Janesville, Wisconsin OWI Criminal Defense Attorney

If you received an OWI in Janesville, Wisconsin, it is imperative you seek the legal advice of a competent and knowledgeable OWI attorney immediately. Being arrested for OWI is a serious offense that can have major consequences, including jail time, loss of driving privileges, and monetary fines. It is crucial that anyone facing a Wisconsin OWI understand what challenges they will face. Call a Wisconsin OWI criminal defense lawyer today for a free, professional consultation.

What happens if I was arrested for Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) in Janesville?

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 Motor Vehicle Department in Wisconsin. 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 on their own.

Wisconsin DWI or OWI Administrative Hearing

According to Wisconsin law, an individual has ten (10) days to request an Administrative Hearing from the Motor Vehicle Department in Wisconsin. If you fail to request a hearing within ten (10) days, your right to the hearing is lost, and your driver's license in Wisconsin 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 Motor Vehicle Department in Wisconsin within ten (10) days. Contact an assertive and experienced OWI criminal defense lawyer in Janesville, Wisconsin to help, but do not delay.

OWI Penalties for First Time Offenders

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

Other Wisconsin OWI Costs

Beyond any fines and court costs you will have to pay in Janesville, Wisconsin, 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:

• Vehicle Storage - After your vehicle is towed, it has to be stored somewhere in Janesville, Wisconsin, which is an additional cost.
• Towing - Having your vehicle towed can be quite expensive.
• 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.
• Loss of Wages - When you begin to add in the money lost by missing work, the amount really begins to add up quickly.

There are many "hidden costs" when it comes to getting an OWI in Janesville, Wisconsin. This is why you should contact an aggressive and knowledgeable OWI attorney for a free, professional consultation.

Wisconsin DWI - OWI Laws

In Janesville, 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 blood alcohol content (BAC) is greater than 0.02.

Janesville, 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.

OWI Subsequent Offenses

Penalties are increasingly more severe for any additional OWI - DWI violations. Due to the complexity of OWI laws in Janesville, Wisconsin, you may not be aware of options and rights. This is why an aggressive and knowledgeable attorney can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. It is very important you contact a Wisconsin DWI - OWI attorney for a free, professional consultation right away.

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.