Wisconsin DUI Laws – Consequences You Don’t Want to Face

We have identified over 60 factors that will help you win a Wisconsin OWI/DUI case, but if we had to sum it up into one sentence, it would be: Get a qualified attorney.  The consequences of a drunk-driving charge can follow you for years: not only can it impact your ability to drive now, it can impact your ability to obtain an occupational permit.  Having a good Wisconsin DUI lawyer on your side ensures that you are able to move on from a DUI/OWI charge.

Wisconsin DUI Laws: What Happened?

Wisconsin DUI laws are complex; many factors need to be present for you to be charged and found guilty.  It needs to be established that you were driving in Wisconsin while your blood alcohol level was over the prescribed limit or your ability to drive was affected to a degree.

We can help you preserve your right to drive, but we need detailed information on the events leading to the arrest, as well as what happened when you were in contact with the primary officer.  Be prepared to answer the following questions:

• What were you doing prior to arrest? 
• What alcoholic beverage/s did you consume – and how much?
• How did the officer behave?  What were your observations?
• What was the officer’s stated reason for stopping you?
• Did the officer order you to take a roadside test?
• Did you comply with the test?  How did you perform?
• What, if anything, did you say to the officer?
• Were there witnesses to the events leading to the arrest or to the arrest itself?

Your DUI Wisconsin Case:  What Next?

Defending your OWI/DUI case successfully involves:

• A thorough investigation of the facts.
• Vigorous cross-examination.
• A sound understanding of legal and constitutional principles involved in your case.

The district attorney may not have all the witnesses he needs to prove his case; he may have evidence that could exonerate you; there may be evidentiary problems in proving your blood alcohol level.  There are lots of “coulds” and “may haves.”  Having a qualified lawyer by your side ensures that your rights are protected.

Whether or not your case goes to trial, there are legal maneuvers that need to be completed.  These can include:

• Impeaching the arresting officer’s testimony by detecting inconsistent statements, failure to properly following roadside test and/or breath and blood test procedures, or facts that are not in the police report.
• Determining the validity of the chemical and roadside tests, which includes the officer’s initial reasons for stopping you, his probable cause for making you take preliminary breath tests, and whether you were read your Miranda rights.
• Determining if a plea bargain is the best resolution for your case when weighed against the possible consequences of a trial and the weight of the state’s case against you. 

Wisconsin DUI Laws: Going to Trial

If you do opt to go to trial, with the advice of your attorney, there are motions and strategies we employ to make sure your case is handled properly and with an optimal outcome.  These include:

• Filing, if appropriate, motions to suppress evidence on constitutional grounds or failure to give Miranda rights.  Filing a motion for discovery is also vital.
• Invoking your right to a jury trial (for a second or subsequent offense) or requesting a trial jury (for a first offense).

Your Wisconsin DUI Lawyer

A DUI or OWI charge is not always clear-cut; having a lawyer is necessary so you can defend yourself successfully and ensure your rights are protected under the law.
Win a DUI, OWI or drunk-driving case with a leading DUI/OWI defense lawyer in Wisconsin. With many years of experience working as a Wisconsin DUI, OWI and drunk-driving defense attorney, we have a proven track record of fighting and winning drunk-driving cases.