Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney in Eau Claire, WI

DUI or OWI Penalties in Eau Claire

An OWI or DUI conviction in Eau Claire, WI, can result in fines, jail time, probation, ignition interlock, and long-term consequences for employment and insurance. Penalties increase with prior offenses and with higher blood alcohol concentration. Mullen Schlough & Associates S.C. (MSA) evaluates the charge, prior record, and BAC level to pursue reduced charges, diversion, or alternative sentencing when appropriate. A clear, local strategy often limits collateral damage to work and driving privileges.

Implied Consent and Chemical Testing

Under the Wisconsin implied consent law, drivers suspected of impairment may be required to submit to breath or blood testing. Refusing a test can trigger an administrative suspension separate from criminal charges. Common defenses include device calibration errors, chain of custody gaps, and medical conditions that affect results. A skilled criminal defense lawyer will review maintenance logs, officer reports, and lab records to identify challengeable issues.

DMV Hearing Timeline

You have a short window to request an administrative hearing to stop an automatic suspension. Hearings run on a separate track from criminal court and require prompt evidence gathering. Expect the DMV process to move quickly; missing the deadline usually means automatic suspension. Mullen Schlough & Associates S.C. (MSA) helps clients file timely requests, prepare testimony, and preserve driving privileges while the criminal case proceeds.

Why Hire a Local DUI or OWI Lawyer

If you need a criminal defense attorney in Eau Claire, WI, choose a team with local court experience and practical defenses for field sobriety and chemical tests. We focus on OWI and DUI defense while also handling drug offenses, probation revocations, and related civil matters. When cases touch other legal needs, we provide estate planning, business law, and bankruptcy services so you do not have to coordinate multiple firms.

Payment Plans and Fees

We encourage payment plans. Most clients cannot pay the full retainer at hiring. Our flexible payment options make experienced defense accessible without delaying action. Ask about payment plan terms during your free consultation.

The County Courthouse

Typically this is where most, if not all county business is done or administered.  In addition, this is where the county courtrooms, district attorneys offices and other offices are located.  All criminal and civil cases, at the fact-finding level, are heard and decided:
Eau Claire County Court System: https://www.eauclairecounty.gov/

The County Sheriff’s Department

Every county has a law enforcement agency that enforces the law within its boundaries.  The county sheriffs departments enforce the law and county district attorneys prosecute those cases referred to them by sheriff’s deputies.

Eau Claire County Sheriff’s Department: https://www.eauclairecounty.gov/our-government/departments-and-facilities/department-directory/sheriff

The City Police Department

Each city or town has their own police department or law enforcement agency.  Police officers enforce city laws and most times are the same laws that are enforce in the county.  When a city police officer arrests someone regarding a county offense, the case gets referred to the county district attorney’s office.  When a county sheriff’s deputy arrests a person for a city ordinance violation, the case gets referred to the city prosecuting attorney.

Eau Claire  City Police: https://www.eauclairewi.gov/government/our-divisions/police-department

Department of Motor Vehicle

A criminal or OWI/DUI conviction will have an important impact on your life and in more ways than you think. After an arrest your driver’s license may be suspended by the DMV well before you see the inside of a courtroom.

Wisconsin Dept of Motor Vehicles: https://wisconsindot.gov/pages/online-srvcs/external/dmv.aspx

Eau Claire Dept of Motor Vehicles: https://trust.dot.state.wi.us/cscfinder/cityCountySearch.do?county=Eau%20Claire

Alcohol & Other Drugs Counseling

Many times the Department of Motor Vernicles and/or State & City prosecutors along with the judges requires some sort of successful completion of a course to complete the matter. Listed below are some businesses that provide Alcohol & Other Drug counseling services.

Nystrom & Associates: https://www.nystromcounseling.com/service-locations/eau-claire-addiction-treatment/

Callier Clinic: https://www.caillierclinic.com/alcohol-and-drug/

Eau Claire, WI Inpatient Treatment Center: https://recovery.org/drug-alcohol-rehab/eau-claire-wi/

Probation & Parole

In many sentences of criminal cases, there is a period of probation in misdemeanor cases or extended supervision (the modern term for parole) in felony cases after any time ordered for jail or prison incarceration.  This is ordered by judges to address the underlying cause behind the criminal act.  The theory is, once the accused can deal with the underlying issue in a more responsible manner, the defendant, victim and society will be better off.

Eau Claire County Probation & Parole: 4330 Golf Terrace # 109, Eau Claire, WI 54701

715-836-6700

Get Help Now

Call to schedule a free consultation to protect your license and learn how payment plans can make representation possible. We will explain the immediate next steps, filing deadlines, and what evidence we need to preserve.

Frequently Asked Questions