Kenosha, Wisconsin OWI Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you have been charged with OWI, it is a major offense that can have major repercussions, including fines, jail time, and loss of driving privileges. It is imperative that anyone facing a OWI charge in Wisconsin understand what challenges they will encounter. It is important you seek the legal advice of a competent and professional OWI criminal defense attorney immediately. Call today for a fast and free consultation.

What happens if I was arrested for OWI in Kenosha?

Pursuant to Wisconsin law, once you have been cited for violating the OWI statute, the state initiates two separate, yet simultaneous legal actions against you. There is a criminal action in response to the ticket that was issued to you, and an administrative action is brought against your driver's license by the Wisconsin Motor Vehicle Department. Both actions can result in the suspension of your Wisconsin driving privileges, but it is important to remember that there may be more penalties to consider. Also, each action must be handled separately.Contact a Wisconsin OWI attorney today for a consultation.

Wisconsin OWI / DWI Administrative Hearing

If you do not request an administrative hearing within 10 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 days. Contact an accomplished and skilled OWI attorney in Wisconsin to help.

Remember, pursuant to Wisconsin law, an individual only has 10 days to request an administrative hearing from the Wisconsin MVD.

OWI Penalties for First Time Offenders

• 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.
• Monetary Fines - In Kenosha, 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 - 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 in Wisconsin for 1 year.
• Time in Jail - In Kenosha, 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 DWI - OWI violations. Due to the complexity of OWI laws in Kenosha, Wisconsin, you may not be aware of options and rights. This is why a competent and skilled criminal defense attorney can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. It is imperative you contact a Wisconsin DWI / OWI criminal defense attorney for a free consultation right away.

Additional OWI Costs in Wisconsin

There are numerous charges beyond the court fines and costs that can add up and cost you a lot of money. Some of the other costs for OWI in Kenosha, Wisconsin may include but are not limited to:

• 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.
• Towing - Having your vehicle towed in Kenosha, Wisconsin can be expensive.
• Vehicle Storage - After your vehicle is towed, it has to be stored somewhere, which is another additional cost.

There are quite a few "extra costs" when you get an OWI in Kenosha, Wisconsin. It is imperative you seek the legal advice of a competent and skilled OWI criminal defense attorney immediately. Call today for a free consultation.

Wisconsin Drunk driving laws

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

• With a Blood/Breath Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or greater;
• While under the influence of an intoxicant;
• 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.

Kenosha, 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.