Pickaway County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Pickaway County

After a DUI arrest in Pickaway County, Ohio, your vehicle is typically impounded. This is standard procedure to ensure public safety and prevent further operation of the vehicle by the impaired driver. Understanding the process for retrieving your vehicle can save you time and money. This guide provides the steps you need to take to get your car back as quickly as possible.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you are arrested for DUI (also known as OVI in Ohio, for Operating a Vehicle Impaired), the arresting officer will arrange for your vehicle to be towed and stored at a designated impound lot. This is a separate process from your criminal case, and you must take specific steps to retrieve your vehicle, regardless of the outcome of your DUI charge. The Ohio Revised Code (O.R.C. 4513.601 and 4513.61) governs vehicle recovery.

Where Is Your Car?

Your vehicle was likely towed to one of the impound lots that the Pickaway County Sheriff's Office uses. Here are a couple of possibilities:

• Last Notice Towing & Recovery: 745 Maplewood Ave, Circleville, OH 43113
• Fletcher's Towing: 20615 US-23, Circleville, OH 43113

Scioto Valley Wrecker Service is another primary impound location at 19908 Island Rd, Circleville, OH 43113. Their release line phone numbers are (740) 497-5586 / (740) 497-5927.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided documentation indicating which towing company impounded your vehicle.
• Call the Pickaway County Sheriff's Office: You can contact the Pickaway County Sheriff's Office to inquire about the location of your vehicle. You can find information on the Pickaway County Sheriff's Office.
• Reference your booking number: Providing your booking number from the Pickaway County Jail (600 Island Rd, Circleville, OH 43113) can help them locate your vehicle information more quickly. You can search for inmates on the Pickaway County Inmate Search. The booking/inmate lookup phone number is (740) 474-2176.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Before heading to the impound lot, ensure you have all the necessary documentation to avoid delays and additional fees.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: You, or the person retrieving the vehicle, must have a valid driver's license. If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, see the section below.
• Vehicle registration or title: Proof of ownership is essential. Bring the vehicle's registration or title.
• Proof of insurance: You must provide proof of current, valid insurance for the vehicle.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay all towing and storage fees (see "Costs & Fees" section below).

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you cannot legally drive the vehicle off the impound lot yourself. Here are your options:

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: The easiest solution is to have someone with a valid driver's license retrieve the vehicle for you.
• They need: Their valid license, a signed authorization letter from you (if you are not present), and the vehicle title or registration. The registered owner must physically appear at the lot to authorize the release, sign the necessary paperwork, and pay the fees, but they must be accompanied by a secondary individual possessing a valid driver's license who will physically drive the vehicle off the premises.
• Hire a towing company: Alternatively, you can hire another towing company to transport the vehicle from the impound lot to your home or another location.

Costs & Fees in Pickaway County

The costs associated with retrieving your vehicle can add up quickly. It's crucial to understand the fees involved to avoid surprises.

The base towing fee is regulated by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO). Expect to pay approximately $129 - $144 base rate for standard light-duty vehicles.

The daily storage rate is also regulated. Expect to pay between $17 and $22 per day for vehicles under 10,001 lbs.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day. Retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible to minimize these costs. If a sober spouse or family member can arrive at the traffic stop prior to the tow truck lifting the vehicle, they must immediately assert their right to pay the drop fee via credit card, entirely bypassing the impound lot and preventing the accrual of daily storage fees. The fee for this pre-tow release cannot exceed one-half of the standard towing rate.

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm accepted payment methods. Most accept cash, certified checks, and major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover). Scioto Valley Wrecker Service accepts those payment methods.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day costs more money. Contact the impound lot as soon as possible after your release to begin the retrieval process.

After 30 Days

Ohio law (O.R.C. 4513.70) provides a mechanism for legal recourse if you dispute the validity of the tow or suspect the application of exorbitant fees exceeding PUCO limits. You have 30 days of receiving the towing/storage bill to file a civil action in the Circleville Municipal Court.

Most states allow the lot to initiate a lien sale if the vehicle is unclaimed after a certain period (often 30 days). Do not let it reach this point. You will lose ownership of your vehicle.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you are struggling to afford the impound fees, consider the following:

• Contact a family member or friend: Ask for assistance to help cover the costs.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some impound lots may offer payment plans. It's worth inquiring, although it is not guaranteed.

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 photos of any damage as evidence.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Notify the lot manager of any damage in writing and obtain a copy of the report for your records.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where will my arraignment be scheduled after a DUI arrest in Pickaway County? Arraignments for individuals incarcerated in the Pickaway County Jail are conducted via a secure video feed linking the jail to the Circleville Municipal Court, strictly at 10:00 AM, Monday through Friday.
2. What happens if I am arrested for DUI late on a Friday in Pickaway County? If a defendant is arrested late Friday evening or over the weekend, and the offense requires judicial review for bail setting (e.g., a second offense), the defendant will remain incarcerated until the 10:00 AM video docket on the following Monday.
3. Where can I file a dispute about towing fees in Pickaway County? If an owner disputes the validity of the tow or suspects the application of exorbitant fees exceeding PUCO limits, Ohio law (O.R.C. 4513.70) provides a mechanism for legal recourse. The civil action must be filed in the Circleville Municipal Court.