Putnam County License Hearing Guide

Putnam County DUI License Suspension & ALR Hearing

After a DUI arrest in Putnam County, you face two separate legal processes: a criminal case in court and an administrative action against your driver's license. This guide focuses on the administrative process, specifically the Administrative License Suspension (ALS) and your right to request an ALR hearing to challenge that suspension. Understanding these procedures and deadlines is crucial to protecting your driving privileges.

CRITICAL DEADLINE: Request Hearing Within 15 Days

Following a DUI arrest in Ohio, you have only 15 days from the date of arrest to request an Administrative License Suspension (ALS) hearing. This hearing is your opportunity to challenge the automatic suspension of your driver's license.

To request a hearing, you must contact the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). While specific contact information for Putnam County is unavailable, the request typically involves contacting the BMV directly through their website or by mail.

Missing this 15-day deadline results in an automatic license suspension. There are very limited exceptions to this rule, so acting quickly is essential.

Automatic License Suspension

An immediate license suspension occurs under two primary scenarios following a DUI arrest: failing a chemical test or refusing to submit to testing.

If You Took the Breath/Blood Test and Failed

Under Ohio law, if your blood alcohol content (BAC) registers at or above 0.08%, your license will be automatically suspended. The length of the suspension varies according to Ohio law. You may be issued a temporary permit, valid until the ALR hearing or the start of the suspension period.

If You Refused Testing

Refusing to submit to a breath, blood, or urine test results in a longer license suspension than failing the test. Ohio's implied consent law states that by driving on Ohio roads, you have implicitly agreed to submit to chemical testing if lawfully arrested for DUI. Refusal to submit to testing triggers an automatic license suspension, with the duration determined by Ohio law.

The ALR/Administrative Hearing

The Administrative License Suspension (ALS) hearing is a separate proceeding from your criminal DUI case. It is conducted by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) and focuses solely on whether the administrative suspension of your driver's license is warranted.

What It Is

The ALR hearing is not a criminal trial. The burden of proof is lower than in criminal court. The BMV must only demonstrate that the arresting officer had probable cause to believe you were driving under the influence and that you either failed or refused a chemical test.

How to Prepare

Preparing for an ALR hearing involves gathering evidence and understanding the grounds on which you can challenge the suspension.

• Gather evidence: This may include witness statements, dashcam footage, or any other documentation that supports your case.
• Understand what you can challenge: You can challenge the legality of the initial traffic stop, the officer's probable cause for arrest, the accuracy of the chemical test, or whether you were properly informed of the consequences of refusing the test.

Possible Outcomes

• Suspension upheld: If the BMV proves its case, your license suspension will be upheld.
• Suspension overturned: If you successfully challenge the suspension, your driving privileges will be reinstated.
• Restricted/hardship license granted: Even if the suspension is upheld, you may be eligible for a restricted or hardship license, allowing you to drive for limited purposes.

Hardship/Restricted License in Ohio law allows for the possibility of obtaining a hardship or restricted license under certain circumstances during a license suspension.

• Eligibility requirements: Eligibility requirements vary depending on the reason for the suspension and whether it is a first offense. Factors considered include the need to drive for work, school, medical appointments, or other essential purposes.
• What you can drive for: A restricted license typically limits driving to specific locations and times related to employment, education, or medical needs.
• Costs and application process: Applying for a restricted license involves filing an application with the court and paying applicable fees.
• IID requirement: In some cases, a court may require the installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) as a condition of granting a restricted license.

Getting Your License Back

Reinstating your driver's license after a DUI suspension involves several steps once the criminal case concludes and the suspension period ends.

After Criminal Case Concludes

• Reinstatement requirements: You must fulfill all court-ordered requirements, including completing any required alcohol or drug treatment programs, paying fines and court costs, and complying with probation terms.
• Fees: A reinstatement fee must be paid to the Ohio BMV.
• SR-22 insurance requirement: You may be required to obtain SR-22 insurance, demonstrating proof of financial responsibility.
• Classes/programs that must be completed: Completion of court-ordered DUI education or treatment programs is typically required for reinstatement.

Putnam County DMV Offices

While specific DMV office information for Putnam County is unavailable in the provided research, you can find the nearest BMV location and contact information through the Ohio BMV website.

Special Programs

• Ignition interlock device program: Ohio requires IIDs for repeat DUI offenders and may mandate them for first-time offenders under certain circumstances.
• Occupational license: An occupational license allows driving privileges for work-related purposes during a license suspension.
• Any state-specific programs: Consult the Ohio BMV for information on any other applicable state-specific programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where will my car be towed if I am arrested for DUI in Putnam County? A: According to research, Putnam County utilizes a decentralized system. Your vehicle will be towed by a private towing company dispatched by the arresting agency, either the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office or the Ottawa Police Department. Contact the arresting agency directly to find out which company has your vehicle. The Ottawa Police Department can be reached at (419) 523-3449 or the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office at (419) 523-3208.

Q: How much is bail for a first-time DUI in Putnam County? A: Putnam County Municipal Court Local Rule 19 sets the standard bail for a first-time DUI (classified as a 1st Degree Misdemeanor) at $3,000.00. However, a court appearance is often mandatory, so automatic bail may be denied depending on BAC, accident occurrence, or prior offenses. Browse licensed bail bondsmen serving Putnam County in our bail bond directory.

Q: Where is the Putnam County Municipal Court located? A: The Putnam County Municipal Court is located at 245 East Main Street, Suite 303, Ottawa, Ohio 45875. The Clerk's phone number is (419) 523-3110.