OWI and DUI FAQs

Wisconsin Drunk Driving Defense Law Questions & Answers

Our Waukesha criminal defense lawyers are here to guide you through the particularly difficult life challenges associated with criminal charges. Whether you need a drunk driving lawyer for your OWI charge (also known as DUI and DWI) or you're facing prosecution for a domestic disturbance, drug offense, or firearm violation, the Milwaukee criminal defense attorneys at Bucher, Wolff & Sonderhouse, LLP offer answers to some of the troubling issues you might be facing.

For legal advice on criminal charges in Wisconsin, contact the defense attorneys at Bucher, Wolff & Sonderhouse, LLP today by calling 262-232-6699.

• Q: What if this isn't my first DUI?
• Q: Will an arrest for a boat OWI affect my regular driving record?
• Q: What are the advantages of hiring an experienced Waukesha OWI Lawyer?
• Q: In Wisconsin, is drunk driving significantly different from "impaired driving"?
• Q: Are Wisconsin Drunk Driving Laws Really More Lax?
• Q: How can I benefit from a reputable Waukesha DUI Attorney?
• Q: What's the difference between OWI, DUI, and DWI in Wisconsin?
• Q: I've never had any issues with the police before, but I got pulled over for DUI in Milwaukee last week. What happens now? Can a Wisconsin criminal defense attorney help me?

What if this isn't my first DUI?

A Waukesha Criminal Defense Attorney will tell you a first DUI is usually a misdemeanor in Wisconsin. Multiple DUIs are felonies. In the past, our clients have had second DUIs, third DUIs, even fourth DUIs. You face jail time, larger fines, and a longer suspension of your driver's license. Your insurance rates are almost certain to rise, yet this will be the least of your worries. If you are a commercial driver, you could easily lose your job. Your best bet is Bucher, Wolff & Sonderhouse, LLP, Waukesha's criminal defense lawyers, who will help fight severe consequences of multiple DUIs. Your situation is not hopeless. It is possible for the charges to be reduced or dismissed. You deserve an effective, knowledgeable defense. Explain the details of your arrest and the charges against you. We will develop the strongest possible defense.

Will an arrest for a boat OWI affect my regular driving record?

Possibly. An arrest and a conviction are not the same things. In Milwaukee, Waukesha, and state-wide, operating a boat under the influence is a criminal offense. If you were charged with a boating OWI, most Wisconsin drunk driving laws will still apply to your case. As a former police officer of 10 years, attorney Peter Wolff taught OWI detection and field sobriety testing with a nuanced understanding of the proper execution of Wisconsin OWI laws. As Waukesha and Milwaukee DUI lawyers, this experience makes Bucher, Wolff & Sonderhouse, LLP ideal candidates for finding police shortcomings.

What are the advantages of hiring an experienced Waukesha OWI Lawyer?

Drunk driving charges are complicated, and the stakes can be very high. Your rights may be in jeopardy and the consequences of a conviction can have a serious impact on both your criminal record and your insurance rates. Even when it seems like all the evidence is against you, there are often legal avenues that are not readily apparent to the untrained eye.

Bucher, Wolff & Sonderhouse, LLP has extensive experience fighting Waukesha and Milwaukee drunk driving charges. If you're facing a charge, do not hesitate to contact our Wisconsin DUI attorneys today.

In Wisconsin, is drunk driving significantly different from "impaired driving"?

The phrase "impaired driving" can refer to driving under the influence of prescription drugs or illegal narcotics. If you've been charged with driving while impaired or an OWI in Waukesha, Milwaukee or the surrounding areas there are a number of variables which go into determining which crimes you may be guilty of.

For more information, contact an experienced Waukesha drunk driving lawyer from Bucher, Wolff & Sonderhouse, LLP.

Are Wisconsin Drunk Driving Laws Really More Lax?

Some facets of Wisconsin OWI legislation could be considered well below the national average while others are in line with the norm. In any case, there has been a tendency for drunk driving laws to become more stringent with time. Wisconsin was one of the last states to adopt a legal DUI limit of .08, and some state legislators are currently pushing for more severe DWI consequences. Potential changes include mandatory minimum sentences for drunk drivers who cause an injury, and, applying a felony charge to some OWIs which were previously classified as a misdemeanor.

For the most up-to-date overview of how Wisconsin DUI legislation affects your rights, contact our Milwaukee and Waukesha drunk driving lawyers today.

How can I benefit from a reputable Waukesha DUI Attorney?

Our goal is to minimize your criminal liability, defeat your charge, and reduce your legal penalty. In this regard, a top Waukesha OWI lawyer will resourcefully defend you against your drunk driving charge. With extensive experience in Wisconsin drunk driving defense, Bucher, Wolff & Sonderhouse, LLP will pursue the best path toward solving your legal problems. Call our attorneys today to meet with a drunk driving lawyer in Milwaukee, Waukesha, Brookfield or throughout Southeastern Wisconsin.

What's the difference between OWI, DUI, and DWI in Wisconsin?

Different states use different acronyms to define their drunk driving or impaired driving offenses. Wisconsin criminal law uses the term OWI, or "operating while intoxicated". Other states use "DUI" (driving under the influence) and DWI (driving while intoxicated). With extensive experience as a Wisconsin OWI lawyer defending drunk driving cases in Milwaukee and throughout the state, including an attorney who served for a decade with the Brookfield police department, Bucher, Wolff & Sonderhouse, LLP is uniquely positioned to provide you with a thorough legal defense.

I've never had any issues with the police before, but I got pulled over for DUI in Milwaukee last week. What happens now? Can a Wisconsin criminal defense attorney help me?

Regardless of your previous track record, you're facing a number of legal penalties. You could incur monetary fines, higher insurance rates, and revocation of your driver's license. If you're found guilty with a blood alcohol level or 0.15 or higher, you will be required to install an ignition interlock device on the car you drive (and any car titled to you). An experienced Milwaukee DUI lawyer will help you make certain of which offense, if any, you're actually criminally liable for.