Milwaukee OWI Lawyer

Seipel Law, LLC - OWI & Criminal Defense

Milwaukee DUI Attorney

A drunk driving conviction often results in severe penalties that may impact your mobility, family, and even your future job or education prospects.

The circumstances of your case are what determine whether you will be charged with a DUI or not. For example, having a BAC of .08% or drugs being found in your system can lead to a DUI charge. In case you caused an accident while you were under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and someone get seriously injured in the accident, you are likely to face more severe consequences.

DUI vs. OWI in Wisconsin

A DUI, or Driving Under the Influence, and an OWI, or Operating While Intoxicated, have differences, the most obvious difference in acronyms (DUI vs. OWI). Different States use different acronyms, most commonly being DUI (Illinois). Others include OWI (Wisconsin), DWI (Texas), etc. It should be noted that you will also receive a PAC, or Prohibited Alcohol Concentration, which applies when your BAC, or Blood Alcohol Content, is over the legal limit. Additionally, you do not have to be “driving” to receive an OWI in Wisconsin.

“Operating” is defined as “physical manipulation or activation of any of the controls of a motor vehicle necessary to put it in motion."

What A DUI Means In Milwaukee

You can be charged with OWI in Wisconsin if you:

• Are operating with alcohol content of .08 or greater
• Are operating under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance to a degree which renders you incapable of safely operating a motor vehicle, or operating under the influence of a restricted controlled substance

Remember that you may be sent to jail even if you were found to be driving while under the influence of a legal drug.

What If You Are A First-time Offender?

First Offense DUI in Wisconsin

Penalties for a first time can vary depending on whether you were charged with refusing the chemical test, had a minor passenger, or were involved in a n accident causing injury to the other party/parties. A conviction for a first offense typically carries out the following penalties:

• Paying a fine of $150 - $300 plus costs and fees
• Driver’s license revocation of 6 – 9 months
• Installation of an IID (Ignition Interlock Device) in your vehicle if your BAC is .15 or greater.
• An AODA (Alcohol and Other Drug Assessment).

A Second DUI Conviction

2nd OWI In Wisconsin

You may be charged with a second OWI offense if you were convicted of a first offense, and the arrest date for that offense was within 10 years of the arrest date for your second offense. A conviction for a second offense typically carries out the following penalties:

• Minimum of 5 days to a maximum of 6 months in jail
• Paying a fine of $350 - $1,100 plus costs and fees
• Driver’s license revocation for 12 to 18 months
• Mandatory substance abuse assessment and treatment
• Mandatory installation of an IID (Ignition Interlock Device)

OWI Lawyer Wisconsin

Do not let a DUI charge discourage you from seeking to protect your driving privileges. If you have been arrested for a DUI do yourself a favor and call Seipel Law today for your free consultation.