Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What if I can't come to court?
2. What if I don't know when I'm supposed to come to court?
3. How long will I be in court?
4. What if I fail to come to court?
5. What type of traffic citations will result in a law enforcement agency towing a vehicle and the court ordering immobilization in accordance with the Ohio Revised Code?
6. What does wrongful entrustment mean and is there an immobilization?
7. How long will the “club” stay on my vehicle?
8. What does “vehicle forfeiture” mean?
9. What is an SR22 Bond?

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON OHIO DRIVING LAWS CONTACT THE BUREAU OF MOTOR VEHICLES, or visit their web site at www.state.oh.us/odps/division/bmv/bmv.html.

1. What if I can't come to court?

If you are…
…a DEFENDANT, contact your attorney or public defender as soon as you know you cannot appear for a scheduled court date. See Outside Frequently Used Phone Numbers for the phone number of the public defender's office.
…a DEFENDANT, without an attorney or public defender, call the law clerk for the judge who is assigned your case. You will need to have your case number available when you call.
…a DEFENDANT, and you fail to appear for a scheduled court appearance, an arrest warrant may be issued. See Failure to Come to Court for more information.
…a PARTY in Small Claims case, contact the Small Claims Office. See Frequently Used Phone Numbers.
…a WITNESS subpoenaed by the prosecuting attorney, contact the Prosecutor's office. See Outside Frequently Used Phone Numbers.
…a WITNESS subpoenaed or asked to appear by the defense attorney, contact the attorney or public defender handling the case. See Outside Frequently Used Phone Numbers for the phone number of the public defender's office.

2. What if I don't know when I'm supposed to come to court?

You should have received a ticket, citation, subpoena or other paper telling you where and when to appear. If you didn’t receive anything telling you where to appear or if you lost it, check with your attorney about where and when to appear in court. If you do not have an attorney, you can call the Clerk’s office. Case Information is also available on the Toledo Municipal Clerk of Court’s website at www.tmc-clerk.com. Each day appearance lists are posted at the Clerk’s office, first floor. If you know the day and time you are scheduled to be in court, but not which courtroom, consult these lists to determine the correct courtroom.

3. How long will I be in court?

It depends, but in most cases, you will probably be in the courthouse a substantial portion of the day to take care of all possible matters.

4. What if I fail to come to court?

If you do not show up for a scheduled court appearance in a criminal case, a warrant for your arrest may be issued. If a warrant is issued and you are cited for another crime or violation of the law, you may be arrested and held in jail until court or you post bond (bail). In addition, a warrant block may be issued which will prevent you from renewing your driver’s license or your license plates.

5. What type of traffic citations will result in a law enforcement agency towing a vehicle and the court ordering immobilization in accordance with the Ohio Revised Code?

If you do not show up for a scheduled court appearance in a criminal case, a warrant for your arrest may be issued. If a warrant is issued and you are cited for another crime or violation of the law, you may be arrested and held in jail until court or you post bond (bail). In addition, a warrant block may be issued which will prevent you from renewing your driver’s license or your license plates.

6. What does wrongful entrustment mean and is there an immobilization?

Wrongful entrustment is the offense of permitting a suspended or unlicensed driver, or a driver with no proof of financial responsibility, or a driver under the influence of drugs or alcohol to operate a vehicle. If the alleged driver lives in the same household and is related by blood or marriage, then the owner of the vehicle will be charged with Wrongful Entrustment and the vehicle will be immobilized for 30 days on the first conviction; 60 days on the second conviction; and a forfeiture in the third conviction. If the alleged driver is not related by blood or marriage and does not live in the same household, the owner will be asked to sign an affidavit stating that he will not allow the offender driver drive his vehicles until the driver becomes valid.

7. How long will the “club” stay on my vehicle?

For two Operating a Vehicle under the Influence (OVI) charges within a six-year span, the immobilization period is 90 days. For the third OVI within a six-year span, the immobilization period is 180 days. A fourth offense within a six-year span will result in vehicle forfeiture.

For Financial Responsibility Act (FRA) suspensions, the first offense within five years is 30 days, the second offense within five years is 60 days, and three or more offenses will result in vehicle forfeiture.

8. What does “vehicle forfeiture” mean?

After the triggering conviction, the court will order the vehicle forfeited to the State of Ohio in accordance with the Ohio Revised Code. Before the vehicle is forfeited, the owner has an opportunity for a hearing on the matter.

9. What is an SR22 Bond?

A financial responsibility insurance bond covers the insured while driving any vehicle.