Wyandot County License Hearing Guide

Wyandot County DUI License Suspension & ALR Hearing

After a DUI arrest in Wyandot County, 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. Understanding the deadlines and procedures for the ALS is crucial to protecting your ability to drive.

CRITICAL DEADLINE: Request Hearing Within 15 Days

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

To request a hearing, contact the Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS). While specific contact information for scheduling an ALS hearing in Wyandot County is not available, you can find general information and potentially request a hearing through the Ohio Department of Public Safety.

Missing this 15-day deadline results in an automatic license suspension. No exceptions are typically made, so acting quickly is essential.

Automatic License Suspension

An immediate license suspension occurs under two main scenarios: failing or refusing a chemical test.

If You Took the Breath/Blood Test and Failed

If your breath or blood test registered a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 or higher, Ohio law mandates an immediate administrative license suspension. The exact duration of the suspension varies, but you will be issued a temporary permit valid until the ALS hearing or the start of the suspension period.

If You Refused Testing

Refusing to submit to a breath, blood, or urine test carries a longer suspension period under Ohio's implied consent law. By driving on Ohio roads, you have implicitly consented to submit to chemical testing if arrested for DUI. Refusal to comply with this implied consent results in a longer suspension than failing the test.

The ALR/Administrative Hearing

The Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing is a separate proceeding from your criminal DUI case. It is held to determine whether the administrative suspension of your driver's license is warranted. The hearing is conducted by the BMV or a hearing officer.

What It Is

The ALR hearing is an administrative proceeding, not a criminal trial. The burden of proof is lower than in a criminal case. The hearing focuses on whether the arresting officer had probable cause to believe you were driving under the influence and whether you refused or failed a chemical test.

How to Prepare

Preparing for the ALR hearing is crucial. Consider the following:

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

Possible Outcomes

The ALR hearing can result in the following outcomes:

• Suspension Upheld: The hearing officer upholds the license suspension.
• Suspension Overturned: The hearing officer overturns the license suspension, and your driving privileges are reinstated.
• Restricted/Hardship License Granted: The hearing officer may grant a restricted or hardship license, allowing you to drive under specific conditions.

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

• Eligibility Requirements: Eligibility requirements vary depending on the specific circumstances of your case.
• What You Can Drive For: A restricted license typically allows you to drive for work, school, medical appointments, or other essential purposes.
• Costs and Application Process: The application process involves completing an application form and paying a fee.
• IID Requirement: An Ignition Interlock Device (IID) may be required as a condition of obtaining a restricted license.

Getting Your License Back

Reinstating your license after a DUI suspension involves several steps.

After Criminal Case Concludes

Even if the ALS is overturned, the criminal case can still result in a license suspension. Once any court-ordered suspension concludes, you must take steps to reinstate your license.

• Reinstatement Requirements: You must fulfill all court-ordered requirements, such as completing a Driver Intervention Program (DIP).
• Fees: You must pay a reinstatement fee to the BMV.
• SR-22 Insurance Requirement: You may be required to obtain SR-22 insurance, which is a certificate of financial responsibility.
• Classes/Programs That Must Be Completed: Complete any required alcohol or drug education programs.

Wyandot County DMV Offices

The Wyandot County Title Office, an agent of the Ohio Department of Public Safety, handles driver's license reinstatements and related matters.

• Wyandot County Title Office

Contact them directly for specific information on reinstatement procedures.

Special Programs

• Ignition Interlock Device Program: Ohio requires IIDs for many DUI offenders. Intoxalock has a location at Upper Sandusky Road Service, 855 Wyandot Ave, Upper Sandusky, OH 43351, making it the most convenient option for many Wyandot County residents.
• Occupational License: An occupational license may be available under certain circumstances, allowing you to drive for work-related purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1Where can I complete a Driver Intervention Program (DIP) in Wyandot County?

Wyandot County does not have a Driver Intervention Program (DIP) within the county. Clients must plan logistics for out-of-county DIP attendance (Marion or Findlay). Failure to arrange transport to these remote locations is a leading cause of probation violations.

2My car was impounded after my DUI arrest. How do I get it back?

The tow yard cannot release the vehicle without a "Release Form" from the arresting agency (Sheriff or Upper Sandusky PD) or a court order. If arrested on a Friday night, you may not be able to obtain the release paperwork until the Upper Sandusky Municipal Court opens on Monday morning. Be prepared to pay impound and storage fees. Ed’s 24 Hour Service and Upper Sandusky Road Service are two primary towing companies used in the area.

3How long does it take for my license suspension to be lifted after I pay the reinstatement fee at Agency 8814?

Paying the fee at Agency 8814 does not instantaneously clear the suspension in the Law Enforcement Automated Data System (LEADS). There is often a 24-48 hour processing lag. Carry the physical payment receipt from Agency 8814 and the Notice of Reinstatement in your vehicle at all times for at least 30 days post-reinstatement to avoid a wrongful "Driving Under Suspension" arrest during a traffic stop.