Milwaukee, Wisconsin OWI Attorney

Being charged with OWI in Milwaukee, Wisconsin can have major repercussions, including jail time, loss of driving privileges, and monetary fines. It is very important that anyone facing a Wisconsin OWI understand what challenges they will encounter. It is imperative you seek the legal advice of an aggressive and knowledgeable OWI defense lawyer immediately. Call today for a free, professional consultation.

What happens if I was arrested for OWI in Milwaukee?

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 driving privileges in Wisconsin, but it is imperative to remember that there may be more penalties to consider. Also, each action must be handled on their own.Contact a Wisconsin OWI criminal defense attorney today for a fast, free consultation.

Wisconsin OWI or DWI Administrative Hearing

If you fail to request a hearing within 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 Wisconsin Motor Vehicle Department within 10 days. Contact a capable and professional OWI criminal defense attorney to help, but do not delay. Pursuant to Wisconsin law, an individual has 10 days to request an Administrative Hearing from the Motor Vehicle Department in Wisconsin.

OWI Penalties for First Time Offenders

• Monetary Fines - In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the minimum fine for a first time OWI conviction is $150.00, up to a maximum of $300.00.
• Time in Jail - In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a first time OWI offender is not subject to any jail time.
• Wisconsin Driving Privileges and OWI - In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 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) level of 0.04. A first time 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.
• Chemical Test Refusal - Refusing to submit to a test when requested by Milwaukee, Wisconsin law enforcement 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.

Wisconsin OWI Laws

In Milwaukee, 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) level is greater than 0.02.

Milwaukee, 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.

Other Wisconsin OWI Costs

Beyond any fines and court costs you will have to pay in Milwaukee, 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 Milwaukee, 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 Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This is why you should contact an accomplished and knowledgeable OWI criminal defense lawyer for a free consultation.

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 options and rights. This is why an accomplished and knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. Please contact a Wisconsin OWI / DWI defense lawyer for a free consultation.

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.