Waukesha, Wisconsin OWI Criminal Defense Lawyer

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

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 Motor Vehicle Department. While both actions can result in the suspension of your driving privileges in Wisconsin, it is important to remember that there may be more penalties to consider and each action must be handled on their own.

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

Wisconsin OWI 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 assertive and skilled OWI lawyer in Wisconsin to help.

Remember, pursuant to Wisconsin law, an individual only has 10 days to request an administrative hearing from the Wisconsin MVD (Motor Vehicle Department).

OWI Penalties for First Time Offenders

• Alcohol Evaluation - Successful completion of a drug and alcohol screening and assessment program is required by the court for reinstatement of driving privileges.
• Monetary Fines - In Waukesha, Wisconsin, the minimum fine for a first time OWI conviction is $150.00, up to a maximum of $300.00.
• 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 CDL (commercial driver's license) for 1 (one) 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 law enforcement will result in the revocation of driver's license for 1 year.
• Wisconsin Driving Privileges and OWI - In Waukesha, 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.
• Time in Jail - In Waukesha, Wisconsin, a first time OWI offender is not subject to any jail time.

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 capable and skilled criminal defense attorney can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. Please contact a Wisconsin OWI (DWI) criminal defense attorney for a 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.

Waukesha, 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.

Additional Waukesha, 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 Waukesha, 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 driver's 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 Waukesha, Wisconsin.

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.