding the bail process is crucial. This guide provides specific information to help you navigate the system and secure your release.

Understanding the Lake County Jail and Initial Processing

The Lake County Adult Detention Facility (LCADF) at 104 East Erie Street, Painesville, Ohio 44077, serves as the central processing point for OVI arrests across all Lake County jurisdictions. You can reach them at (440) 350-5601. Be aware of the "sobriety hold" policy: individuals intoxicated by drugs or alcohol may be held for up to 12 hours or more until deemed sober, potentially delaying your release and impacting your ability to post bond promptly.

Posting Bail: Options and Procedures

Lake County utilizes a uniform bond schedule for OVI offenses. For example, if you are a resident of Ohio arrested for OVI, the bond is typically $5,500. You can post 10% of this amount ($550) in cash, plus a state fee (usually around $25), directly to the court. If you appear at all required hearings, 90% of this deposit is returned at the conclusion of your case. Non-Ohio residents face a higher bond, often around $7,500 for a first offense.

Where to Post Bail:

• During Business Hours (8:00 AM - 4:00 PM): Post bond at the Clerk's office of the relevant Municipal Court (Painesville, Mentor, or Willoughby).
• After Hours/Weekends: Post bond at the Lake County Adult Detention Facility or, potentially, at the arresting police department (e.g., Willoughby PD after 4:00 PM).

Important: Arriving at the court even a few minutes after the 4:00 PM cut-off will result in being turned away, forcing you to travel to the jail or police station.

Vehicle Impound and Release: A Two-Step Process

Getting your vehicle back after a DUI arrest in Lake County involves a frustrating "two-step" process. You cannot go directly to the tow yard.

Step 1: Authorization. The registered owner must appear in person at the arresting Police Department or Court Clerk with a valid Driver’s License and Proof of Ownership (Title/Registration). If your license is suspended, you need two licensed drivers to remove the vehicle.

Step 2: Documentation. The agency issues a "Tow Release" form (hard copy or electronic).

Step 3: Recovery. Proceed to the tow yard, present the release, and pay the fees.

Tow Yards and Fees:

• Wickliffe: Vehicles are towed to 3S Towing at 29090 Anderson, Wickliffe, OH. Call them at (440) 347-9560. Their hours are Mon-Fri 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM; Sat 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM. Fees are $90 tow / $15 per day storage / $25 per day indoor (motorcycle).
• Other Jurisdictions: Vitalone's is a common impound location.

Important Considerations:

• Cash Only: Vitalone's and 3S Towing operate on a strictly CASH ONLY basis.
• Court Hold: Verify that no "Court Hold" exists on your vehicle before attempting retrieval. A hold prevents release until a judicial order lifts it.
• Willoughby's 4-Hour Window: Willoughby Codified Ordinance 405.02 offers a potential advantage: no storage charges apply if the vehicle is retrieved within the first four hours of storage.

"Pay for Stay" at the Lake County Jail

Be aware that Lake County enforces a "Pay for Stay" program. If you are employed, you may be required to pay 20% of your net pay while incarcerated. If you are not employed or on specific programs, a $50.00 per diem (daily fee) may be assessed.

Contact Information for Lake County Courts

• Painesville Municipal Court: 7 Richmond Street, Painesville, OH 44077. Traffic/Criminal: (440) 392-5900.
• Mentor Municipal Court: 8500 Civic Center Boulevard, Mentor, OH 44060. (440) 974-5744 (Option 4 for Criminal/Traffic).
• Willoughby Municipal Court: 4000 Erie Street, Willoughby, OH 44094.

To determine which court has jurisdiction over your case, check the location where you were arrested. This will determine where you need to post bond and attend hearings.