Trumbull County License Hearing Guide

Navigating a Trumbull County DUI: A Legal Guide to the DMV and Beyond

If you've been arrested for OVI (Operating a Vehicle under the Influence) in Trumbull County, Ohio, you're likely facing a whirlwind of legal and administrative challenges. This guide provides actionable information to help you navigate the immediate aftermath, focusing on vehicle impoundment and jail release procedures specific to Trumbull County.

Phase 1: Vehicle Impoundment - The Clock is Ticking

The most pressing issue after a Trumbull County OVI arrest is often retrieving your vehicle. Municipalities like Howland Township are increasingly relying on impound revenue, making the process strict and potentially costly. Howland Township, for example, established its own municipal impound lot on North River Road to generate revenue. Understanding the local rules is crucial to avoid escalating fees and potential loss of your vehicle.

Identifying Your Vehicle's Location

Your vehicle may be held at the Howland Township municipal lot (capacity 25 vehicles) or at one of the private towing facilities used on a rotation basis. To determine where your vehicle is located, contact the arresting agency's non-emergency dispatch line. Primary towing facilities used in Trumbull County 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.

Avoiding the "Daily Cutoff" Trap

The Howland Township impound lot, while officially closing at 4:00 PM, has a strict payment processing cutoff of 3:30 PM. No payments or release processing will be initiated after this time. Arriving at 3:31 PM guarantees your vehicle will remain impounded overnight, incurring an additional $25.00 calendar-day storage fee. To avoid this, aim to arrive at the police station administrative window no later than 3:00 PM.

The "Exact Cash" Requirement

Municipal lots in Trumbull County often operate on an "exact cash only" policy. Clerks do not have cash drawers and cannot break large bills. Daily storage fees are calculated based on calendar days, not 24-hour periods. This means an impound at 11:30 PM on Tuesday and retrieval at 9:00 AM on Wednesday equals two full days of storage. Call the administrative office ahead of time to verify the exact total to the precise dollar, secure the exact physical currency from a bank, and present it at the station.

The "Suspended Owner / Two Driver" Rule

If your license is suspended due to the OVI arrest and you are the sole registered owner of the vehicle, you cannot legally drive it off the lot. Trumbull County jurisdictions require you to bring two validly licensed drivers with you at the time of release: one to drive your vehicle and one to drive the transport vehicle. Coordinate a three-person retrieval team.

Required Documentation

Forget digital copies! Local impound administration explicitly rejects digital copies of insurance or registration displayed on smartphones or tablets. Bring a physical, printed insurance card and original paper registration/title.

The 15-Day Deadline

Under Ohio Revised Code Section 4513.61, any vehicle left unclaimed in the municipal impound lot after 15 consecutive days will be declared a public nuisance. The township can then dispose of, scrap, or auction the vehicle to recover the storage deficit.

Phase 2: Bail Bonds and Jail Release

If you were not released on a field summons or personal recognizance bond, you were likely taken to the Trumbull County Jail.

Release Process

The Trumbull County Jail processes inmate releases 24/7, but releases are unscheduled and contingent upon administrative capacity. Wait times after posting bail can vary. The standard surety fee in Ohio is 10% of the total bond amount.

Shift Change Delays

Shift changes, meal distributions, and internal scheduling anomalies can pause the release process. Constant inquiries to the intake desk officers will not expedite the paperwork.

Inmate Account Funding

If you need funds for commissary, hygiene items, or phone calls, Trumbull County uses the "Access Corrections" system. Funds can be deposited via the Access Corrections mobile application, online at their web portal, or through automated telephone deposits.

Avoiding OVI Checkpoints

A unique aspect of Ohio law allows drivers to avoid OVI checkpoints. If you visually identify an upcoming checkpoint, you can legally turn around or take an alternate route. However, this maneuver must be flawlessly legal. Any traffic violation, such as an illegal U-turn or failure to use a turn signal, will result in a targeted traffic stop. OVI checkpoints in Trumbull County are often initiated around 8:00 PM and operate until midnight or later, particularly on Friday and Saturday nights and around holidays.

Next Steps

If you've been arrested for OVI in Trumbull County, the first step is to contact the arresting agency to determine where your vehicle is impounded. Then, gather the necessary documentation and cash to retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible to minimize storage fees. Remember the 3:30 PM cutoff at the Howland Township impound lot!