Brought to you by Colorado DUI Drunk Driving Defense

Fond du Lac DUI Lawyers

  1. Everson & Richards: First Offense OWI/PAC Offense Type: Forfeiture Jail Time: None Approximate Total Forfeiture: $620 - $800 Demerit Points: 6 Suspension/Revocation: 6 to 9 months Occupational License Eligibility: Usually immediate. In addition: Anyone convicted of drunk driving (or a refusal) will be required to submit to a designated agency for an assessment for alcohol abuse and to follow the agency's recommended "driver safety plan." Some counties order that the defendant attend a facility designed to show the impact on victims of drunk driving. Child in vehicle doubles penalties. New & unlicensed drivers may be subject to additional points. If offense is committed while operating a commercial motor vehicle, then penalties will include a 1 year CDL disqualification (3 year disqualification if transporting hazardous materials, or lifetime disqualification for 2nd or subsequent OWI). DUI in Wisconsin Wisconsin is divided into ten judicial districts each of which has its own sentencing guidelines. This page contains a general summary of those guidelines listed by type of offense. The alcohol content and other attendant circumstances will factor into the penalties levied against a person who is convicted of drunk driving. There are separate summaries for refusals and for offenses involving injury. Although every attempt is made to keep this information accurate, we are not responsible for any errors or omissions (typographical or otherwise) found herein. Do not rely on the penalty guidelines set forth below without having your specific case evaluated by an attorney.
  2. Sabell, AA: What happens if you're charged with a crime? Usually you'll be taken into custody when you're arrested. The police will photograph you and take your fingerprints. When the police begin to question you, they will read you your rights. Remember that you have two important rights: the right to remain silent, and the right to a lawyer. Police may not ask you any more questions if you claim either or both these basic rights. You can claim these rights at the beginning of the questioning or at any time during the questioning. To be released from custody after your arrest, you must post bail. In some cases, you can do this by a signature bond (a written promise to appear in court). In other cases, you may be required to provide either a secured surety bond (you put up property, such as a car or house), or cash (which may be posted by you or someone else). If you're charged with a misdemeanor, you may not be imprisoned for more than a year. Any "time" you serve will be in the county jail or house of correction. A felony charge is much more serious, because it can mean a year or more in prison. In either case, it's very wise to consult an attorney. If you can't afford one, the judge will appoint an attorney for you. What are the steps in a criminal case? In either a misdemeanor or a felony case, you'll have an initial appearance. At this appearance, you'll be served with a criminal complaint that outlines the charge, the probable cause supporting the charge, and the penalty. In a misdemeanor case, you'll also enter a plea "not guilty" and you'll be given a trial date. For a felony, the next step is the preliminary hearing. At this hearing the prosecution must present enough evidence to convince the judge that you should stand trial for a felony offense. If it's decided that your case will go to trial, you then attend an arraignment. At the arraignment, the district attorney will serve you with formal charges for a particular felony. At this time, you must enter a plea. In both misdemeanor and felony cases, you have the right to a jury trial. The jury verdict must be unanimous. How does plea bargaining work? In most cases, your attorney and the prosecutor will meet to discuss your case before it goes to trial. The prosecutor may offer to negotioate with your attorney. There are many possible types of "plea bargains." The prosecutor may offer a reduced charge. Or, if you're charged with several offenses, the offer may be to dismiss one or more charges or "read in" a charge (this means that you won't plead guilty to that charge, but the charge may be considered for sentencing). In return, you'll be expected to plead guilty or no contest to at least one offense. Sometimes the plea bargain will be a recommendation for a particular sentence or it may be an agreement that the prosecutor will make no sentence recommendation. In any event, the judge does not have to honor the plea bargain. If a plea bargain is not negotiated, your case will then proceed to trial. A jury of either six or twelve persons have to unanimously agree that you are guilty or not guilty of each crime alledge. The judge will usually pronounce sentence immediately in a misdemeanor case. In a felony case, the judge may order a presentence investigation and set a separate sentencing date.
  3. O'Rourke Law Office: Criminal Defense * Disorderly Conduct * Domestic Abuse Allegations (Domestic Violence) * Sex Assault Crimes (Sex Offenses) * Drug & Possession Charges * Juvenile Offenses (Juvenile Law) * Internet Crimes * Theft * White Collar Crimes * Appeals * Felonies * Misdemeanors * Traffic Violations
  4. Anderegg & Mutschler: Many people ask "What can be done if I am charged with a crime or with a traffic-related offense like drunk driving?" Typically, when a defense attorney approaches any case, whether it is a speeding ticket or a first-degree intentional homicide, the attorney is looking for either of two types of issues in the client's defense, namely (1) legal issues and/or (2) factual issues.
  5. Zacherl, O'Malley, and Endejan: If you have just been arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI)/Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) for the first time, you may feel uncertain about the resulting court proceedings. Unfamiliar with the criminal justice system, you may consider having a "friend of a friend" or your family's lawyer represent you on the charges. This may be a critical mistake. DUI/DWI law can be quite complex. Furthermore, the stakes are high-even as a first time offender, you may face hefty fines, probation, revocation of your license and a dramatic rise in your automobile insurance rates. You may even be sentenced to some jail time. Therefore, it is important to hire a defense attorney who has experience in this area of law.
Return to Wisconsin DUI Lawyers