DWI Defense Attorney Middleton WI

Providing Aggressive Legal Representation for Clients Facing Criminal Charges

Being arrested on drunk driving or drug charges can be frightening, as you worry about possibly being sentenced to jail or ending up with a criminal record. You are also most likely worried about losing your driving privileges and being able to get back and forth to work.

If you have been arrested and charged with an OWI offense, time is of the essence to protect your driver’s license. Because scheduling an administrative hearing to try to avoid having your license suspended is time-consuming, you must hire an attorney immediately who will fight to safeguard your interests.

Wisconsin takes a dim view of impaired driving. If you are found guilty even of a first offense, you could lose your license, be ordered to pay a steep fine, and participate in mandatory alcohol and drug education classes.

Casper Mehlos Law Group, LLC is a law firm in Middleton, WI, dedicated to helping clients charged with OWI (Operating Under the Influence). Contact our law office today to schedule a free consultation so we can assess your case and determine how we can assist you.

What is the Legal Limit in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin law dictates that drivers 21 and older who have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or higher can be arrested for drunk driving. Other OWI laws state that an individual may be arrested if they are operating a motor vehicle under the influence of a controlled substance.

Wisconsin also has a zero-tolerance policy for drivers under age 21. If alcohol or controlled substances are detected in their system, they will be charged with Operating Under the Influence (OWI).

State law also mandates that commercial drivers are only permitted to have a BAC of .04% or lower, as they are held to a higher standard. CDL holders should note that they can be charged with an OWI for a BAC over .04% even if they are driving their personal vehicle at the time of the offense.

Drivers who have three or more prior OWI convictions are only permitted to have a BAC of .02%, and anything higher can lead to criminal charges. Additionally, anyone with three previous OWI convictions facing another offense can be charged with a felony.

If you have concerns about how drunk driving or drug offenses can impact your life, contact our law office today so we can answer your questions.

How Do Criminal Defense Attorneys Help Clients Charged With Drunk Driving Offenses?

If you have been charged with drunk driving, your first action must be to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney. Drunk driving or drug charges can result in you losing your license. If you have been arrested for an OWI, you must request an administrative hearing within days of arrest or receiving your BAC results, or your license will be suspended.

A skilled attorney will review the evidence and represent you at the review hearing and fight to help you keep your driver’s license. Your attorney can present evidence that challenges whether the arresting officer had probable cause to stop you or dispute the validity of test results.

A DWI lawyer can also negotiate with the prosecutor to try to have the charges dropped, reduced, or work out a favorable plea deal. If necessary, your attorney will also take the case to trial and present compelling defense arguments to win a not guilty verdict.

A DWI attorney also provides other legal services, such as filing motions asking for evidence to be excluded, reviewing dashcam and bodycam footage, and ensuring that your rights are protected during the legal process.

Can a Person Go to Jail for a First-Time OWI?

One of the primary concerns for individuals who have been arrested for a first-time OWI is whether they will be sentenced to serve time in jail. Generally, most first-time OWI offenses are not punishable by jail time. However, if there was a minor under 16 in the car or the OWI resulted in injuries, a judge could order that you spend time in jail.

If a minor were in the car at the time, you could be ordered to serve anywhere from 5 days to six months in jail. If the incident resulted in injuries, you face a sentence of 30 days to one year in jail.

A conviction for drunk driving charges can also result in you being ordered to install an ignition interlock device (IID) at your own expense in addition to having to pay steep fines and deal with the loss of your driving privileges.

If you have been charged with a first-time OWI in Dane County, contact our criminal defense team so we can analyze your case and determine what legal strategies will work best for you.

Why Should You Trust Our Attorneys for Your DUI Defense?

Casper Mehlos Law Group, LLC is committed to offering clients a strong DUI defense so they can avoid the social and legal implications of a drunk driving conviction. Our DWI lawyers have extensive experience dealing with prosecutors and helping our clients obtain the best possible outcome for their cases.

Unlike other law firms that often focus on profitability, we take time to build an attorney-client relationship based on trust. Our defense team knows the strain DWI charges can place on you and your family. When you choose us for your legal needs, we will work tirelessly to settle your case quickly and efficiently.

Contact our law office at (608) 820-8926 to schedule a free no obligation consultation to discuss your DUI defense.