Help! I am a Juvenille with a DUI! It’s the season for proms and high school graduations. Unfortunately, this time of year we often see an uptick in DUI / OWI criminal arrests of young drivers in Wisconsin. Many are under the legal drinking age. What many do not realize, unfortunately, is that DUI driving under the influence punishments are much more severe when the driver is under the age of 21.
One error in how the case is handled can be detrimental on the future of this driver. That is why it’s urgent that you contact a skilled juvenile DUI defense attorney if you or a younger family member is facing juvenile OWI charges in Chippewa Falls, Chippewa County, Eau Claire, Eau Claire, County, Menomonie, Dunn County, Rice Lake or Barron County, Wisconsin
THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A WRIST SLAP FOR A FIRST OFFENSE
A 1st time OWI offense for a juvenile driving under the influence of alcohol often restuls in a fine of hundreds of dollars as well as a suspended driver’s license for up to 9 months. While this penalty is the same as for an adult, it is more serious if additional convictions ever occur.
For example, if an additional DUI conviction happens within 10 years of the 1st conviction, the fines may begin around $300 and could go as high as $1000, plus 12 months in prison, and a suspended driver’s license for at least one year. The immediate financial and social impact is just the beginning.
Younger drivers are already viewed as an at-risk group with regards to safe driving in general. Even if the driver has only one drink and the penalties for juvenile drunk driving are stricter than for adults 21 years of age. The OWI law in Wisconsin for minors incorporates a zero tolerance policy for juvenile drunk or drugged drivers.
Any BAC reading above 0.00% is counted as a juvenile DUI crime and does not just stop at alcohol consumption. Under 21 drivers can be charged for the equivalent DUI crimes if they’re pulled over for driving with any unlawful, impairing substance including prescription drugs or weed in their system. Just for reference, an individual who is 21 and over with a .08 BAC or below does not receive an DUI charge consequently.
Another issue for the driver is that car insurance rates will skyrocket for juveniles convicted of DUI in Wisconsin – especially if the individuals has more than one offense. A juvenile OWI conviction may lead to giant, long-term financial harm like additional premium costs every month or, even worse, no insurance since the company may drop policies without any warning or opportunity to renew.
A DEFENSE LAWYER WHO SPECIALIZES IN JUVENILE DUI IS VITAL
Drunk driving charges or OWI/DUI (operating while intoxicated or driving under the influence) charges are incredibly complex which is why it’s so crucial that you hire a skilled defense lawyer who specializes in juvenile OWI and DUI cases.
The average person may not know that there are many detailed processes involved in bodily specimen tests. Many times a OWI criminal defense lawyer will find errors or incorrect readings when it comes to proof of alcohol, cannabis or even over the counter drugs that come with warnings about operating heavy machinery while taking.
A seasoned juvenile criminal defense lawyer with knowledge in this area can really scrutinize the process of how the blood was evaluated and whether the equipment used to examine the results was functioning correctly.
There could also be many other defenses such as constitutional violations and defenses relating to a juvenile DUI charge, which an unpracticed individual will not be able to comprehend. Just another reason that these complicated OWI cases require someone who has the skill and knowledge in defending them.
If you or someone you know has been charged with juvenile DUI in Wisconsin, it’s imperative that you hire the best juvenile DUI lawyer in Wisconsin to defend your case. Contact the attorneys at Mullen Schlough & Associates S.C. today for a free consultation and to learn about payment plans.
