Tuscarawas County Bail Information
Understanding bail amounts, the release process, and what happens after a arrest in Tuscarawas 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 Tuscarawas 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.
Tuscarawas County DUI: Navigating Bail and Vehicle Impoundment
If you've been arrested for OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired, Ohio's term for DUI) in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, understanding the immediate steps regarding bail and vehicle impoundment is crucial. The process can be complex, but knowing what to expect can save you time, money, and further legal complications.
Understanding Bail in Tuscarawas County OVI Cases
Bail in Tuscarawas County OVI cases is determined by several factors, including your prior criminal record, the severity of the charges, and your ties to the community. While there isn't a set bail schedule specifically for OVI, the judge or magistrate will consider these factors during your arraignment, which typically occurs within 72 hours of your arrest.
What to Expect at Arraignment:
- Initial Appearance: This is your first court appearance where you'll be formally charged.
- Bail Determination: The judge will set bail, which is a financial guarantee that you will appear in court for future hearings.
- Release Options: Bail can be paid in cash, through a bail bond company, or you may be released on your own recognizance (ROR), meaning you promise to appear without posting bail.
Factors Influencing Bail Amount:
- Prior OVI Convictions: A history of OVI offenses will likely result in a higher bail amount.
- High BAC: A high blood alcohol content (BAC) at the time of arrest can also increase bail.
- Aggravating Circumstances: Accidents, injuries, or property damage resulting from the OVI can lead to a higher bail.
If you are unable to post bail immediately, you will be held at the Tuscarawas County Justice Center in New Philadelphia until your arraignment.
Vehicle Impoundment: Getting Your Car Back
One of the first logistical hurdles after an OVI arrest in Tuscarawas County is retrieving your vehicle. Your car is typically towed and impounded immediately following the arrest. Understanding the process and your rights is essential to avoid unnecessary fees and delays.
Locating Your Vehicle:
The arresting officer is required to provide you with an impound slip indicating the towing company and location of your vehicle. However, if you don't have this information, you'll need to contact the appropriate law enforcement agency:
- Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) arrests: Call the New Philadelphia Post 79 dispatch at (330) 339-1103.
- Tuscarawas County Sheriff's Office arrests: Call the administrative line at (330) 339-2000.
- Municipal Police Department arrests (e.g., Dover, Uhrichsville): Contact the specific police department's dispatch center.
Common Towing Companies:
While the specific towing company may vary depending on the arresting agency, some common providers in Tuscarawas County include:
Retrieval Requirements:
To retrieve your vehicle, you'll typically need the following:
- Proof of Ownership: Vehicle title or registration.
- Proof of Insurance: Valid insurance card.
- Valid Driver's License: This is where the Administrative License Suspension (ALS) creates a problem.
- Payment of Fees: Towing and storage fees.
The ALS Driver Trap:
If you submitted to a chemical test and blew over the legal limit, or if you refused testing, the arresting officer likely seized your driver's license, triggering an immediate Administrative License Suspension (ALS). This prevents you from legally driving your vehicle off the tow lot.
Solution: Bring a licensed driver with you to the tow lot. The registered owner presents the ownership and insurance documents, while the licensed driver presents their license to legally operate the vehicle.
Storage Fees:
Be aware that storage fees accrue daily. Contact the towing company immediately to determine the exact fees and payment methods. Delaying retrieval will only increase the cost.
Special Considerations
Judge Nanette DeGarmo VonAllman: The New Philadelphia Municipal Court is influenced by Judge VonAllman, who has expertise in criminal justice, mental health, and medical marijuana. This may be relevant in drugged driving cases.
Fifth District Court of Appeals: Tuscarawas County falls under the jurisdiction of the Fifth District Court of Appeals, which strictly enforces procedural protocols. This means that defense attorneys can aggressively litigate technical compliance in chemical testing.
Next Steps
After an OVI arrest in Tuscarawas County, your immediate priorities are securing your release and retrieving your vehicle. Contact the relevant law enforcement agency to locate your vehicle and understand the retrieval requirements. If you're facing an ALS, make arrangements for a licensed driver to accompany you to the tow lot.
For OSHP arrests, contact the New Philadelphia Post 79 dispatch at (330) 339-1103 to locate your vehicle.
Sources
Ohio Penal Code
Tuscarawas County Sheriff's Office
Texas Department of Public Safety