Wood County License Hearing Guide

Wood County DUI License Suspension & ALR Hearing

After a DUI arrest in Wood County, Ohio, you face two separate legal processes: a criminal case in court and an administrative license suspension (ALS) handled by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). This guide focuses on the ALS process, which can result in the immediate suspension of your driving privileges, independent of the criminal case outcome. Understanding the ALS process and acting quickly is crucial to protecting your ability to drive.

CRITICAL DEADLINE: Request Hearing Within 15 Days

You have only 15 days from the date of your DUI arrest to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing. This hearing is your opportunity to challenge the suspension of your driver's license.

To request a hearing, you must contact the Ohio BMV. While specific methods for requesting the hearing in Wood County are not detailed, you can typically do so through the following methods:

• Online: The Ohio BMV may have an online portal for requesting ALR hearings, but details are unavailable in the provided documentation.
• Phone: Contact the Ohio BMV directly.
• Mail: Send a written request to the Ohio BMV.

Important: Confirm the exact procedure and address with the Ohio BMV to ensure your request is received on time.

Missing the 15-day deadline results in an automatic suspension of your driver's license. There are very limited exceptions to this rule, so immediate action is essential.

Automatic License Suspension

Upon a DUI arrest in Wood County, your driver's license may be automatically suspended based on the results of, or refusal to submit to, chemical testing.

If You Took the Breath/Blood Test and Failed

If you submitted to a breath or blood test and your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) was 0.08% or higher, your license will be suspended. The length of the suspension varies according to Ohio law.

After the OVI arrest, you may be issued a temporary permit. This temporary permit remains valid until the ALR hearing or when the suspension begins.

If You Refused Testing

Under Ohio's implied consent law, driving on Ohio roads means you consent to chemical testing if arrested for DUI. Refusal to submit to testing triggers a longer license suspension than failing the test. The specific duration of the suspension for refusing a chemical test is determined by Ohio law.

The ALR/Administrative Hearing

The Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing is a separate proceeding from your criminal DUI case. It determines whether the Ohio BMV is justified in suspending your driver's license based on the circumstances of your arrest.

What It Is

The ALR hearing is an administrative hearing, not a criminal trial. The hearing officer, an employee of the BMV, will determine if the arresting officer had probable cause to believe you were driving under the influence and if you were over the legal limit or refused testing. The burden of proof is lower than in a criminal trial.

How to Prepare

Preparing for the ALR hearing involves gathering evidence and understanding the issues you can challenge.

• Gather evidence: Collect any evidence that supports your case, such as witness statements or video footage.
• Understand what you can challenge: You can challenge whether the officer had probable cause to stop you, whether the BAC test was properly administered, or whether you were properly informed of the consequences of refusing the test.

Possible Outcomes

The ALR hearing can have several outcomes:

• Suspension upheld: If the hearing officer finds sufficient evidence to justify the suspension, your license will remain suspended.
• Suspension overturned: If the hearing officer finds insufficient evidence, the suspension will be overturned, and your driving privileges will be reinstated.
• Restricted/hardship license granted: In some cases, the hearing officer may grant a restricted or hardship license, allowing you to drive for limited purposes, such as work, school, or medical appointments.

Hardship/Restricted License in Ohio

Even with a suspended license, you may be eligible for a restricted or hardship license in Ohio, allowing you to drive under specific circumstances.

• Eligibility requirements: Eligibility requirements vary depending on the reason for the suspension and Ohio law.
• What you can drive for: A restricted license typically allows driving for work, school, medical appointments, or other essential needs.
• Costs and application process: The costs and application process are determined by the Ohio BMV.
• IID requirement: Ohio law may require the installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) as a condition of a restricted license.

Getting Your License Back

Reinstating your driver's license after a DUI suspension involves several steps.

After Criminal Case Concludes

After your criminal case concludes, you must meet specific requirements to reinstate your license.

• Reinstatement requirements: These requirements may include completing a DUI course, paying reinstatement fees, and passing any required exams.
• Fees: Reinstatement fees are set by the Ohio BMV. Consult the BMV website for current fees.
• SR-22 insurance requirement: Ohio typically requires SR-22 insurance for a period of time following a DUI conviction.
• Classes/programs that must be completed: The court may order you to complete a DUI education program or other treatment programs.

Wood County DMV Offices

While Bowling Green is listed as a location for the Ohio BMV, specific contact information is unavailable.

You may be able to find the Bowling Green License Bureau through the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Special Programs

• Ignition interlock device program: Ohio requires IIDs for certain DUI offenders.
• Occupational license: You may be eligible for an occupational license, allowing you to drive for work purposes even with a suspended license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happens if I am arrested for OVI on a Friday night in Wood County and I have a prior OVI?

A: According to the bond schedule, if you have prior OVI convictions (typically 2 or more within a 6 or 10-year lookback period), you may face a "No Bond" hold until your arraignment. If arrested on Friday night, you may not be eligible for release until you appear before a judge on Monday morning (or Tuesday if Monday is a holiday). This "weekend hold" is used as a de facto cooling-off period and ensures you cannot immediately access a vehicle.

Q: My car was impounded by the Bowling Green Police Department. Can I go directly to the tow yard to pick it up?

A: No. If your vehicle was impounded by the Bowling Green Police Division, you must first obtain a Vehicle Release Form from the BGPD station at 175 West Wooster Street, Bowling Green, OH 43402. The tow yard cannot release your vehicle without this form.

Q: My license is suspended, and I need to get my car from Wright’s Tire & Auto, but I can't drive it myself. What do I do?

A: Because your OVI arrest triggers an immediate Administrative License Suspension (ALS), you are legally prohibited from driving the vehicle off the lot. The police require an "Authorized Person" to retrieve the vehicle. This necessitates the presence of a second individual with a valid driver’s license. If you cannot be present (e.g., you remain incarcerated), you must execute a specific notarized authorization form or a limited power of attorney to allow a third party to claim the asset.