Arrested for OWI in Wisconsin? We can help.
If you have been charged with OWI, you might feel like it’s the end of the world. It’s important to understand that working with an experienced Wisconsin drunk driving defense lawyer can significantly raise your likelihood of a positive outcome. There are times when you can truly defend yourself from an OWI based on a mistake the police made or mishandling of the evidence. However, even if you feel you are guilty, you can take steps to minimize the negative effects of the charges against you. As a OWI defense lawyer, I will work with you and pursue every possible option to save your license and defend you from fines, suspensions and jail time.
Don’t Hesitate - You only have 10 days from the time of your arrest to save your license.
We all rely on our own transportation to get to and from work and carry out our day to day lives. If you intend to keep your drivers’ license, you need to file a request for administrative review less than 10 days after your arrest. When the police arrest you for OWI, you will be given a Notice of Intent to Suspend from the Department of Transportation. You only have 10 days to file an administrative review request, which can save your license, or allow you to obtain an occupational license. The sentencing and license suspension will obviously vary based on your specific situation, but the 10 day rule will not. Don’t let the 10 days pass, file the appeal if you know how, or call me right now. Don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and get information tailored to you...the first call is free, and I accept all major credit cards.
Wisconsin Drunk Driving / OWI Laws
Wisconsin takes drunk driving offenses very seriously, and aggressively prosecutes people who have been charged with operating while intoxicated (OWI). Recent changes in Wisconsin’s law have enacted much harsher penalties for repeat offenders. If you are facing a second, third or higher OWI charge, it is critical that you meet with a lawyer to review your situation and look for possible defenses to either the current, or previous charges.
First time OWI Offenses (in Western Wisconsin)
While sentencing guidelines can vary in other areas, if you were arrested in Western Wisconsin for OWI, and had a BAC that was only slightly over the limit, you may have a fine as little as $250, but you will also face license revocation of 6 months. The higher your BAC at the time of your arrest, the harsher penalties you will face, both in terms of the fine and length of suspension / revocation of your drivers’ license. To see Wisconsin's OWI penalties district by district click here.
Changes in Wisconsin OWI Law
In late 2009, Senate Bill 66 was passed marking a number of changes in Wisconsin OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) Law. A number of these changes could significantly impact the penalties you face if convicted of an OWI, even in the case of first-time offenders. The change in the law also enacted more severe charges against repeat OWI offenders. Specifically, your 4th offense is now treated as a felony charge, where as previously the 5th offense was treated as a felony. The other changes in the law included a provision giving counties the option to hand out lessened sentences if the violator successfully completes a period of probation that includes alcohol and drug treatment. There were also changes related to the ignition interlock device, which is now required for any repeat OWI offender or a first time OWI offender who had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of over 0.15%.
Free Phone or In Office Consultation - Call Today
If you have been charged with OWI in Baldwin, River Falls, Menomonie, New Richmond, any where in the Western Wisconsin area do not hesitate to call me for a free review of your case. You can also contact me by email either using the form on the right hand side of this page or the one on our contact page.
