The Bailiff's Department is primarily responsible for security at the Painesville Municipal Court, including courtroom proceedings. This department has many other duties some of which include service of subpoenas, some post-judgment executions, serving eviction notices and supervising move outs.

Individuals who have been granted writs of restitution must contact the Bailiff's Department to schedule a move-out date for their tenant. It is the landlords responsibility to secure people to help move the tenants belongings out of the residence should they not vacate the premises by the scheduled date and time.

The Bailiff's Department also oversees vehicle immobilizations. Individuals who have had their vehicle seized or otherwise immobilized must contact the Court with any questions regarding their vehicles, but the following should answer most general questions.

Your vehicle has been seized by the Police because you have been charged with Driving under Suspension, Operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated or Wrongful Entrustment. Your vehicle will remain impounded until a motion for release is filed with the Court. The Judge will decide whether the vehicle will be immobilized at a hearing that is set after your motion is filed.

If the Judge DOES NOT immobilize your vehicle, you may obtain the release of your vehicle generally:

1. At your hearing – if the Judge releases your vehicle, go to the police department that towed your vehicle. You must provide your car title and/or registration and your identification to obtain the release.
2. You will need to take the release to the Police Department that seized your vehicle and pay all storage and towing fees. The impound lot will release the vehicle a LICENSED driver only.

If the Judge IMMOBILIZES your vehicle, you may leave it in the impound lot and pay the daily storage rate charged by the impound lot OR you may have it immobilized at your home or other appropriate location.

1. After your Court appearance, go to the police department and obtain a release. You must provide your car title and/or registration, proof of insurance, Court release and your identification to obtain the release.
2. Take the Police release to the impound lot and pay all towing and storage fees.
3. The vehicle must remain within the Court's jurisdiction. Those areas include Painesville, Painesville Township, Concord, Fairport Harbor, Perry, North Perry, Madison Village, Madison Township and Grand River.
4. The Court Bailiff will remove club after immobilization period is expired and the $100 fee has been paid.

If you operate the vehicle while it is immobilized, the vehicle can be forfeited to the State of Ohio and you may be charged with Contempt of Court. The Bailiff's will periodically check all vehicles immobilized outside the impound lot to determine if they have been moved in violation of the court order.