Richland County OVI Bail Information

A first-offense OVI in Richland County typically carries a $1,000 bond with the standard 10% option, meaning a $100 deposit, on top of a non-refundable administrative fee the Clerk charges for processing the bond — $100 for a non-moving violation, $110 for a moving one, and OVI falls into the moving category. A second offense usually runs $2,500. When the case wraps up, 90% of that 10% deposit comes back; the court keeps the rest as its cut.

Anyone posting cash on behalf of someone else needs the receipt in their own name. A receipt mistakenly written in the defendant's name lets the court redirect the eventual refund toward fines and court costs instead of handing it back to whoever actually paid.

The Jail Cannot Make Change

Bonds get paid in cash, certified checks made out to the Clerk of Courts, or credit and debit cards — personal checks are flatly rejected, no exceptions. The facility keeps no cash on hand and can't make change under any circumstances, so arriving with the exact amount matters. Paying by card is convenient but adds a processing fee running 4% to 7% depending on the terminal.

The jail processes releases around the clock, but its public lobby closes entirely on weekends. Anyone trying to fund an inmate's commissary or phone account over a weekend has to use an online portal like Access Corrections instead of the physical kiosk.

Property Gets Thrown Away After 10 Days

Personal belongings seized at booking only get held for 10 days after release or transfer to another facility. Miss that window, and the property is legally considered abandoned and destroyed.

A Shortcut Worth Knowing

The jail's main line, 419-774-5678, runs an automated attendant that gives real-time booking status and expected release times without having to wait on hold — a real time-saver during Friday night peak volume when booking staff are overwhelmed.