Butler County Vehicle Impound Guide

Understanding DUI Impound in Butler County: A Practical Guide

If you've been arrested for OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired) in Butler County, Ohio, one of your immediate concerns is likely getting your vehicle back. Unlike the centralized jail, there isn't a single "County Impound Lot." The process depends entirely on which law enforcement agency made the arrest. This guide provides a breakdown of the procedures and what you need to do to recover your vehicle.

Identifying the Arresting Agency

The first step is determining which agency initiated the arrest. This dictates where your car is impounded and the specific release procedures. The primary agencies in Butler County include:

• Butler County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO)
• Fairfield Township Police Department
• Hamilton Police Department
• Middletown Police Department
• Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP)
• Cincinnati Police (in some border areas)

The arresting officer should provide you with a tow slip indicating the impound location. If you don't have this information, contact the arresting agency directly.

Impound Procedures by Agency

The vehicle release process varies significantly depending on the arresting agency. Here's a breakdown of the most common scenarios:

Sheriff's Office/Fairfield Township PD: Wayne's Garage

If the Sheriff's Office or Fairfield Township PD made the arrest, your vehicle is likely at Wayne's Garage, located at 1946 Fairgrove Ave, Hamilton.

Procedure:

1. Police Release: The registered owner must first obtain a release from the Fairfield Township Police Department (or Sheriff’s HQ). Bring a valid ID and proof of ownership (Title/Registration). If the title is in the car, you can visit Wayne's Garage to retrieve it before going to the police station.
2. Payment: Wayne's Garage accepts CASH ONLY for police impounds.
3. Hours: Wayne's Garage is open Monday-Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Note that they are closed for lunch from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. Plan accordingly to avoid delays.

Hamilton Police Department

The Hamilton Police Department uses a rotation of approved towing companies. The specific company will be listed on the tow slip. However, you must first obtain a release from the Hamilton Police Department Records Division.

Procedure:

1. Paperwork: Obtain a vehicle release form from the Hamilton Police Department Records Division.
2. Payment: Pay the required fees to the towing company. The City of Hamilton regulates these fees:

• Towing (Light Duty): $300
• Storage: $65 per day
• After-Hours Gate Fee: $75 (if picking up outside of M-F 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)

1. Retrieval: Present the release form and payment to the towing company to retrieve your vehicle.

Middletown Police Department

Vehicles impounded by the Middletown Police Department are released through their Criminal Investigations section.

Procedure:

1. Release: Obtain a release from the Middletown Police Department Criminal Investigations section.
2. Hours: Vehicles are released Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM.
3. Payment: Inquire about acceptable forms of payment when obtaining the release.

Cincinnati Police

If the arrest occurred near the southern border of Butler County (e.g., County Line Rd), your vehicle might be at the Cincinnati Impound Lot on Spring Grove Ave. Contact the Cincinnati Police Department for release procedures.

Important Considerations

• Ownership: Only the registered owner can retrieve the vehicle, unless they provide written authorization for someone else.
• Fees: Impound and storage fees accrue daily. The longer you wait, the more expensive it becomes.
• Sobriety Hold: Even if you post bond, your vehicle may not be released immediately. A "sobriety hold" may prevent release until you are deemed sober.
• Administrative License Suspension (ALS): An OVI arrest triggers an automatic ALS. You may need to address this suspension before regaining driving privileges.

Financial Implications

The financial burden of an OVI arrest in Butler County can be significant. In addition to impound fees, you'll face court fines, potential bond costs, and increased insurance premiums. The standard schedule amount for a first-degree misdemeanor is $1,000.31, plus a $25 state surcharge. If you cannot afford to post bond, you'll need to use a bail bondsman, who typically charges a non-refundable 10% premium. Local bail bond providers include Craven Bail Bonds (705 Hanover St and 315 High Street) and Butler County Bail Bonds.

Next Steps

1. Identify the arresting agency and impound location.
2. Contact the relevant agency to understand their specific release procedures.
3. Gather the required documents (ID, Title/Registration).
4. Arrange for payment (cash is often required).
5. Act quickly to minimize storage fees.

For Wayne's Garage, call (513) 863-2144 to confirm their procedures and hours.