Cleghorn Jones Trial Attorneys

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Aggressive Drunk Driving Defense Attorneys In Wisconsin

You, or someone you know, have been charged with an OWI in Milwaukee or a surrounding suburb. Act fast – this is not a criminal offense to push off until the last minute. The earlier you get a drunk driving defense attorney, the better your defense case will be and the easier it is to reduce your fines or eliminate them altogether.

At Cleghorn Jones Trial Attorneys, we are skilled in building strong defenses for drunk driving charges in any city within Milwaukee County, Waukesha County or Ozaukee County. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your case and path to building an aggressive defense of your rights with our experienced criminal defense team in southeast Wisconsin.

Types Of Drunk Driving Charges We Defend

Our legal team has successfully represented clients facing all levels of OWI charges throughout Wisconsin. Whether you’re accused of your first offense or a more serious charge, we have the experience to build a strong defense. These include:

  • 1st OWI offense
  • 2nd OWI offense
  • 3rd OWI offense
  • Felony OWI charges
  • PAC (prohibited alcohol concentration) charges

Each charge carries different penalties and requires specific defense approaches, which is why working with attorneys experienced in Wisconsin OWI law is crucial to protecting your rights.

What Is An OWI?

Whether you call it a DUI, a DWI or drunk driving, Wisconsin officially uses the term Operating While Intoxicated. An OWI is considered a civil offense in Wisconsin for first offenses, with more severe penalties for subsequent offenses. Some people may make it seem like an OWI is not a big deal, especially if you’re young, but they carry serious consequences and extenuating fines that you may not be prepared for.

That first OWI offense remains on your record forever. Your new criminal record taints job interviews out of state, traveling, meeting new people, applying for certificates or passports. Get yourself an aggressive attorney to defend your rights in this case. Our team at Cleghorn Jones Trial Attorneys has been fighting the state to make them prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt for years, and we’ll do the same for you.

OWI Vs. DUI

Wisconsin’s drunk driving laws and penalties are expanding beyond just drinking and driving – although that’s usually how the police catch people. Operating while intoxicated could also mean someone is under the influence of drugs or both drugs and alcohol, impairing their ability to drive safely. Unlike driving under the influence (DUI), someone who is arrested for OWI does not have to be in a moving vehicle, or a vehicle at all. OWI can apply to cars, boats, motorcycles, mopeds and even bikes. You also can be charged for just sitting in your parked car outside the bar.

Penalties For OWI In Wisconsin

OWI/DUI penalties depend on the severity of the case and someone’s arrest record. As of Dec. 1, 2018, Wisconsin DUI and OWI penalties for charges consist of fines, jail time, driver’s license revocation, occupational license consequences, and a multitude of other consequences that could mean the end to a bright future. It’s not just drunk driving charges: if convicted, you could lose it all. Get a defense attorney who is ready to fight for your rights and defend your DUI/OWI charges in the suburbs of Milwaukee.

What Are The Long-Term Consequences Of OWI Convictions?

An OWI conviction extends far beyond immediate legal penalties, affecting virtually every aspect of your life for years to come:

  • Employment obstacles: Many employers conduct background checks and may reject applicants with OWI convictions, especially for positions involving driving.
  • Insurance complications: Your auto insurance rates typically increase dramatically after an OWI, often by 50% to 100% for 3-5 years.
  • Professional licensing issues: Many professional licenses (medical, legal, commercial driving) can be suspended, revoked or denied due to OWI convictions.
  • Housing limitations: Landlords increasingly perform background checks and may deny housing to applicants with criminal records.
  • Travel restrictions: Some countries, including Canada, may deny entry to individuals with OWI convictions.
  • Educational impacts: College applications and financial aid eligibility can be affected by OWI convictions.
  • Personal reputation: Public records of OWI convictions are easily accessible online, affecting personal and professional relationships.
  • Financial burden: Beyond fines, the total cost of an OWI (including increased insurance, legal fees, lost wages) often exceeds $10,000.

At Cleghorn Jones Trial Attorneys, we understand these far-reaching implications and fight aggressively to minimize or eliminate these consequences for our clients.

Juvenile OWI Charges In Wisconsin

When minors face OWI charges in Wisconsin, the situation presents unique challenges and considerations. These include:

  • Zero tolerance laws: For drivers under 21, any detectable amount of alcohol can result in an OWI charge.
  • Dual system involvement: Juvenile OWI cases may involve both the juvenile justice system and adult traffic courts.
  • Educational impact: Schools and colleges may impose additional sanctions, including academic probation or loss of scholarships.
  • License consequences: Minors face extended license suspensions, often until age 19 or beyond.
  • Treatment requirements: Courts typically mandate alcohol assessment and treatment programs for juvenile OWI offenders.
  • Parental involvement: Parents may be required to attend court proceedings and share responsibility for compliance with court orders.
  • Record considerations: While juvenile records are generally more protected than adult records, OWI convictions can still affect future opportunities.

Our attorneys at Cleghorn Jones Trial Attorneys have extensive experience helping young clients navigate complex cases while working to protect their future opportunities.

Common Defense Strategies For Drunk Driving Charges

We develop customized defense strategies based on the specific circumstances of each case:

  • Challenging the traffic stop: Questioning whether police had legal justification to pull you over
  • Contesting field sobriety and chemical tests: Examining proper administration, calibration, and maintenance of testing equipment
  • Procedural violations: Identifying failures to follow proper protocol during arrest or testing
  • Constitutional rights issues: Challenging evidence obtained through improper searches or questioning

At Cleghorn Jones Trial Attorneys, we thoroughly investigate every aspect of your case to identify the most promising defense strategies.

Let Our Experience Work For You

At Cleghorn Jones Trial Attorneys, your case is as unique as you are. Your defense won’t be some copy-and-paste spiel; our attorneys will thoroughly review your drunk driving charges and arresting event, discuss options with you, and develop a defensive plan geared for optimal results. OWI charges in Wisconsin can be tough to beat if you wait too long. Get in touch with us today to get started on your case and payment plan.

Our firm offers free consultation to discuss your case and begin building your defense immediately. Call 414-567-9241 today or complete our online contact form. The sooner you reach out, the more defense options remain available.