Trumbull County Bail Information

Navigating a Trumbull County DUI: A Guide to Bail, Vehicle Impound, and Release

Facing a DUI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired - OVI) arrest in Trumbull County can be a disorienting experience. Understanding the immediate steps involving vehicle impound, bail, and jail release is crucial. This guide provides actionable information to help you navigate these challenging circumstances.

Phase 1: Vehicle Impound and Towing (Urgent Action Required)

The most pressing issue after an OVI arrest is retrieving your vehicle. Trumbull County utilizes a hybrid system of municipal impound lots and private towing companies. Howland Township, for example, operates its own municipal impound lot on North River Road. However, when that lot (with a 25-vehicle capacity) is full, or if the arrest occurs in a jurisdiction relying solely on private rotation, your vehicle will be towed to a contracted private facility.

Action: Immediately contact the arresting agency's non-emergency dispatch line to determine where your vehicle is located. Primary towing rotation facilities include:

• Allen's Towing: 2220 N River Rd, Warren, OH 44483. Phone: (330) 638-6123.
• Bud's Towing: 3625 Youngstown-Kingsville Rd, Cortland, OH 44410. Phone: (330) 638-6757.
• May's Towing: 255 Chestnut Ave, Warren, OH 44483. Phone: (330) 393-6066.
• Pantalone's Towing: 214 Langley St, Niles, OH 44446. Phone: (330) 652-8045.
• Emerine's Towing: 3779 Mahoning Ave, Warren, OH 44483. Phone: (330) 847-6949.

Beware the "Daily Cutoff" Trap: The Howland Township impound lot, while officially closing at 4:00 PM, stops processing payments and releases at 3:30 PM. Arriving even a few minutes late means your vehicle remains impounded overnight, incurring an additional $25.00 daily storage fee.

Action: Aim to arrive at the police station administrative window no later than 3:00 PM to ensure timely processing.

The "Exact Cash" Trap: Municipal lots often require exact cash payments. Clerks cannot make change. Daily storage fees are calculated per calendar day, so even a late-night impound followed by an early morning retrieval counts as two days.

Action: Call the administrative office ahead of time to confirm the exact amount due, and obtain the necessary cash from a bank.

The "Suspended Owner / Two Driver" Trap: If your license is suspended due to the OVI arrest and you are the sole registered owner, you cannot legally drive the vehicle off the lot.

Action: Arrange for two licensed drivers to accompany you to the impound lot. You must be present to sign the release, and the two licensed drivers will need to show valid credentials.

Digital Documentation Rejection: Digital copies of insurance or registration are not accepted.

Action: Bring physical, printed copies of your insurance card and original paper registration/title.

Critical Deadline: Under Ohio Revised Code Section 4513.61, a vehicle left unclaimed for 15 consecutive days can be declared a public nuisance and disposed of by the township.

Action: If you face delays due to incarceration or financial constraints, immediately contact the impound facility to establish a payment protocol and prevent forfeiture of your vehicle.

Phase 2: Bail Bonds and Jail Release

If you are not released on a field summons or personal recognizance bond, you will be processed at the Trumbull County Jail.

Release Process: While the jail technically processes releases 24/7, actual release times are unpredictable and depend on staffing levels and facility operations.

Action: Be patient after bail is posted. Constant inquiries may not expedite the process.

Bail Bondsmen: Several bail bond agencies operate near the Trumbull County Justice Center in Warren, specializing in rapid deployment to the jail.

Inmate Account Funding: If you need funds for commissary or phone calls before release, use the "Access Corrections" system via their mobile app, website, or automated phone deposits.

Shift Change Delays: Shift changes, meal distributions, and other internal scheduling issues can temporarily halt the release process.

Action: Manage expectations and understand that delays are possible.

DUI Checkpoints in Trumbull County

Law enforcement in Trumbull County, like elsewhere in Ohio, utilizes OVI checkpoints, particularly on Friday and Saturday nights between 8:00 PM and midnight, and around holidays and major local events. These checkpoints must adhere to Ohio State Highway Patrol Policy Number OSP-200.21.

Avoiding Checkpoints: Ohio law allows drivers to legally avoid OVI checkpoints by turning around or taking an alternate route. However, any traffic violation committed while doing so (e.g., illegal U-turn, crossing a double yellow line, failure to signal) will result in a traffic stop.

Public Notice: Law enforcement must provide advance public notice of checkpoints, typically through media releases a week in advance.

Municipal Revenue and Vehicle Impound

Local municipalities, like Howland Township and the City of Niles, have increasingly internalized vehicle impound operations to generate revenue. Niles, for example, generated over $101,000 in net revenue in a single year from impound fees, using the funds for police vehicles and equipment. This incentivizes strict enforcement of impound fees and administrative costs.

Next Steps

Understanding the specific procedures and potential pitfalls related to vehicle impound and bail in Trumbull County is crucial for a swift and less costly resolution to your OVI arrest. Contact the Trumbull County Jail at (330) 675-2530 for information on inmate status and release procedures.