Tuscarawas County Vehicle Impound Guide

Tuscarawas County DUI Impound: What You Need to Know NOW

If your vehicle has been impounded following a DUI arrest in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, you're likely facing immediate logistical challenges. The first step is locating your vehicle, and that depends on who made the arrest. If it was the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP), call their New Philadelphia Post 79 dispatch at (330) 339-1103. For Tuscarawas County Sheriff's Office arrests, call their administrative line at (330) 339-2000. Knowing where your car is held is the key to unlocking the impound process.

Why Was My Car Impounded?

In Tuscarawas County, as in Ohio generally, a DUI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired or OVI) arrest almost always results in your vehicle being towed. This is "incident to arrest," meaning it's standard procedure. Unlike some offenses, a first-time OVI in Ohio doesn't automatically trigger a 90-day vehicle immobilization. However, if you have a prior OVI conviction within the last ten years, your vehicle will be immobilized for 90 days, and your license plates will be physically impounded. This significantly complicates retrieval.

Locating Your Vehicle: The Impound Slip and Beyond

Ideally, the arresting officer provided you with an impound slip. This slip should detail the towing company's name and the location of their lot. However, in the confusion following an arrest, this slip is often lost or unavailable.

Because Tuscarawas County has multiple law enforcement agencies – OSHP, the Sheriff's Office, and municipal police departments like New Philadelphia and Dover – the impound location depends on who made the arrest. Municipal departments often use local rotational tow lists. If you're unsure, contact the dispatch center of the arresting agency as detailed above.

The Administrative License Suspension (ALS) Driver Trap

One of the biggest hurdles in retrieving your vehicle is the Administrative License Suspension (ALS). If you submitted to a chemical test and your blood alcohol content (BAC) was over the legal limit, or if you refused the test altogether, the officer likely seized your driver's license on the spot. This triggers an immediate suspension, preventing you from legally driving your vehicle off the tow lot.

Solution: To retrieve your vehicle, bring someone with a valid, unexpired driver's license. You, as the registered owner, will need to provide ownership and insurance documents to satisfy the financial release. The licensed driver will then be able to legally drive the vehicle off the premises.

Potential Towing Companies and Secondary Lots

While specific towing companies used by each agency can vary, some common possibilities in Tuscarawas County include:

• Primary OSHP/Sheriff's Office Tow Providers: (Contact OSHP/Sheriff for current list)
• Municipal Tow Providers: (Contact individual police departments)

Remember that municipal departments like Dover PD or Uhrichsville PD might use localized rotational tow lists.

Navigating Fees and Storage Costs

Be prepared for daily storage fees. These fees can add up quickly, so prompt action is crucial. Contact the towing company directly to inquire about their specific rates and accepted forms of payment. Have your vehicle information ready (make, model, VIN) to expedite the process.

Unique County Factors: Judge VonAllman and Appellate Strictness

The Tuscarawas County legal landscape has some unique characteristics. Judge Nanette DeGarmo VonAllman of the New Philadelphia Municipal Court has expertise in mental health and criminal justice, and has presented on topics like medical marijuana and the courts. This suggests a nuanced perspective on drugged driving cases.

Furthermore, Tuscarawas County falls under the jurisdiction of the Fifth District Court of Appeals. This court has shown a willingness to strictly enforce procedural protocols, potentially leading to the suppression of urine tests in OVI cases if testing guidelines aren't followed precisely. This is something your attorney can explore.

Next Steps: Get Your Paperwork in Order

Before heading to the tow lot, gather the necessary documents:

• Vehicle registration
• Proof of insurance
• Your driver's license (even if suspended, it's needed for identification)
• Payment method (cash, credit card – confirm with the tow company)

Remember, if your license is suspended, you'll need a licensed driver to accompany you. Contact the OSHP New Philadelphia Post at (330) 339-1103 to confirm the specific towing company used in your case and their operating hours.