Drunk Driving Laws to Know

For more than 18 years, Mullen Schlough & Associates S.C.  (located in Chippewa Falls, WI) has managed DUI cases throughout Chippewa County, Eau Claire County, Dunn County and Barron County. There are multiple elements that can and will affect the results of your conviction. 

Often, individuals will become very alarmed and assume there is no way to get DUI charges dropped, but that is not exactly accurate. In fact, not all OWI charges lead to convictions. Each OWI charge is different which is why connecting with an OWI / DUI Criminal Defense Lawyer should be your first step.

As an example of the various things our seasoned professionals can assist you with, here are some common questions and extra info so you can learn more about how to navigate an OWI (Operating While Intoxicated), DUI (Driving Under the Influence) and DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) offense in Wisconsin

Helpful info from Mullen Schlough & Associates S.C.

Did the police officer have a rightful reason to make a traffic stop?

If the answer is no, then your DUI Criminal Defense Lawyer will be able to dispute the stop and suppress evidence such as the blood or breath test and the field sobriety tests.

How did the police manage the field sobriety test?

The Wisconsin Police Departments train their teams to conduct a few basic field sobriety tests. If a flaw is discovered in the way your Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus test, One Leg Stand, or the Walk and Turn was handled, your DWI defense attorney can use that to help lighten your conviction.

Did the police officer have probable cause to inspire your traffic stop?

Your OWI Criminal Defense Lawyer can help investigate why you were stopped and if there was probable cause leading to the PBT and your arrest. If the officer lacked evidence, this can lead to your evidence getting suppressed.

Was the driver’s BAC (Blood Alcohol Curve) .08 or higher?

If so, this doesn’t mean the end of disputes. Your DWI attorney can argue that the machines or laboratories malfunctioned and made an error. A careful examination of your records can lead to convincing arguments for a jury.

What is the Blood Alcohol Curve Defense?

Blood Alcohol Curve defense is based on the absorption rate of alcohol and the time of the very last drink. Just like disputing the correctness of the chemical test defense, your OWI criminal defense lawyer can argue that at the time of operation your blood alcohol level was lower than a .08.

Often the police officer in this situation does not actually observe the driver operating the vehicle in question. However, they may find the individual passed out or sleeping on the side of the road. Believe it or not, the blood or breath test may not bear the same weight in these situations. That’s why hiring a seasoned drunk or drugged driving lawyer can support and guide you by gathering and presenting every detail to help your case.

Now, what happens with regards to license suspension if it occurs in Wisconsin?

In first offense cases, the Wisconsin OWI criminal defense attorneys at Mullen Schlough & Associates S.C. can appear on your behalf to ensure each step of the process is completed properly.

If you are accused of alcohol or drug intoxication, you face a suspension plus a revocation of your driver’s license. For an DUI offense in Chippewa County, Eau Claire County, Dunn County and Barron County, your license will be disavowed upon conviction. Your license might even be suspended authoritatively before a conviction for at least 6 months.

A Wisconsin driver’s license will be suspended 30 days after accepting a Notice of Intent to Suspend if you don’t ask for an administrative review hearing or if you lose the administrative hearing. For a first offense DUI, your license will be repudiated starting at 6 months and as long as three years for a third offense or more. 

Whether your case is OWI or an OWI causing injury or vehicular manslaughter, a Drunk Driving Attorney can help you understand your rights and guide you in the right direction. We are ready and able to provide assistance for your situation. Contact Mullen Schlough & Associates S.C.

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