First Offense OWI With Minor Passenger
Being charged with an OWI causes stress and fear. A first offense OWI with a minor passenger carries especially severe consequences.
For decades, the attorneys at Mishlove and Stuckert have helped clients achieve dismissals and reduced charges in DUI cases.
Find out why we are renowned throughout Wisconsin for our DUI defense expertise.
First OWI Offense With a Minor
If there is a minor in your car when you are arrested for an OWI, the consequences are drastically different as you will face DUI and child endangerment charges. For your first offense with a minor under the age of 16, you may face five days to six months in county jail as it is considered a crime instead of a civil traffic violation. The DUI specialists at Mishlove & Stuckert, LLC Attorneys at Law, have helped many clients through this complex process and are confident they can help achieve the best possible outcome.
The Mishlove and Stuckert Advantage
DUI/OWI cases are extremely complex and often require a heightened level of expertise. Our attorneys, Andrew Mishlove and Lauren Stuckert, are Wisconsin’s only true NCDD-American Bar Association accredited DUI defense specialists. They are authorities in the field of drunk driving law and have written and taught extensively on the subject.
Their successful track record helping clients charged with a variety of drunk driving offenses led to them being voted Wisconsin's #1 DUI Law Firm by the Wisconsin Law Journal's Reader Poll. They have helped countless people avoid penalties, misdemeanors, felonies, and jail time.
Wisconsin Penalties For First OWI
With Minor Passenger
Jail Time
While most first OWI violations are first offenses subject only to civil penalties, your first DUI is a criminal offense if there was a minor under the age of 16 in the vehicle. The elevated charges that come with a first OWI with minor passenger mean you face similar penalties to those charged with second offense OWI: between a minimum five-day and a maximum 6-month jail sentence.
License Revocation
When Wisconsin's driver's license revocation law was passed in July 2010, the legislation only specified that the jail sentence would be the same as a second offense. Some prosecutors mistakenly believe that the court should also increase the revocation. Before this law went into effect, however, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation already doubled the length of the revocation if there was a minor in the vehicle. The problem occurs when the court increases the revocation, and then the DOT also increases it. The revocation may be twice what either court intended. It is important to have a lawyer who is able to guide the judge and prosecutor on the proper application of the law so that your revocation does not get an extra doubling.
Ignition Interlock Device
The ignition interlock device (IID) requirement follows the same guidelines for a civil first offense OWI, meaning that if the result of your breath test at the police station or blood test at the hospital result is .15 or higher, you will be required to put the IID in your vehicle. Again, it’s important that your lawyer understands this as some prosecutors may believe the IID applies in all OWI with minor cases as it does in all second offenses.
Wisconsin Comes To Us For Legal Wins
Guy Grenfell
2020
I had the unfortunate experience of having to go through my first DUI. After explaining my case to Andrew he came up with a great game plan for my case. He ended up getting my breathalyzer results dropped due to the officers not following proper procedures. It was very impressive how he turned the case around on the prosecutor and won over the judge! This was a huge win for me due to having to drive other peoples cars for a living. I highly recommend Mishlove & Stuckert!
View on GoogleSandy Reitman
2019
Mishlove & Stuckert are true experts in the field. They are committed to their clients beyond the courtroom, ensuring a smooth process during a difficult time for anyone involved in a case. The kinship between the lawyers is palpable, not to mention a warm and engaging staff. I highly recommend!
View on GoogleContact Us For Quality Legal Defense
If you have been charged with a DUI with a child passenger it is highly recommended that you seek legal representation. Our initial consultation is 100% free and comes with no obligation on your part. Our attorneys can work remotely and serve nearly the entire state of Wisconsin.
The litany of penalties that accompany being charged for a first OWI with a child passenger offense can be overwhelming. Our renowned specialists in the DUI field can confidently navigate you through your case and work to reduce misdemeanor and felony criminal charges while endeavoring to get the case dismissed altogether. To request your consultation, contact us or call:
(414) 332-3499
Other Situations That Can Raise Penalties
Being charged with a first offense OWI with a child passenger comes with severe charges. There are other possible factors that may lead to more penalties.
Implied Consent Refusal
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Wisconsin's implied consent law states that any driver must take a drug or alcohol test if police have a reason to believe the driver is under the influence. Refusing to be tested leads to a one-year license revocation and one-year IID.
Causing Injury
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If you are charged with causing injury along with your first offense with a minor passenger, you are subject to significantly stiffer penalties. These can include felonies, child endangerment, and added years to license revocations and IID.
More Stories From Pleased Clients
Daina Castillo
2021
I had the pleasure of speaking with Sara for guidance and information and out of all consultations, I have to say that hers was not just the most informative one, but also the most honest and detailed one I received. She spoke to me with compassion rather than with judgement and answered and provided me with information to all the questions I had without feeling rushed. I highly recommend her and this firm to be your go-to firm with any case that you may have :)
View on GooglePete Trost
2020
I highly recommend Mishlove & Stuckert if you need representation for a driving citation. I have personally conferred with both Andrew and Lauren and both are equally personable, knowledgeable, professional, responsive and put you at ease. They both explain everything to you very clearly and so you understand the legal process. Sara is very pleasant and helpful every time you call and need something or have a question. Definitely would not have a such a favorable outcome without all of them and very appreciative of all their hard work and efforts. Highly recommended!
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