That time of year is here again! College kids are returning home for the holiday and hanging out with old high school friends. Unfortunately, it’s ripe for a young driver to make one bad decision and drive while under the influence of weed, alcohol or medication. Drivers who aren’t of legal drinking age yet may not realize that a juvenile DUI can be even more severe than one for an adult driver.
With so much at stake, it’s urgent that you contact an experienced Wisconsin juvenile DUI attorney if you or a younger family member is facing juvenile DUI charges in Chippewa Falls, Chippewa County, Eau Claire, Eau Claire, County, Menomonie, Dunn County, Rice Lake or Barron County, WI.
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT DUI CRIMES FOR MINORS IN WISCONSIN
Newer drivers are an at-risk group with regards to safe driving in general so the penalties for juvenile drunk driving or drugged driving are even stricter than those for drivers who are 21 years old and up. The DUI law in Wisconsin for minors incorporates a zero tolerance policy for juvenile drivers accused of an OWI.
This means that a BAC reading above 0.00% is counted as a juvenile DUI crime and does not just stop at alcohol consumption. Under 21 drivers may be charged for the equivalent DUI crimes if they’re caught operating any kind of vehicle with an unlawful, impairing substance in their body system. For reference, drivers who are 21 and over with a .08 BAC or underneath do not consequently receive an OWI charge. That’s why it’s so serious for a driver under 21 years old.
A FIRST OFFENSE DOES NOT END WITH JUST A WRIST SLAP
A first time DUI offense for a juvenile driving under the influence of alcohol often comes with a $300 fine plus a suspended driver’s license for 6-9 months. This penalty is the same as for an adult but more serious penalties will arise if additional convictions occur.
If another DUI conviction occurs within 10 years of the primary conviction, fines may begin at $300 but can get up to $1000 plus one full year in jail and a suspended driver’s license for at least one year if not more.
Instant financial and social consequences are just the beginning. Auto insurance or protection rates will skyrocket for juveniles convicted of DUI in Wisconsin – especially for guilty parties with multiple convictions.
A juvenile OWI conviction may result in damaging, long-term financial harm such as additional premium costs every month or, even worse, no insurance at all since the company may drop policies without warning or a chance to renew.
WHY YOU NEED A JUVENILE DUI DEFENSE LAWYER
It’s important to note that drunk driving charges or DUI / OWI (driving under the influence or operating while intoxicated) charges are incredibly complex. There are so many detailed processes and tests that can be derailed by mistakes or wrong readings when it comes to proof of alcohol, weed or even OTC or prescription medication that come with warnings about operating heavy machinery while taking.
A seasoned juvenile criminal defense attorney with expertise in this area can scrutinize the process of how the blood was examined, whether the equipment used was functioning properly or if the evidence is the truth.
Also, there may be a number of other defenses like constitutional violations and defenses relating to a juvenile DUI charge, which an unskilled individual will not understand. These are complicated cases and need someone who has the experience, skill and knowledge in defending them.
If you or someone you know has been charged with juvenile DUI in Wisconsin, it’s urgent that you hire the best juvenile DUI attorney 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.
