Wyandot County License Hearing Guide

Navigating a DUI Arrest in Wyandot County: A Logistical Guide

If you've been arrested for Operating a Vehicle Impaired (OVI, also known as DUI) in Wyandot County, Ohio, understanding the legal process is only half the battle. The immediate aftermath involves a complex web of logistical hurdles, from vehicle impound to jail release. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of what to expect and how to navigate these challenges effectively.

Phase 1: Vehicle Impound and Towing

Immediately following an OVI arrest, your vehicle will likely be impounded. Unlike larger cities with centralized impound lots, Wyandot County utilizes a network of private towing companies. Identifying where your vehicle is located is the first crucial step.

Key Action: Determine which towing company has your vehicle. The arresting officer should provide this information.

The primary towing services used in Wyandot County are:

• Ed’s 24 Hour Service: Located at 205 Commerce Way, Upper Sandusky, OH 43351. Phone: (419-556-6127). Ed's is the go-to for commercial vehicles and heavy-duty recovery. They accept credit cards, which is a significant convenience. Be sure to confirm your vehicle is at the Upper Sandusky location, as they also service Findlay and Marion.
• Upper Sandusky Road Service: Lists two addresses: 110 Berry Street and 845 E Wyandot Ave, Upper Sandusky, OH 43351. Phone: (419-341-4027). Call to verify the exact location of your vehicle. They handle many passenger vehicle impounds.

Important: You cannot simply pay the towing fee and retrieve your vehicle. An "Administrative Hold" is placed on the vehicle, requiring a "Release Form" (often referred to as Form 2255) from the arresting agency (Wyandot County Sheriff’s Office or Upper Sandusky Police Department) or a court order.

The Weekend Gap: If arrested on a Friday night, you likely won't be able to obtain the release paperwork until the Upper Sandusky Municipal Court opens on Monday morning at 8:00 AM. This means accruing at least three days of storage fees.

Fee Structure: While towing fees are capped at "reasonable costs" under Ohio law, expect to pay for towing and daily storage. Have cash or a money order ready, as some operators may not accept credit cards, especially for administrative fees payable to the police department.

The "Valid Driver" Bottleneck: Due to the Administrative License Suspension (ALS) that typically accompanies an OVI arrest, you cannot legally drive your vehicle off the lot. You must have a licensed driver present to drive the vehicle. If you arrive alone, the tow operator will likely deny release, resulting in wasted time and additional storage fees.

Actionable Steps:

1. Immediately after release from jail, contact the arresting agency to inquire about obtaining the vehicle release form.
2. Confirm the exact location of your vehicle with the towing company.
3. Arrange for a licensed driver to accompany you to the tow lot.
4. Be prepared to pay towing and storage fees, preferably with cash or a money order.

Phase 2: Jail Processing and Release

The Wyandot County Jail, located at 125 E Wyandot Avenue, Upper Sandusky, OH 43351, is where you will be processed following an OVI arrest. The main phone number is (419) 294-2362.

The "Sober Release" Protocol: Even if eligible for release on Personal Recognizance (PR) bond, you will likely not be released until your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) drops below the legal limit or after a fixed period (usually 8 hours).

The "Responsible Party" Requirement: The jail may require a sober adult to be present to "sign you out" as a condition of release, even after you are sober. If you are from out of town and cannot contact someone, you may remain incarcerated until the next court session.

Monetary Bond: If a PR bond is denied, a monetary bond will be set according to a standardized schedule. While the exact amount varies, expect a bond in the range of $1,500 for a first offense. The court often allows a "10% Bond," meaning you only need to post 10% of the total bond amount.

Payment Logistics: Bonds can be posted 24/7 at the Wyandot County Sheriff’s Department window. Accepted forms of payment include cash (exact change often required), money order, Visa, or Mastercard. Be aware that credit card transactions may incur a processing fee.

Actionable Steps:

1. Contact friends or family immediately to arrange for a ride and potential "sign-out" from the jail.
2. If a monetary bond is required, determine the acceptable payment methods and gather the necessary funds.
3. Be prepared to wait at least 8 hours for processing and sobriety.

Online Resources and Court Information

Wyandot County offers some online resources for case information and fine payments.

• Case Search: Access case information online at /recordSearch.php?k=searchForm8820.
• Online Payments: Pay fines online at /payments.php?agencyNumber=8820.

Court Contact Information:

• Court Address: 119 North Seventh Street, Upper Sandusky, OH 43351
• Court Phone: (419) 294-3800 option # 1

Navigating the aftermath of an OVI arrest in Wyandot County requires careful attention to detail and a proactive approach. Knowing the specific procedures and logistical challenges can help you minimize delays and ensure a smoother process. Remember that the Upper Sandusky Municipal Court business office operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and this is a "hard" deadline for non-emergency administrative processing.