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Mequon OWI attorneys take OWI cases whether it is the a 1st OWI, 2nd OWI, or 5th OWI. Sometimes called DUIs or drunk driving charges, in Ozaukee County they are legally called OWIs. Each subsequent OWI has more severe penalties, but an expert OWI lawyer knows that even a 1st OWI should be taken seriously.
In Mequon, Wisconsin, an OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) involves operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other restricted/illegal substances that impair your ability to drive safely. According to Wisconsin state law, here’s what defines an OWI in Mequon:
You can still be charged with OWI, even if your BAC is below the legal limit, if law enforcement determines that alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both has impaired your ability to drive.
Under Wisconsin’s implied consent law, if you’re lawfully arrested for an OWI, you’re required to take a chemical test (breath, blood, or urine). Refusing to comply can lead to extra penalties, including license revocation and the installation of an ignition interlock device.
Certain conditions can elevate the seriousness of an OWI charge:
Grieve Law offers free legal consultations in Mequon for anyone facing drunk driving charges. Our Mequon OWI lawyers listen to your concerns, evaluate your case, and explore your options. We help you understand your charges and the potential outcomes or penalties. You are only guilty if convicted. Reach out to our law office as soon as possible.
Penalties for a first OWI offense in Mequon include fines of amounts from $150-$350, 6 to 9 months without a driver’s license, and an assessment of alcohol and other drug abuse. Fines do not include court costs, surcharges, potential blood draw fees, or other costs. People often see fines totaling $900 to $1,000 for their first OWI offense.
Some extenuating circumstances can lead to extra fines and penalties. A minor in your car makes the OWI a criminal offense. If the minor is younger than 16, your penalties could be the same as a second offense OWI. Your fines would increase, your license revocation would extend further, they may require an ignition interlock device (IID), and you will get jail time. There are often also increases to car insurance which can lead to thousands of dollars in extra payments over time. An OWI conviction will also stop you from entering Canada.
A second offense of operating while intoxicated comes with many penalties if convicted.
A second offense OWI in Wisconsin is a criminal charge with strong penalties if convicted:
A third OWI in Mequon carries mandatory jail time, higher fines, and long-term restrictions. Unlike a second offense, there is no 10-year look back limit. All prior OWIs count.
Drunk driving defense can involve various strategies. Grieve Law’s Mequon OWI attorneys review your case and apply the most effective defense techniques to secure the best possible outcome. Some of the most successful defenses used to challenge an OWI/DUI in Wisconsin include:
With years of experience handling drunk driving cases from both the prosecution and defense sides, the accomplished defense attorneys at Grieve Law possess an exceptional comprehension of OWI laws in Wisconsin. While Fee to Plea lawyers may persuade their clients to accept quick and effortless plea bargains, Grieve Law’s zealous lawyers wholeheartedly uphold your rights and present your best defenses to the judge.
When your court appearance approaches, it will be your account versus the officer’s. It is essential not to confront your OWI allegations alone. You need a proven OWI defense attorney who has the expertise to scrutinize and pursue every possible avenue to get your charges and penalties dismissed or lessened.
If you’ve received an OWI in Mequon, or Wisconsin, it’s very important to get help from an aggressive, experienced DUI or OWI defense attorney. When you’re stopped by the police there is a high likelihood that some issue will occur during the duration of the stop. If an officer smells any trace of alcohol they will most likely immediately begin an investigation. If an officer suspects you’ve been operating your vehicle under the influence they will ask you to perform a field sobriety test (FST). Field sobriety tests can easily be performed incorrectly and cause false positives. A false positive will count as a clue that an officer will use to contribute to an arrest for OWI.Â
Most people think you cannot be charged with an alcohol OWI/ DUI if your breath or blood alcohol concentration is below .08. This is not true. Police can charge you with an OWI no matter what your alcohol concentration is. If an officer believes you are too impaired to safely operate your vehicle, you could still get charged with an OWI.
Hiring an OWI attorney who’s experienced, has the knowledge, and is aware of the specific details required to turn over a DUI case will make a huge difference in whether or not you get convinced. A highly experienced OWI defense lawyer will help you navigate the legal system. The attorneys at Grieve Law will do whatever it takes to help beat your case or reduce your charges.
Wisconsin does not allow DUI convictions to be expunged or removed from your record. An OWI conviction will remain on your record for life. Roughly 95% of first-time offenders do not hire a lawyer, while 99% of second-time offenders do. Hiring a drunk driving lawyer the first time you face an OWI charge can save you the trouble of dealing with a criminal second offense.
When you are arrested for an OWI in Wisconsin, you will receive an administrative notice of intent to suspend. You will need to respond to the Department of Transportation within 10 days to schedule a hearing for your notice. Our attorneys can help you do this.
Contact our Mequon drunk driving defense attorneys right away for a free legal consultation. Court may be the next day, or it may be in a few weeks. You will want an attorney on your side immediately to put you in the strongest position to defend your case. As long as you have experienced lawyers on your side and attend all court dates, you may be able to have your charges reduced.
