Waukesha County Drunk Driving Defense Lawyers

DUI, OWI and DWI Attorneys Serving Brookfield, New Berlin and Surrounding Areas

Do you need a criminal defense attorney in Waukesha County? If you have been accused of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, a charge commonly known as an OWI, DUI or DWI, you need an experienced lawyer on your side.

Every case is different. No one knows this better than Attorney Peter Wolff. A former Brookfield police officer for over 10 years, Mr. Wolff was responsible for instructing fellow officers of the law in OWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing. He also served as an undercover detective in the Waukesha County Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Unit.

Attorney Ron Sonderhouse has been practicing law for over 25 years. He began his first practice in Allegan, Michigan. While there, he served as the Allegan Bar President and the Director for the Allegan County Substance Abuse Agency. His years of experience not only makes him an effective advocate in your defense, his straightforward advice has earned him a reputation for client satisfaction.

Wisconsin Drunk Driving Laws and Criminal Charges

In Wisconsin, a first offense for OWI is often a non-criminal ordinance violation. While jail is not usually part of the penalty structure, the consequences can include: a significant fine, up to a 9-month license revocation, up to a 12-month requirement for an Ignition Interlock Device (leased at your expense), an order for an alcohol assessment, and 6 or more points against your driver's license. This does not include the impact on your auto insurance premiums and possible consequences with your employer and your family. If anyone was harmed while you were proven to be under the influence, you may spend an automatic 30 days or more in jail per Wisconsin drunk driving laws. Bucher, Wolff & Sonderhouse, LLP have decades of experience in this and other Waukesha criminal defense practice areas.

Second and subsequent drunk driving becomes a more serious issue. Second offenses can be punishable by up to a $2,000 fine, up to 6 months in jail, a requirement for an Ignition Interlock Device and an 8-month license revocation. Many fourth OWI convictions are felonies, and all fifth and subsequent offenses are felonies that incur significant penalties.

Boating Under the Influence

Depending on where you are in the state, you may have been pulled over by a Wisconsin DNR Warden or a Law Enforcement Officer watercraft. Like an OWI issued for operating a vehicle on the road, a BUI charge does not allow for those operating boats to have a blood alcohol content level (BAC) of .08 or above.

Just like with an automobile, penalties can include fines, impounded property, and jail time. Unlike a vehicle on land however, you do not have to consent to a sobriety test. Anyone found operating a boat or other watercraft must present their license and is deemed to have given consent to a sobriety test given by authorities. It is illegal to refuse to follow the directive of a person with law enforcement authority. A vessel operator must stop when requested or signaled to do so by a law enforcement officer or a patrol boat. Additional violations like open intoxicants, underage drinking, and public drunkenness are often paired with citations for boating under the influence.

Waukesha Drunk Driving Attorneys Fight for You

If you are facing an OWI or BUI charge, contact our Waukesha criminal defense attorneys for assistance in your case by calling 262-232-6699. We serve clients throughout the Waukesha County and Milwaukee metro area.