Miami County Bail Information
Understanding bail amounts, the release process, and what happens after a arrest in Miami County.
How Bail Bonds Work
Option 1: Cash Bond (Pay Full Amount)
How it works: Pay the full bail amount to the court
Pros: Get full amount back after case concludes (minus court fees)
Cons: Requires full amount upfront
Option 2: Bail Bondsman (Most Common)
How it works: Pay 10-15% fee to bondsman, they post full bail
Cost: Typically 10% of bail amount (non-refundable)
Pros: Only need 10% upfront instead of full amount
Cons: Fee is non-refundable, may require collateral, co-signer assumes liability
Co-Signer Liability Warning
Important for Co-Signers:
- You are 100% liable if defendant does not appear in court
- You must pay the full bail amount if defendant skips
- Bondsman can seize collateral (house, car, etc.)
- You cannot cancel the bond - only the court can
- Liability continues until case is fully resolved
Release Timeline
Arrest & Booking (2-8 hours)
Fingerprinting, photographing, background check, medical screening
Arraignment (Within 24-48 hours)
First court appearance, judge sets bail amount, charges are read
Bail Posted (1-4 hours)
Family contacts bondsman, paperwork signed, fee paid
Release (2-6 hours)
Processing, release paperwork, return of personal property, court date assigned
Total Time Estimate
From arrest to release: 12-48 hours depending on booking workload, time of arrest (weekends take longer), and how quickly bail is posted.
After Release: Critical Deadlines
1. Request MVD Hearing - 15 Days
You have only 15 days from arrest to request your administrative license hearing. This is separate from your criminal case.
2. Retrieve Your Vehicle
Impound fees accrue daily. Get your car as soon as possible to avoid hundreds in storage fees.
Calculate Impound Costs3. Hire an Attorney
A attorney can help with license hearings, plea negotiations, and potentially getting charges reduced or dismissed.
Find Miami County Lawyers4. Appear at ALL Court Dates
Missing court will result in bond forfeiture, arrest warrant, and additional charges. Your co-signer will be liable for the full bail amount.
Navigating a DUI arrest in Miami County, Ohio, requires understanding the county's unique legal landscape. From the moment of your arrest to your court appearance, specific procedures and logistical hurdles can significantly impact your case. This guide provides a detailed overview of the process, focusing on bail and related procedures in Miami County.
Immediate Steps After a DUI Arrest
Following a DUI arrest, you'll be transported to the Miami County Safety Building at 201 West Main Street in Troy. Here, you'll be asked to submit to a chemical test, typically a breath test. Refusal results in an immediate Administrative License Suspension (ALS) of one year, and your physical license will be seized on the spot. Even if you refuse the breath test, the officer may seek a warrant for a blood draw, especially in cases involving suspected drug impairment or felony DUI charges.
After the chemical test, you'll undergo booking procedures, including fingerprinting, mugshots, and a property inventory. Your cell phone will be confiscated, creating a communication blackout until you're granted access to the facility's phone system. A warrant check will also be conducted, and any outstanding warrants from other jurisdictions (like Montgomery or Shelby counties) will prevent your release.
Understanding Miami County's Jail System
Miami County operates a two-jail system, which can complicate the process of posting bail and contacting your family or attorney. The Downtown Jail, located within the Safety Building, serves as the primary intake center and houses pre-arraignment detainees, females, high-risk offenders, and felony DUI suspects.
Due to capacity constraints, male offenders and those serving sentences for misdemeanors, including DUI, are often transferred to the Incarceration Facility (IF) at 2042 N. County Road 25A. This transfer can create a "blackout" period where you don't appear on the downtown roster, causing confusion for family members trying to locate you. If you're arrested on a Friday evening and can't post bond, you may be transferred to the IF for the weekend. Release from the IF requires transport back to Troy or pickup at the remote facility.
Posting Bail in Miami County
Bail amounts in Miami County are determined by a bond schedule, which is strictly adhered to. The exact amount will depend on the specifics of your case, including prior offenses and the severity of the charges.
You can post bail at the Miami County Municipal Court Clerk's Office, located within the Safety Building. Be aware that shift changes at the Sheriff's Office, typically around 6:00 AM/PM or 7:00 AM/PM, can stall the release process by approximately 45 minutes. Weekend bottlenecks, due to increased intake volume and reduced administrative staffing, can also extend the time from "bond paid" to "physical release" to several hours.
Navigating Vehicle Impoundment
Your vehicle will be immediately impounded following a DUI arrest. The officer will initiate a tow request through the county dispatch, which uses a rotation list of private towing companies. This immediate impoundment is the first financial shock, as storage fees begin the moment the tow truck is dispatched. Randy's Towing is one of the companies that operates in the area. Contact the Miami County Sheriff's Office to determine where your vehicle was towed and understand their access policies.
The Arraignment Process
Your arraignment will be held at the Miami County Municipal Court, presided over by either Judge Anthony E. Kendell or Judge Samuel L. Huffman. Magistrate James D. Utrecht often handles arraignments and initial appearances. Judge Kendell, appointed in July 2024, brings a prosecutorial background, which may lead to a rigorous standard for defense motions.
Key Considerations
- Chemical Test Refusal: Understand the consequences of refusing a chemical test. The one-year ALS can significantly impact your ability to drive.
- Jail Location: Determine which facility you are being held in to facilitate communication with family and your attorney.
- Bond Posting: Be prepared for potential delays in the release process, especially during shift changes and weekends.
- Vehicle Impoundment: Act quickly to locate your vehicle and understand the towing company's fees and access policies.
- Legal Representation: Contact an attorney experienced in Miami County DUI cases as soon as possible.
Contact Information
- Miami County Safety Building: 201 West Main Street, Troy, OH
- Miami County Incarceration Facility: 2042 N. County Road 25A
- Miami County Municipal Court Clerk's Office: (937) 440-3940
Sources
Ohio Penal Code
Miami County Sheriff's Office
Texas Department of Public Safety