If you have been convicted of an OWI in Chippewa Falls, Chippewa County, Eau Claire, Eau Claire, County, Menomonie, Dunn County, Rice Lake or Barron County, Wisconsin it’s important to assume action immediately to assert your legal rights and minimize the repercussions of the offense. An OWI (Driving Under the Influence) charge can have serious consequences, including fines, license suspension, and even jail time. Here are some tips to help you navigate the process and avoid some of the perils associated with an OWI charge in Wisconsin.
- Stay Calm: The first thing to do if you’ve been charged with a OWI in Wisconsin is to stay calm and avoid panicking. While it can be an overwhelming and grueling experience, it’s important to remember that you have constitutional rights and choices.
- Hire an Experienced OWI Attorney: One of the most crucial steps you can take is to hire a lawyer experienced in OWI cases. An attorney who specializes in OWI criminal defense cases can help you understand the litigation against you, advise you on the best course of action, and represent you in a court of law.
- Know Your Rights: Understanding your legal rights when facing an OWI conviction is crucial. For instance, you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Understanding your rights can help you make vital decisions throughout the judicial process.
- Attend Your OWI Court Dates: It’s important to be present at all of your court dates and comply with any court orders. If you fail to show in court additional penalties and litigation can occur.
- Consider Your Course of Action: you could have alternatives to diminish repercussions of an OWI charge, depending on the circumstances of your case . For example, you may be eligible for a plea deal or a deferred prosecution agreement.
- Avoid Future OWIs: Finally, it’s important to avoid future DUI charges. In other words, stop driving while intoxicated.
Those who are pulled over and accused of operating a vehicle under the influence often have a predetermined idea of a contentious person whose clothes are askew and smells strongly of liquor, but a person can be taken into custody even after only having just a few alcoholic beverages.
Many people are shocked to discover that by hiring an experienced DUI criminal defense attorney, their OWI case can be thrown out for many reasons, like illegal traffic stops and field sobriety tests. The idea that you can’t beat a DUI charge is untrue.
In Wisconsin, the repercussions for an OWI conviction can vary and your choice in selecting the best OWI criminal defense lawyer will be the difference between a slap on the wrist and serious jail time. If convicted of drunk driving, driving while high or even medication impaired driving you may face:
- A monetary fine
- A suspended or revoked driver’s license
- Alcoholic support groups (such as AA, Alcoholics Anonymous)
- Time in jail
Mullen, Schlough & Associates is devoted to helping the accused navigate through chaotic legal situations. We are professional criminal OWI defense lawyers in the Chippewa Valley serving Eau Claire, Chippewa Falls, Menomonie, Barron and the surrounding areas including all of Western Wisconsin and we offer payment plans. Reach out to us today to talk about your case and to learn how we can help you.
