In Wisconsin, the penalties for drinking and driving are severe and go far beyond criminal penalties such as fines and imprisonment. OWI/DUI charges can carry administrative ramifications on your driver's license/driving privileges. Without a license, you may have trouble getting to work and school, which can hurt your ability to make an income and succeed. Further, the loss of your CDL license can ruin the security you’ve spent years and decades building for your family.
The Singleton Law Firm, LLC will fight for your right to keep your driver's and CDL license, as well as defend you against civil or criminal charges.
To get started, contact us at (262) 581-4114 now!
What Is OWI/DUI?
Wisconsin, like most states, prohibits people who are 21 and over to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher. For those who are under 21, the state has a zero-tolerance policy called the “Not a Drop” law that prohibits these people from drinking any amount and driving.
People often get confused about the difference between OWI and DUI. Both refer to driving a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol and are often used interchangeably. Some states coin the offense “DUI,” while others use “OWI.” Wisconsin is an OWI state.
Operating while intoxicated (OWI) in Wisconsin means a person is accused of driving or operating a vehicle under the following conditions:
- The driver was under the influence of an intoxicant or a controlled substance, a controlled substance analog, or any combination of such, making them incapable of safely driving
- The driver has a prohibited alcohol concentration
- The driver caused injury to another person while under the influence of an intoxicant or a controlled substance, a controlled substance analog, or any combination of such
OWI/DUI Penalties
Jail, prison, and fines can extensively increase with each subsequent DUI/OWI conviction.
If convicted of OWI in Wisconsin, you may face the following penalties:
First Offense
- $150 to $300 fines
- License revocation for six to nine months
- If BAC is 0.15 or more: Ignition interlock device (IID) or 24/7 sobriety program required for one year
Second Offense
- $150 to $300 fines
- License revocation for six to nine months
- Ignition interlock device (IID) or 24/7 sobriety program required for one year
Second Offense (Prior OWI within 10 years or great bodily harm or homicide by intoxicated use offense during the offender's life)
- Five days to six months in jail
- $600 to $2,000 fines
- License revocation for 12 to 18 months, plus confinement length
- IID or 24/7 sobriety program required for one year to 18 months, plus confinement length
Consequences if a minor under 16 was in the vehicle include:
First Offense
- $350 to $1,100 fines
- Five days to six months in jail
- License revocation and IID: 12 to 18 months, plus confinement length
Second Offense
- $350 to $1,100 fines
- Five days to six months in jail
- License revocation and IID: 12 to 18 months, plus confinement length
Second Offense (Prior OWI within 10 years or great bodily harm or homicide by intoxicated use offense during the offender's life)
- $700 to $2,200 fines
- 10 days to 12 months in jail
- License revocation and IID: Maximum length of two to three years, plus confinement length
Third Offense
- $1,200 to $4,000 fines
- 90 days to two years in jail
- License revocation and IID: Maximum length of four to six years, plus confinement length
How We Can Help
The Singleton Law Firm, LLC will handle every aspect your DUI/OWI case requires, such as challenging the following:
- The traffic stop
- The OWI investigation
- The administration of the field sobriety tests
- The request for any preliminary breath test examination
- Any telephonic search warrant
- Any scientific results and equipment
- The accuracy of lab reports and the accuracy of retrograde extrapolations
Winning your OWI case requires the advanced knowledge that the Singleton Law Firm, LLC provides to all our clients. When knowledge and experience matter, choose a criminal defense lawyer who is ready to fight to keep your driving record clear.
Schedule your free consultation online or by calling (262) 581-4114 to learn how we can work to retain your driving privileges and freedom.
The Costs of a DUI/OWI Conviction
Choosing an attorney who lacks adequate knowledge on how to handle your DUI/OWI case can be extremely costly. We understand the consequences that can come from a drunk driving arrest, and we exhaust the appropriate resources needed to fight it.
Our OWI/DUI attorneys provides the following advantages:
- Have decades of experience
- Understand how to fight OWI penalties
- Regularly tryOWI cases in court
- Keep up to date on legal trends and legal challenges (especially on criminal law labs where blood samples are analyzed)
- Know how to negotiate with prosecuting attorneys
- Understand how OWI arrests take place
Contact the Singleton Law Firm, LLC at (262) 581-4114 to get started on your DUI/OWI defense today. We’re available 24/7 and offer free consultations.
