Drunk driving is a serious crime, and like most states, Wisconsin laws bring steep penalties for individuals who choose to drink and drive. You may know that if convicted, a DUI or OWI can result in loss of driving privileges, time behind bars and more. However, that is not all you need to know about this type of criminal offense and its associated penalties.
Many people believe that it is a futile effort to fight a DUI or OWI, but that is not the case. In fact, it is possible to effectively confront these charges and possibly mitigate or avoid some penalties. A strong criminal defense begins by reaching out to an experienced defense attorney as soon as possible after an arrest.
Wisconsin drunk driving laws and your rights
The penalties for drunk driving are steep, but a conviction is never your only option. Arming yourself with the appropriate information can help you decide how you should approach your defense, as well as inform you of your rights. The following are things you may not know about DUI/OWI charges in Wisconsin:
- A conviction will not only lead to a loss of your driving privileges but also a loss of a significant amount of money.
- If you are a multiple DUI/OWI offender, you may find yourself in prison.
- Killing or harming another person in a drunk driving accident could bring very serious life-altering penalties.
- Refusing to submit to a chemical test of your breath could lead to a one-year loss of your driving privileges, as well as the impounding of your vehicle.
- Certain DUI/OWI offenders may be required to have an ignition interlock device installed.
- Drunk driving with a child in the car will lead to serious penalties if convicted.
- Penalties multiply if you have previous DUI/OWI convictions and your blood alcohol content is over 0.17.
As you can see, drunk driving is not a type of criminal offense that you simply walk away from after paying a fine or losing your license for a while. You would be wise to take the appropriate steps to protect your future interests and shield yourself from some of the potential penalties of a conviction.
If arrested for DUI or OWI, there is much at stake. You would benefit from the help of an attorney who can help you formulate a defense strategy uniquely suited for your needs and legal objectives. If you want to learn more about how to fight this type of criminal offense, it is best to begin by seeking a complete case evaluation with an experienced legal professional.
