Why You Need a DUI Lawyer
There’s no denying Wisconsin has a well-established drinking culture. The state ranks third in the nation in bars per capita, with 46.92. Not surprisingly, all those drinking establishments put Wisconsin at #9 in the nation in DUI arrests.
Driving under the influence should, of course, be avoided at all costs — but the reality is, it happens. If you find yourself facing a DUI arrest in Wisconsin, it’s in your best interest to hire a DUI lawyer.
Consequences of a DUI Charge in Wisconsin
An impaired driving violation, referred to as Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) in Wisconsin — though also known as Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) — has a wide range of penalties depending on the factors surrounding the incident. These may include fines, forfeitures, revocation of your license, confinement, mandatory sobriety programs, ignition interlock devices on your vehicle, or any combination of the above.
Even first offenses in Wisconsin are considered civil offenses and will result in a fine up to $300 and a driver’s license revocation for a minimum of six months. Penalties may be considerably higher if there’s a minor under the age of 16 in the car, your BAC is excessive, or you cause injury, property damage, or vehicular homicide.
Bottom line: there’s no such thing as a free ride in Wisconsin…and depending on the circumstances, there may be no ride in Wisconsin ever again.
5 Benefits of Hiring a DUI Lawyer
As severe as the penalties may be against drunk drivers, you should never forgo representation when facing charges. An experienced DUI lawyer will work in your best interest to put together a defense aimed at reducing your sentence and limiting the consequences of your arrest.
Hiring a DUI lawyer offers many benefits, including:
They have extensive knowledge of the legal system. Just because you can represent yourself in court doesn’t mean you should. An experienced DUI lawyer possesses a thorough understanding of current DUI laws in Wisconsin (which are always changing) and knows which course of action to pursue based on your unique situation. The legal system is far too complex for most people to navigate on their own.
They can save you money. This might sound counterintuitive; after all, legal fees can add up. But a good DUI lawyer is experienced and can move your case forward quickly, resulting in a shorter trial. They can negotiate for lower fines and might even be able to have your case dismissed based on arresting procedure errors, field sobriety or breathalyzer test results, or lack of evidence.
They can help you decide on a plea bargain. Often, a plea bargain is the best course of action to pursue — but it’s not an option if you’re representing yourself. A DUI lawyer with knowledge of your case can determine whether a plea deal is appropriate and will help negotiate the terms. A public defender, by contrast, is more likely to seek a plea bargain regardless of the circumstances. This can backfire if there are issues with your case.
They can get you a reduced sentence. A DUI lawyer has undoubtedly been inside courtrooms numerous times and defended many people in situations like yours. They are familiar with precedents established in previous DUI cases and can help negotiate a lighter sentence. This is especially true if you’re a first-time offender.
They may be able to get your license back. One of the harshest consequences of a DUI arrest is the suspension or revocation of your driver’s license. The inability to drive yourself around isn’t just an inconvenience; it could cost you your job. A knowledgeable DUI lawyer will advocate on your behalf and may have enough sway to get your license back early.
Let a Wisconsin DUI Lawyer Help You With Your Case
The legal team at Dillon | Grube has been representing defendants charged with a DUI in Wisconsin for many years. We understand the complexities of impaired driving violations and work hard for our clients to ensure they receive a fair sentence with as minimal an impact as possible.
If you or someone you know needs a DUI lawyer to represent you in court, contact Dillon | Grube today.
