If a person's blood alcohol content reaches .08 or higher, they are over the Wisconsin legal limit. It may also have a serious impact on your reputation, family, and career options if you drive under the influence. Have you been arrested for a DUI in Milwaukee, Wisconsin? Our OWI and DUI lawyers in Milwaukee can help!
At Bayer Law Offices, we have over a decade of experience representing clients charged with OWI. While many attorneys may offer OWI defense services in Milwaukee, our practice places a heavy focus on OWI defense which will provide you with a strong and informed representation.
In fact, Attorney John Bayer has primarily dedicated his legal career to advising and counseling individuals arrested for OWI. He also keeps up to date with the latest forensic science concerning breath and blood tests to ensure he puts his best foot forward for his clients.
Contact our DUI lawyer in Milwaukee online or at (414)-939-9650 to get started on your DUI defense in a free consultation today.
In Wisconsin, the illegal act of drinking and driving is charged as operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI). A motorist may be charged with OWI if they have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or more, also called the prohibited alcohol concentration (PAC).
Note that it is still possible to be charged with OWI even if the motorist has a BAC below .08% if they perform poorly in the field sobriety tests, showing obvious and dangerous impairment.
It depends on the number of past convictions. In general, a first offense DUI in Milwaukee will be considered a civil violation, while a second (depending on when the last conviction was) and third offense could be a misdemeanor. A fourth or greater offense would be a felony.
However, certain circumstances could alter these charges. For example, if it is your first offense but a minor was in the vehicle the charge could become a criminal violation. Additionally, if injuries were caused it could be elevated to a misdemeanor.
If injury was incurred during a second OWI, then it could be raised to a felony. A third conviction will also be raised to a felony if a minor was present, or injuries were sustained. That’s why it’s important to hire a qualified DUI lawyer in Milwaukee when facing such charges.
In Wisconsin, a first-offense DUI is NOT a criminal offense. A first-offense DUI citation is a civil matter that should be taken seriously.
Even though you won't be charged criminally, you could still receive penalties if convicted. You could receive a fine of up to $300 plus a $435 OWI surcharge. Additionally, you could have your driver's license revoked for up to 9 months. Depending on the amount of alcohol in your system, you could be forced to put an ignition interlock device in your vehicle.
According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, DUI convictions will remain on an individual’s record forever. This does not apply to charges that were dismissed or dropped. While Wisconsin law does allow some charges to be expunged if the individual was younger than 25 and finished their sentence, this isn’t always an option.
It’s best to consult with a skilled DUI attorney in Milwaukee to help you better understand your charges and to help build your defense. In some cases, charges may be able to be reduced.
While DUI checkpoints are legal in some states, Wisconsin is not one of them. For an officer to pull over a driver there must be “reasonable suspicion” under state law. This could include reckless driving, such as speeding or running a light, an inability to stay in one’s lane or swerving, and driving significantly under the speed limit.
As a DUI is part of an individual’s public record, it can appear on a criminal background check. While first offense DUI is typically a civil violation, not criminal, it may still show up on a screening performed by an employer depending on the type of background check done. That’s why it’s imperative you enlist the legal representation of a skilled OWI attorney.
You may have difficulty supporting your family if you are charged with DUI/OWI in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It is possible to lose your driver's license, which would effectively make commuting to work impossible, resulting in you being unable to earn a living.
You may also be disadvantaged in the future if you are convicted of DUI/OWI. When you have been arrested for DUI or OWI, you can't afford to settle for anything less than the best representation. The DUI lawyers in Milwaukee at Bayer Law Offices represent clients who face a wide array of DUI/OWI-related charges, including:
Contact our Milwaukee OWI attorney online or at (414)-939-9650 to get started on your DUI defense in a free consultation today.
"My name is Nick. I hired John as my attorney for a OWI case that carried two serious felony charges. My case stemmed from a divorce and developed into an OWI case that as far as I could see, was going to end my career and send me to prison. I made every bad decision a person could, making any attorney's job a very difficult one. John walked me through every step I needed to take to give myself a fighting chance. His organization and attention to detail is unparalleled. John and even his brother Mike did everything they could to help keep my attitude positive during what I feel was one of the darkest times in my life. My case started in in 2019 and has gone on for almost 3 years. Not once did he bury me in unnecessary fees. John was able to get a not guilty verdict on both of these felony charges while maintaining his integrity. He maintained that honesty was going to be my best defense and it worked. My case was won because John put everything he had into my case. He doesn't miss a detail. Winning this case saved my career and saved my son from having to watch his father go to prison. John makes you feel like you have a friend in that court room when it seems like the world is against you. God forbid you find yourself in this type of situation But if you do, don't gamble with your freedom. John gave me a second chance at life and I honestly feel like I owe him everything. This review is the least I could do for him. Call him. You will not be disappointed with his services."
"I cannot say enough good things about attorney Bayer. I was charged with a second OWI and refusal and since this is a criminal charge, felt I needed to hire representation. I interviewed 5 attorneys before deciding on John Bayer, and it was an easy decision. From our first conversation I could tell John was very knowledgable and an expert in his field. Yet at the same time he talks to you like a person and friend, not just another client. He spoke on my level and put everything in layman\'s terms. From there he took care of everything, and kept me informed on what was happening. He understood how important this was to me, and how it could effect me professionally and fought hard for me. He filed a motion to dismiss evidence based on the video we had. The court agreed with everything John argued, and we won the motion. After this he motioned to have the charges dismissed and the court granted dismissal. John was able to get the OWI Second and the Refusal charges dismissed. I cannot express how grateful I am to have had attorney Bayer represent me. He is a true professional in every sense and I would recommend him to anyone that needs his services. Thank you John!"
When confronted with an OWI charge or criminal charges, the situation can feel daunting and overwhelming. We are here to help you shape your path to a better outcome.
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