DUI Attorney Milwaukee
If you've just been charged with a DUI, DWI, OWI, it's important for you to know your rights and understand the law to avoid getting into further trouble. It's understandable that some people make mistakes, and sometimes receiving a DUI, DWI or OWI will only be a one-time thing. Judging from previous history and your overall attitude, this may be an easy case.
Repeat offenders-those who have received two, three or more citations-will have a harder time proving their innocence in court. Either way, a lawyer is an excellent choice when it comes to working your way through this difficult time.
The difference between a DUI (Driving while Under the Influence), DWI (Driving While Intoxicated), OWI (Operating While Intoxicated), are slight, and might earn you the difference of a substantial fine or a few days in jail. Many conditions play a part in this judgment, like previous drinking and driving history, your cooperation with law enforcement officials, and whether they made you take a breathalyzer test. These are all things your lawyer will keep in mind throughout your case.
The State of Wisconsin prohibits the operation of a motor vehicle by a driver that has a .08 percent or above blood alcohol concentration (BAC). The .08 BAC limit is the standard measurement used throughout the United States for the "impaired" driver. The State of Wisconsin has lower BAC limits for drivers of commercial vehicles (.04) and a Zero Tolerance for drivers under the age of 21 (or .02 BAC). Wisconsin's DUI law also prohibits the operation of a motor vehicle by drivers under the influence of controlled substances such as marijuana, cocaine, meth, inhalants and other intoxicants.
The first time you are arrested for drunk driving in the State of Wisconsin you will be fined up to $300 and your driver's license will be suspended for 6 months or more. If there was a driver under the age of 16 in the vehicle at the time of your arrest all penalties received will be doubled. You may be ordered by the court to pay an additional driver improvement surcharge of $355 in addition to your original fine.
The second time you are convicted of a DUI in Wisconsin you will be fined from $350-$1,100. You will also be sent to Jail for a minimum of 5 days or up to 6 months. Your drivers license will also be suspended for 1 year or more. If there was a driver under the age of 16 in the vehicle at the time of your arrest all penalties received will be doubled. You may be ordered by the court to pay an additional driver improvement surcharge of $355 in addition to your original fine. After your second conviction, all vehicles that have your name on the title or registration may be subject to immobilization or Ignition Interlock Device.
If you are arrested and convicted of drunk driving a 3rd time in the State of Wisconsin you will be fined from $600-$2,000. Your driver's license will also be suspended for 1 year or more. You will be sent to jail for a minimum of 30 days or up to 1 year. If there was a driver under the age of 16 in the vehicle at the time of your arrest all penalties received will be doubled. You may be ordered by the court to pay an additional driver improvement surcharge of $355 in addition to your original fine. After your second conviction, all vehicles that have your name on the title or registration may be subject to immobilization or Ignition Interlock Device.
All of this may be scary, particularly for someone dealing with it for the first time. That is why hiring a lawyer to defend your case can save you jail time or paying extra fines.