Putnam County OVI Bail Information
Understanding bail amounts, the release process, and what happens after a OVI arrest in Putnam County.
How Bail Bonds Work
Option 1: Cash Bond (Pay Full Amount)
How it works: Pay the full bail amount to the court
Pros: Get full amount back after case concludes (minus court fees)
Cons: Requires full amount upfront
Option 2: Bail Bondsman (Most Common)
How it works: Pay 10-15% fee to bondsman, they post full bail
Cost: Typically 10% of bail amount (non-refundable)
Pros: Only need 10% upfront instead of full amount
Cons: Fee is non-refundable, may require collateral, co-signer assumes liability
Co-Signer Liability Warning
Important for Co-Signers:
- You are 100% liable if defendant does not appear in court
- You must pay the full bail amount if defendant skips
- Bondsman can seize collateral (house, car, etc.)
- You cannot cancel the bond - only the court can
- Liability continues until case is fully resolved
Release Timeline
Arrest & Booking (2-8 hours)
Fingerprinting, photographing, background check, medical screening
Arraignment (Within 24-48 hours)
First court appearance, judge sets bail amount, charges are read
Bail Posted (1-4 hours)
Family contacts bondsman, paperwork signed, fee paid
Release (2-6 hours)
Processing, release paperwork, return of personal property, court date assigned
Total Time Estimate
From arrest to release: 12-48 hours depending on booking workload, time of arrest (weekends take longer), and how quickly bail is posted.
After Release: Critical Deadlines
1. Request MVD Hearing - 15 Days
You have only 15 days from arrest to request your administrative license hearing. This is separate from your criminal case.
2. Retrieve Your Vehicle
Impound fees accrue daily. Get your car as soon as possible to avoid hundreds in storage fees.
Calculate Impound Costs3. Contact a Bail Bondsman
Need fast release in Putnam County? Contact a verified 24/7 Bail Bondsman to start the release process immediately.
Find a Bondsman4. Appear at ALL Court Dates
Missing court will result in bond forfeiture, arrest warrant, and additional charges. Your co-signer will be liable for the full bail amount.
Putnam County Bail Process After DUI Arrest
Being arrested for DUI (also known as OVI in Ohio) can be a stressful experience. One of the first things you'll likely want to do is get out of jail. This guide provides information about the bail process in Putnam County, Ohio, to help you understand your options and what to expect. Bail is a financial guarantee that you will appear in court as required. It allows you to be released from jail while your case is pending. If you fail to appear, you forfeit the bail money, and a warrant may be issued for your arrest.
Typical Bail Amounts for DUI
In Putnam County, the bail amount for a first-time OVI offense, classified as a 1st Degree Misdemeanor, is typically set at $3,000.00, according to Putnam County Municipal Court Local Rule 19. However, this is a standard amount, and a judge may deny automatic scheduled bail depending on factors such as a high blood alcohol content (BAC), the occurrence of an accident, or any prior offenses. For subsequent OVI offenses, the bail amount is determined by a judge. Individuals accused of felony OVI offenses or those deemed a severe public safety risk may be detained without bail pending a formal hearing, as per Ohio Revised Code 2937.222.
How to Post Bail in Putnam County
There are several ways to post bail in Putnam County:
Option 1: cash bail
- How it works: You pay the full bail amount directly to the Putnam County Adult Detention Facility.
- Refund: If you appear at all required court dates, approximately 90% of the cash bail is typically returned to you after your case concludes.
- Where to pay: Bail payments can be processed during standard business hours at the Clerk of Courts office in the courthouse. Outside of these hours, Putnam County Sheriff’s deputies at the jail are authorized to accept bail payments.
- Payment methods: The facility allows for the use of credit cards for bail transactions, though the paying party must absorb the additional percentage surcharge levied by the credit card processing company. Cash, money order, or certified check are also accepted.
Option 2: bail bondsman
- How it works: You pay a non-refundable fee (typically 10-15% of the total bail amount) to a licensed bail bondsman. The bondsman then posts the full bail amount on your behalf.
- Requirements: You'll typically need to provide the bondsman with identification, potentially some form of collateral (such as a car title or property deed), and possibly a co-signer who guarantees your appearance in court.
- Finding a bondsman: Browse licensed bail bondsmen serving Putnam County in our bail bond directory.
Option 3: property bond
- How it works: You use real estate as collateral to secure your release.
- Requirements: The property's value must typically be 150-200% of the bail amount to ensure sufficient coverage. The process involves a property appraisal and can take longer to process than cash or surety bonds.
Option 4: personal recognizance (pr bond)
- How it works: You are released on your own recognizance, meaning you promise to appear in court without posting bail.
- Eligibility: A PR bond is more common for first-time, low-risk offenders with strong ties to the community. Defense counsel should be secured immediately to prepare for the video arraignment. A well-prepared attorney can argue for a Personal Recognizance (PR/OR) bond during this initial virtual interface, potentially bypassing the need to post a $3,000 cash or surety bond entirely.
Timeline: How Long Until Release?
The time it takes to be released after posting bail can vary.
- Typical processing time: The Putnam County Adult Detention Facility processes releases as quickly as possible, but administrative procedures can take time.
- Best times to post bail: Posting bail during regular business hours may expedite the process, as the Clerk of Courts is available.
- Potential delays: Delays can occur due to incomplete paperwork, system outages, or high jail traffic. Also, if the Putnam County Municipal Court utilizes a video arraignment system, defendants arrested late at night or over the weekend will be held in the detention facility until the next operational court session when the video link is activated.
What Happens After Posting Bail
After posting bail, you will be released from custody but must adhere to certain conditions:
- Conditions of release: These may include abstaining from alcohol and drugs, avoiding contact with certain individuals, and remaining within Putnam County or Ohio.
- Court appearance: You must appear at all scheduled court dates. The initial appearance will likely be via video arraignment.
- Consequences of missing court: Failure to appear will result in the forfeiture of your bail, the issuance of an arrest warrant, and additional criminal charges.
Special Considerations in Putnam County
The Putnam County Municipal Court utilizes a video arraignment system. Defendants now typically make their first appearance remotely via video feed from the jail, placing an increased premium on having defense counsel engaged immediately to advocate for favorable bail conditions during the virtual hearing, as traditional in-person courtroom negotiation prior to the docket call is no longer physically possible for incarcerated individuals.
The detention facility utilizes a third-party billing system, Advent Financial Systems (operating as "Pay My Jailer"), to collect administrative fees related to the defendant's incarceration. These fees include booking charges, housing fees, medical co-pays, and charges for any incidental destruction of county property. All such fees are strictly payable immediately upon release via cash, money order, or certified check, representing an exact amount.
Frequently Asked Questions
1Where is the Putnam County Adult Detention Facility located?
The Putnam County Adult Detention Facility is located at 1035 Heritage Trail, Ottawa, OH 45875.
2What is the phone number to inquire about an inmate's bail status in Putnam County?
You can contact the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office at (419) 523-3208 to inquire about an inmate's bail status.
3Does the Putnam County jail accept credit card payments for bail?
Yes, the facility allows for the use of credit cards for bail transactions, though the paying party must absorb the additional percentage surcharge levied by the credit card processing company.