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DUI – OWI Attorneys Madison WI

Arrested for drunk driving? Our OWI / DUI Attorneys in Madison WI can help

In Wisconsin, DUI (Driving Under the Influence), or OWI (Operating While Intoxicated), can involve alcohol or drugs. It is certainly not a pleasant experience to be convicted for DUI or OWI as it can involve penalties, hefty fines and jail time, depending on your history of past offenses. For those who drive for a living, this can be devastating as it can mean the end of your career and the loss of your license.

Based on your particular case, you may only have ten days from the time you are arrested to object to the suspension or revocation of your driver’s license. It’s critical to contact Eisenberg Law, DUI Attorneys in Madison WI, for a free consultation regarding your case and possibly represent you if you have been charged with drunk driving or any other type of OWI or DUI charge.

What Constitutes Drunk Driving in Wisconsin?

The police and courts use the following criteria to decide what constitutes OWI or DUI

  • Driving with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of .08 percent or higher
  • Driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or chemical substances, or a combination of those
  • Driving with a detectable amount of a controlled substance in your system
  • Driving under the influence of any controlled substance or drug

Recently, the BAC was reduced to .08, so do not drive even if you have had just a little to drink. It’s .02 (about 1 beer) if you have three prior OWI offenses. If you are stopped for OWI in Wisconsin, a blood or breath test is mandatory if the police request it. Refusing to comply can lead to higher penalties, spending time in jail and suspension of your driver’s license.

OWI Law In Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, you must be at least 21 years old to buy or consume alcohol in a public place. A 21-year old citizen who has had no prior OWI convictions or refusals on record may not drive a motorized vehicle under the influence of any intoxicant, controlled substance or drugs with a BAC of 0.08 or higher. If there are prior convictions, the limit is lower. Someone with three convictions cannot drive a motor vehicle with a BAC of 0.02 or higher. Anyone under 21 years of age is prohibited from drinking any alcohol and driving a motor vehicle. Wisconsin’s Zero Tolerance Laws for Drinking and Driving state that anyone under 21 years of age cannot operate a motor vehicle if there is a trace of alcohol or an illegal drug in their bloodstream.

At Eisenberg Law Offices, S.C. you can trust our Madison WI DUI Attorneys for their expertise and knowledge of complex DUI laws. With our track record for success, we aggressively represent our clients facing a OWI drunk driving charge or OWI conviction and get you the settlement you deserve. If you have been charged with DUI or OWI, contact our drunk driving attorneys immediately to review your case.

Wisconsin Drunk Driving Penalties

Based on the level of your OWI offense, you could be faced with losing your driver’s license, court fines, imprisonment, alcohol counseling and be required to install an ignition interlock device. Here is what you can expect when you are charged with OWI:

  • The first offense is viewed as a civil offense, not a crime and carries a forfeiture of $150 to $300 with a $355 surcharge and other costs. Your driver’s license may be suspended or revoked for six to nine months. Unless the driver has a Commercial Driver’s License, an occupational license is generally available right away. You may also have to enroll for counseling after your alcohol consumption is assessed.
  • The second or third drunk driving offenses are misdemeanors. The penalties increase depending on the number of convictions and court fines can range from $600 to $2,000 with a $335 surcharge and other costs. Jail terms can be up to six or twelve months accompanied by license revocation of at least one year and up to three years.
  • The fourth conviction is a felony charge if it occurs within five years of the third offense and involves $600-$2,000 in court fines, jail for 30 days to 1 year and license revocation for at least two years.
  • Fifth and subsequent convictions are felonies and subject to potential prison terms with up to three years confinement.

Whether this is your first offense or not, the Madison DUI attorneys at Eisenberg law Offices, S.C. Madison, WI will ensure that you get the best chance of getting your DUI or Traffic Ticket dismissed.

In drunk driving cases our first step is to ensure that your driver’s license suspension is put on hold to enable you to drive to work, school and keep up your other commitments.Our team of OWI and DUI Attorneys will thoroughly investigate police reports, witness statements and other documents so that your case receives the care and attention it deserves.

If you have been charged with drunk driving and need an experienced OWI or DUI Attorney to obtain the defense you deserve, contact us

FREE CONSULTATION

RECENT CASE RESULTS

Eisenberg Law has successfully represented our clients in thousands of Personal Injury, Criminal Defense and Family Law Cases during our 30-plus years in business.