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Find Answers To Your OWI Questions - DUI Attorney in Wisconsin

At Nicholson Goetz & Otis, S.C., we represent people in Madison, Wisconsin and throughout the surrounding areas who have been arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Our law firm is dedicated to achieving the best possible results for people facing OWI/DUI/DWIs in Wisconsin.

Jail time, fines, and a criminal record are Wisconsin’s most common criminal penalties associated with an OWI conviction. However, the criminal penalties are only the beginning of the consequences you face if convicted of OWI. The administrative penalties and collateral consequences can wreak havoc on your life long after you have fulfilled the terms of your sentence.At Nicholson Goetz & Otis, S.C., we represent people in Madison and surrounding areas who have been arrested for drunk driving.

Our dedicated team of OWI lawyers and DUI attorneys will fight to limit your exposure to the collateral consequences of an OWI conviction and resolve the underlying criminal and administrative issues.

We do this by thoroughly exploring all the facts and laws that could affect your case. We begin with the traffic stop, determining whether the officer had a reasonable articulable suspicion to pull over your vehicle. We then look at your conversation with the officer, the field sobriety tests and breath tests administered. When we find problems with the way your case was handled, we use them to strengthen your case. We can answer all your questions about drunk driving in Wisconsin, such as:

Why Do I Need A OWI Attorney For My Drunk Driving Charge?

In Wisconsin, Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) offenses range from misdemeanors, to gross misdemeanors, to felonies in the most severe cases. Needless to say, drunk driving is no laughing matter. An OWI brings both criminal penalties (such as jail time and fines) and civil penalties (like suspension or revocation of your driver’s license). On top of that, the legal process is quite complicated for someone without a law degree and experience.

You have no doubt heard it before, but it is truly in your best interest to hire a criminal defense lawyer if you are charged with an OWI, whether this is your first OWI or if you have had the misfortune of being charged for drunk driving prior to your current case.

Here are four specific ways a Wisconsin criminal attorney can help defend your OWI charge:

Prevent your License from being suspended. Even the least severe DWI charge can result in your driver’s license being suspended. Getting a DWI does not halt other aspects of your life. You will still need to make it to your job on time, and drive your kids around. This is difficult when the state suspends your license. An attorney can take action quickly following your charge to prevent your license from being suspended.
Leverage existing relationships with prosecutors and judges. Experienced attorneys have pre-existing relationships with many local judges and prosecutors. Chances are they have worked with the judge and prosecutor assigned to your case. They may be able to negotiate a plea with the prosecutor and avoid a long, drawn-out trial.
Calm your nerves & outline your options. OWIs, as with all criminal charges, are incredible stressful, especially for a person who has never before been accused of a crime. An OWI attorney will set your mind at ease by outlining all of your legal options for defense.
Make sure your rights are upheld every step of the way. Sometimes prosecutors and police officers will go to great lengths to obtain a conviction. A defense lawyer will check them every step of the way and make sure your rights are not being violated.

These are just four ways a defense lawyer can help if you’re charged with drunk driving. If you are facing OWI charges, reach out to a skilled OWI lawyer now to discuss your case.

Madison, Wisconsin OWI/DUI FAQs

What are the consequences of an OWI or DUI conviction in Wisconsin?

In addition to the risk of spending time in jail and paying fines for being charged with an OWI or DUI, there are additionally “collateral” consequences in an OWI conviction. These consequences include increased auto insurance premiums and continuing issues finding housing or employment.

Any process that requires a criminal background check can result in snags that limit your economic opportunities after an OWI charge. If you make a living as a commercial driver, having an OWI on your record could completely destroy your livelihood and potentially impact your future earnings for the rest of your life. The only way to avoid these consequences is to avoid a conviction that results in having an OWI on your record. Now is the time to contact an OWI lawyer if you face OWI charges in Wisconsin.

Immediately after your OWI conviction, the first obstacles you will encounter will likely be administrative penalties, such as the suspension of your driver’s license. There is a limited time to request an administrative hearing, so having an attorney as soon as possible is essential in protecting your driver’s license. Call 608-471-5003 or contact us online for a free consultation about your OWI defense options.

Should I talk to the police if I am charged with a DUI or DWI offense?

It is almost never a good idea to talk with the police without a lawyer present — even if you believe that you have nothing to lose. If the police would like to speak with you or if you know that you’re being investigated, contact a criminal defense attorney at our Madison, Wisconsin law firm immediately.

Should I skip a breath test in the state of Wisconsin?

In a OWI or DUI situation, many people wonder about making the right decisions. If you skip the breath test, you could lose your right to drive (at least temporarily), but blowing a high number can have more serious consequences and damage a potential DUI defense. Talk with a DUI lawyer about what is right for you.

How do I pick the right DUI lawyer?

When choosing between DUI lawyers to handle your case, look for someone with years of proven experience. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Ask how many cases your attorney has handled, how many went to trial and what the results were.

When should I take action?

Prosecutors begin work immediately after a DWI arrest, so it is critical that you begin work immediately too. Don’t waste time sitting around and worrying about your arrest. Talk with a Wisconsin DUI lawyer.

Why It’s Important To Act Now

There are many consequences to a Wisconsin OWI offense. In addition to the criminal penalties such as jail time and fines, you may have your driver’s license automatically suspended after an OWI arrest.

Nobody expects to find themselves accused of drunk driving, but many otherwise upstanding citizens are wrongly accused or make mistakes. Talk with a Madison, Wisconsin OWI attorney about the charges you face. Call Nicholson Goetz & Otis, S.C., at 608-471-5003 or contact us online for a free 30-minute initial and confidential consultation about your situation.