Eau Claire, Wisconsin OWI (DWI) Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you received an OWI in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, it is imperative you seek the legal advice of an accomplished and experienced OWI criminal defense lawyer immediately. Being charged with OWI is a serious offense that can have serious consequences, including jail time, loss of driving privileges, and monetary fines. It is important that anyone facing a Wisconsin OWI charge understand what challenges they will face. Call a Wisconsin OWI defense attorney today for a consultation.

What happens if I was arrested for OWI in Eau Claire?

Under Wisconsin law, once you have been cited for violating the OWI statute, the state initiates two simultaneous, yet separate legal actions against you. The criminal action is in response to the ticket that was issued to you, while the administrative action is brought against your license by the Wisconsin MVD (Motor Vehicle Department). While both actions can result in the suspension of your driving privileges, it is important to remember that there may be more penalties to consider and each action must be handled separately.

Wisconsin OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) Administrative Hearing

Pursuant to Wisconsin law, an individual has 10 (ten) days to request an Administrative Hearing from the Wisconsin MVD (Motor Vehicle Department). If you fail to request a hearing within 10 (ten) days, your right to the hearing is lost, and your Wisconsin driver's license is automatically suspended for the applicable statutory time frame. In order to preserve your right to an administrative hearing, it is crucial that you submit your request to the Wisconsin Motor Vehicle Department within 10 (ten) days. Contact a capable and skilled OWI defense attorney in Eau Claire, Wisconsin to help, but do not delay.

OWI Penalties for First Time Offenders

• Commercial Drivers - Commercial drivers are in violation of the OWI statute with a BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) level of 0.04. A first time OWI (DWI) conviction will result in the loss of the commercial driver's license for 1 year, while any subsequent OWI offenses will result in a lifetime loss of the commercial license.
• Monetary Fines - In Eau Claire, Wisconsin, the minimum fine for a first time OWI conviction is $150.00, up to a maximum of $300.00.
• Wisconsin Driving Privileges and OWI - In Eau Claire, Wisconsin, an OWI conviction results in the revocation of the offender's Wisconsin driver's license for a minimum of 6 months, up to a maximum of 9 months.
• Chemical Test Refusal - Refusing to submit to a test when requested by law enforcement in Wisconsin will result in the revocation of driver's license for 1 year.
• Time in Jail - In Eau Claire, Wisconsin, a first time OWI offender is not subject to any jail time.
• Alcohol Evaluation - Successful completion of a drug and alcohol screening and assessment program is required by the court for reinstatement of driving privileges.

OWI Subsequent Offenses

Penalties are increasingly more severe for any additional OWI violations. Due to the complexity of OWI laws in Wisconsin, you may not be aware of rights and options, including any defenses you might use. This is why a competent and knowledgeable lawyer can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. Please contact a DWI - OWI criminal defense lawyer for a fast and free consultation.

Additional Eau Claire, Wisconsin OWI Costs

Beyond any fines and court costs you will have to pay, there are numerous other charges that can add up and cost you a lot of money. Some of the other costs for OWI might include:

• Towing - Having your vehicle towed in Eau Claire, Wisconsin can be expensive.
• Vehicle Storage - After your vehicle is towed, it has to be stored somewhere, which is another additional cost.
• Loss of Wages - When you begin to add in the money lost by missing work, the amount really begins to add up quickly.
• Auto Insurance - On top of everything else, once you do get your license back, there is a good chance your monthly premium is going to be higher.

As you can see, there are quite a few "hidden costs" when it comes to getting an OWI in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

Wisconsin OWI (DWI) Laws

In Eau Claire, Wisconsin, it is illegal for a driver over the age of 21 to operate a motor vehicle:

• While under the influence of an intoxicant;
• With a Blood/Breath Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or greater;
• With a detectable amount of a restricted controlled substance in his or her blood; or
• While under the influence of a controlled substance or any other drug.

For drivers with three or more prior Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) convictions, the limit is lower: they cannot operate a motor vehicle if their BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) level is greater than 0.02.

Eau Claire, Wisconsin drivers under 21 years of age are required by law to maintain "absolute sobriety." For anyone under 21, driving with any amount of alcohol in their system is illegal.

Disclaimer: The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established.