Franklin County BMV ALS Hearing Guide

Navigating the Franklin County, Ohio, legal system after a DUI (Operating a Vehicle under the Influence - OVI) arrest can be overwhelming. This guide provides crucial information about court procedures, bail, and other essential details to help you understand the process.

Initial Steps After a DUI Arrest in Franklin County

After an OVI arrest, you'll likely be taken to the Franklin County Regional Jail. One of the first steps is determining bail. For a first offense, you may be eligible for a "10% appearance bond," meaning you only need to pay 10% of the total bond amount (plus a $25.18 state surcharge). For example, on a $1,500 bond, you'd pay $150 + $25.18. Local residents with steady employment and no prior record might even be released on their own recognizance (ROR), requiring no money at all. However, be aware that 2nd or 3rd OVI offenses can result in significantly higher bail amounts (e.g., $15,000+), often requiring the full amount to be posted, eliminating the 10% option.

To find out the status of an arrest, you can use the Inmate Lookup tool: https://fcsojmsweb.franklincountyohio.gov/Publicview.

Posting Bail in Franklin County: Downtown vs. Jail

Bail can be posted at two locations:

• Clerk of Court (Downtown): Franklin County Municipal Court Clerk's office, 375 S. High St, 2nd Floor, Columbus, OH 43215. Payments are accepted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Jail Window (Jackson Pike): Directly at the release window at the Jackson Pike jail, particularly useful after court hours.

The Criminal/Traffic Division of the Clerk’s Office is located on the 2nd floor of 375 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215. During regular business hours, Monday through Thursday between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM (excluding holidays), you can post bond at the Clerk's Office. All other times, bonds are accepted at the Franklin County Regional Jail.

Accepted payment methods include cash, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover. Note that if paying with a credit card, the cardholder must be present with a photo ID. Payments are NOT accepted over the phone. A dedicated line exists for professional bondsmen to expedite the process: 614-724-0659.

Avoiding Release Delays: The Shift Change Phenomenon

A crucial detail to consider when posting bond at the Jackson Pike jail is the impact of staff shift changes. The jail operates on a rigid schedule:

• 1st Shift: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
• 2nd Shift: 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM
• 3rd Shift: 11:00 PM – 7:00 AM

During the 45 minutes before and after each shift change, inmate movement, including releases, stops for roll call and headcount. If you post bond at 2:30 PM, the paperwork might not be processed before the 3:00 PM shift change lock-down, potentially delaying release until 4:00 PM or later. To avoid this, aim to post bond early in a shift window (e.g., 9:00 AM or 5:00 PM).

Navigating the Franklin County Municipal Court: Arraignment

Your first court appearance, the arraignment, is a critical stage. It takes place at the Franklin County Municipal Court (FCMC) located at 375 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215. The court's general phone number is (614) 645-8186.

Security Checkpoint: Be prepared for a strict security checkpoint. You'll need to remove belts, watches, and metal items. Crucially, cell phones are strictly prohibited for the general public, and there are no public storage lockers. If you bring your phone, you risk being denied entry or having to hide it outside (a theft risk). Attorneys with valid Bar IDs are permitted to bring electronics.

"Monday Morning" Rush: Arrive early, especially on Mondays. Security protocols change before 8:00 AM, with only employees allowed entry. The lines start moving at 8:00 AM sharp, and on Mondays, the line can extend out the door. For a 9:00 AM hearing, aim to arrive by 8:15 AM.

Courtroom Assignments: Arraignments are held in Courtrooms 4C and 4D, depending on your custodial status:

• Courtroom 4C (Out of Custody): For defendants who have bonded out. Hearings are Monday – Friday at 9:00 AM (doors open at 8:30 AM).
• Courtroom 4D (In Custody): For defendants still in jail. Hearings are Monday – Saturday at 9:00 AM, although OVI arraignments are often batched and heard at 10:00 AM.

Important Note: Standard traffic tickets are handled in Courtrooms 1A and 1B. OVI cases are criminal offenses and are heard on the 4th floor (4C/4D).

Vehicle Impound Information

If your vehicle was impounded, it's likely at 2700 Impound Lot Road, Columbus, OH 43207. To release your vehicle, you'll need proof of ownership (current registration or title) and a picture identification. You must also pay in full all fines assessed for storage, towing, and any outstanding parking tickets.

Staying Connected: Jail Communication

Traditional in-person visitation at the Franklin County Regional Jail has been largely eliminated. Instead, families must register online and schedule virtual visits via GTL Viapath Technologies at franklinOH.GtlVisitMe.com. There is no "walking in" to see an inmate.

Next Steps

After your arraignment, it's essential to understand the charges against you and explore your legal options. You can search for your case online at https://www.fcmcclerk.com/case/search to stay updated on court dates and filings.