Portage County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Portage County

After a DUI arrest in Portage County, Ohio, one of your most immediate concerns is likely getting your vehicle back. Your car will be impounded, and daily storage fees begin accruing immediately. Understanding the process and acting quickly is essential to minimize expenses and avoid further complications.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you are arrested for Operating a Vehicle Impaired (OVI) in Ohio and your vehicle is seized, it's typically towed to an impound lot. This is standard procedure to ensure public safety and prevent the vehicle from being used illegally while the case is pending. The vehicle will be held until you, or someone authorized by you, retrieves it after fulfilling specific requirements and paying associated fees.

Where Is Your Car?

Unlike some larger cities with centralized impound lots, Portage County utilizes a rotational system of private towing companies. This means your vehicle could be at any one of several different locations depending on which company was on call at the time of your arrest. Here are a couple of the towing companies that operate in Portage County:

• Gateway Recovery & Towing: 8693 OH-14, Streetsboro, OH 44241
• Condor Brothers Towing: 3360 OH-59, Ravenna, OH 44266

It is important to note that the address and phone number of the specific lot holding your vehicle may not be immediately obvious.

How to Find Your Vehicle

Here's how to locate your impounded vehicle:

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided documentation indicating which towing company impounded your vehicle.
• Call the Portage County Sheriff's Office: If you cannot locate the paperwork, contact the Portage County Sheriff's Office Records Division at (330) 297-3892. Be prepared to provide identifying information.
• Reference your booking number: Having your booking number readily available when contacting the Sheriff's Office will expedite the process.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Before you can retrieve your vehicle, you must gather the necessary documents and prepare for payment.

Required Documents

You will generally need the following:

• Valid driver's license: The person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration or title: Proof of ownership is required. Bring either the vehicle registration or the title.
• Proof of insurance: You must demonstrate that the vehicle is currently insured.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay all towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you cannot personally retrieve the vehicle. However, you can authorize someone else to do so on your behalf.

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: A licensed individual can pick up the vehicle for you.
• They need: Their valid driver's license, a signed authorization letter from you granting them permission to retrieve the vehicle, and the vehicle's title or registration in your name.

Costs & Fees in Portage County

Towing and storage fees can accumulate rapidly. It's crucial to understand these costs to avoid surprises. The daily storage rate and tow fee are determined by the specific private contractor that towed your vehicle. Contact the tow company directly for details.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accrue daily, starting the moment your vehicle is towed. The longer you wait, the more it will cost.

Payment

Contact the impound lot in advance to confirm their accepted payment methods. Most accept cash, but policies on credit cards and money orders vary.

Timeline

Prompt action is essential to minimize expenses.

Act Immediately

Storage fees begin accruing as soon as your vehicle is towed. Every day that passes increases the total cost.

After 30 Days

In Ohio, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period, the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover their costs. Typically, this occurs after 30 days. To avoid this, retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you're struggling to afford the towing and storage fees, consider these options:

• Contact a family member or friend: Ask for assistance in covering the costs.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some impound lots may offer payment plans. It doesn't hurt to ask.

After Retrieval

Before driving away with your vehicle, take these precautions:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: Carefully examine the vehicle for any signs of damage that may have occurred while in impound.
• Document any damage with photos: Take clear photos of any damage you find.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Notify the impound lot manager of any damage in writing before you leave the premises. This creates a record of the damage and can be helpful if you need to file a claim later.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where will my initial court appearance be held in Portage County? The Portage County Municipal Court system is divided into two branches: the Ravenna Branch and the Kent Branch. Your initial appearance will be at whichever branch has jurisdiction over your case.
2. Can I get limited driving privileges while my license is suspended in Portage County? Limited driving privileges may be granted by the presiding judge in the Portage County Municipal Court (Judges Fankhauser, Poland, or Roubic) after the mandatory "hard suspension" period has completely elapsed.
3. How do I appeal my Administrative License Suspension (ALS) in Portage County? The most effective way to appeal an ALS is during your initial court appearance, typically within five days of your OVI arrest. A motion to stay the ALS can be filed at that time.