Facts About Underage OWI In Wisconsin | Eisenberg Law Offices

Facts About Absolute Sobriety In Wisconsin

There is plenty of information available about the consequences of OWI for adults, but information about underage OWI or absolute sobriety in Wisconsin is not so readily available. Underage OWI refers to teens who are old enough to drive, but too young to consume alcohol.

The laws surrounding OWI for adults and for minors is different making it important to understand the distinctions. We know. No parent wants to think about their teen drinking let alone drinking and driving, but it happens, maybe to your child or maybe your child is a passenger in another teen’s car and they get pulled over.

Teens and their parents should know their rights under Wisconsin law so they can respond appropriately if the teen is ever pulled over on suspicion of underage drinking and driving. Here are a few of important facts to understand about underage OWI in Wisconsin.

Fact #1: Wisconsin Has A Zero Tolerance Policy

One of the biggest differences between adult and teen OWI is the blood alcohol limit (BAC). The BAC is often measured by police via a field sobriety test when they pull someone over on suspicion of drunk driving. Adults who are at least 21 may legally drive as long as their BAC is .08 or lower, unless they have three prior offenses.

Drivers who are under 21 years of age do not receive the same leniency. Wisconsin has a zero tolerance approach to underage OWI. Any BAC reading that is higher than 0.0% can lead to an underage OWI or absolute sobriety charge in Wisconsin.

Not only that, underage drivers can be charged with OWI even if they didn’t drink alcohol but instead used a different substance that impaired their ability to drive. This could include illicit or illegal substances or even prescription medications.

Bonus Fact: One thing that both adults and teens have in common is the right to decline a field sobriety test. That’s right. In most cases, drivers in Wisconsin are not legally required to submit to this test!

Bonus Fact: It’s illegal for anyone, adults or teens, to drive under the influence with a person under 16 years of age in the vehicle.

Fact #2: You Can Protect Your Teen

There’s a lot at stake when a teen gets pulled over and charged with OWI or absolute sobriety. The best course of action in these circumstances is to contact the Wisconsin OWI attorneys at Eisenberg Law Offices in Madison.

Our criminal defense team will examine the circumstances surrounding the traffic stop and the charges against your teen, weigh the evidence, and ensure the police followed proper procedures. We will fight vigorously for your teen to protect them from the harsh, long-term consequences of an OWI.

Bonus Fact: We offer FREE, no obligation consultations and bring over 30 years of experience to every case.

Fight Charges Of Underage OWI In Wisconsin With Help From Eisenberg Law

If your teen has been charged with underage OWI or absolute sobriety in Wisconsin, there’s no time to waste. Contact Eisenberg Law Offices today to arrange your free consultation and explore your legal defense options. Eisenberg Law Offices can be reached by calling 608-256-8356 or emailing Info@eisenberglaw.org.