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OWI Defense Lawyer 
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MILWAUKEE DUI LAWYER

DUI Lawyer Concentrates in OWI for Over 14 Years in Wisconsin

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!

  • Proven Track Record
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Concentrates in OWI defense
  • Obtained Many Successful Outcomes
Learn More About Attorney John T. Bayer

Milwaukee OWI Lawyer

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.

Understanding OWIs in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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. 

Is a DUI a Misdemeanor in Wisconsin?

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. 

First Offense DUI in Wisconsin

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. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does a DUI Stay On Your Record?

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.

Are DUI Checkpoints Legal in Milwaukee?

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.

Does a DUI Show Up on a Background Check?

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. 

Why Choose Bayer Law Offices?

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:

  • The act of driving under the influence
  • Revocation or suspension of a license
  • Transporting open alcohol
  • After an accident, leaving the scene

Contact our Milwaukee OWI attorney online or at (414)-939-9650 to get started on your DUI defense in a free consultation today.

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