Attorney Offices by
Municipality
- Appleton
- Black River Falls
- Sherman Law Offices:
If you have been charged with an OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) it
is a necessity that you are represented by a Black River Falls drunk
driving attorney.
- Brookfield
- Burlington
- Ludwig Law Office:
* DUI
* Drug crimes of possession (Marijuana, Cocaine, Crystal Meth)
* Embezzlement and other white collar crimes
* Burglary
* Theft
* Parole violation
- Cadott
- Mullen Law Group:
1. From the time of you receiving your PAC and OWI tickets, in thirty (30) days your driver's license is administratively suspended after EITHER you submit to a breath test or the results are received by the State Crime Lab from your blood draw showing you have a prohibited (either .08 for 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th OWIs or .02 for 5th and higher) Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) level.
2. Once your license has been administratively suspended, YOU NEED TO GET AN OCCUPATIONAL LICENSE FROM THE DMV to drive legally. This is sometimes a challenge. First of all, if you didn't have a valid driver's license when you got pulled over, you will need to get one to be legally on the road. If you didn't care before, you might want to now. Remember the officer who gave you the OWI the night before now knows you don't have a license and also knows your car. If you didn't care before, you might want to now. The term "bait" comes to mind. You might think there is no way you can get your license back, however we at the firm have done some pretty creative things to get people's licenses back. YOU NEED A LAWYER IF YOU WANT YOUR LICENSE BACK. ASK YOURSELF, HOW MUCH IS YOUR LICENSE WORTH TO YOU? AN OAR (Operating After Revoked) carries a fine of up to $2,500.00 and up to 1 year in jail. After you receive one, you still don't have your valid driver's license.
3. If you are eligible to get your Occupational Driver's License from the DMV, find an SR-22 insurance policy from an independent insurance agent, gather $40.00 and go down to the DMV. Once there apply for your Occupational Driver's License.
4. If your local DMV tells you that your license is not suspended, you happen to know that your license is going to be suspended any day. Make sure to go to your local DMV every day when you are of the opinion that your license is about to be suspended.
5. Next go to court on the day your ticket indicates. Plead Not Guilty and the judge will set up a time where you can talk to the D.A. to try to resolve the case. This is called a Pretrial Conference date and a Return Date. This is the time to come back to court and tell the court you have a resolution or tell the court you don't and you want to take your case to a trial.
6. Remember, you only have 10 days from the Initial Appearance date to pay for a jury. It usually costs under 40 dollars, but you have the right to a jury trial for an OWI 1st but you have to exercise this right because an OWI in Wisconsin is a civil ticket and there is no constitutional right to a jury trial because it is not a criminal charge. Pay the fee.
7. Also if you decided to refuse to take either a blood draw or breath test, the fine and ramifications for a refusal are higher than an OWI and treated like an OWI conviction.
YOU HAVE 10 DAYS FROM THE TIME OF THE STOP TO REQUEST A REFUSAL HEARING. DO YOURSELF A FAVOR, IN WRITING, REQUEST A REFUSAL HEARING AT THE CLERK OF COURTS OFFICE.
8. When you go to the Pretrial Conference the boilerplate usual offer is, " Plead guilty to the OWI and I'll drop some, if not all, the other traffic tickets." D.A.s want the OWI conviction and really don't care about a speeding ticket or whatever else might have gone on UNLESS THERE WAS DAMAGE CAUSED TO ANYTHING.
9. OWIs are different than any other criminal matter. The offer you will get is dependent on your Blood Alcohol Content. If you "blew" a .18 or had a blood draw which showed you had a Prohibited Blood Alcohol Content of .18, then your offer is going to be whatever the penalties in the .18 bracket of the judicial guidelines are for your county. The D.A. might eventually make an offer to "drop a bracket" and have you plead guilty to an OWI with the penalties of a .149 or so, but the deal still has you pleading guilty to an OWI.
10. If you are found guilty by a jury of your peers, you will be found guilty of an OWI and sentenced to the judicial guidelines of whatever your BAC is, HENCE YOU DON'T HAVE MUCH TO LOSE BY TRYING YOUR CASE.
- Chippewa Falls
- Thorson Law Office:
Drunk driving is a serious offense anywhere. Every year in the U.S., at
least 16,000 people are killed in auto accidents where drunk driving is
a factor. In an effort to reduce this hazard on our roads, law
enforcement agencies make more than 1 million OWI / DUI / DWI arrests
per year. In Wisconsin alone, the number of arrests is 37,000 per year.
- Eau Claire
- Edgerton
- Mulrey Fryda:
The High Price of an OWI (DUI) Conviction
No matter what the breathalyzer says, you are innocent until proven guilty. You will gain nothing by admitting to a DUI or traffic offense. In fact, you will probably pay the "full price" for such a plea.
You probably won't get jail time for a first offense of Operating While Intoxicated. But the collateral consequences require a strong defense:
* Driver's License suspension Ñ You will lose your license for 6 to 9 months.
* Car insurance Ñ Your rates will go through the roof.
* Employment Ñ The criminal record may cost you jobs or bar certain career paths.
* Fines, probation, mandatory classes or treatment
* Subsequent offenses Ñ The punishment is harsh if you ever get another OWI/DUI.
- Elkhart Lake
- Melowsiki Associates:
While many attorneys claim to "handle" drunk driving cases, the vast majority lack either the skill, expertise or desire to obtain meaningful results for their clients.
- Elkhorn
- Elm Grove
- Carson Law Office: OWI/DUI/DWI Traffic violations can have
serious criminal consequences, particularly when a driver is accused of
driving under the influence. A conviction on OWI/DUI/DWI charges may
result in fines, the revocation or suspension of your driver's license,
and possible jail time. In addition, your insurance company may
increase your rates to an unmanageable level. In defending against an
impaired driving charge, you have many rights as a criminal defendant,
including the right to cross-examine the witnesses against you, even if
they are police officers. An experienced criminal defense attorney can
make all the difference in such a difficult case.
- Fond du Lac
- Fort Atkinson
- Rogers & Westrick:
Being arrested and charged with a crime can be a devastating experience. You are suddenly thrust into the legal system, a world you may no nothing about. Your job, your reputation, even your freedom may be on the line. Who can you trust to look out for your best interests?
- Germantown
- Vanden Heuvel & Dineen:
When seeking a Criminal Defense Attorney to protect your rights in court, the lawyer selected for representation may impact the rest of your life.
- Glendale
- Green Bay
- Greenfield
- Magner, Hueneke, Smith & Borda:
A drunk driving arrest can be a frightening experience. For many people, it is their only encounter with the law.
- Hayward
- Lein Law Offices:
A drunk-driving arrest or a DUI/OWI charge can result in serious penalties upon conviction, including loss of license, significant fines and jail time.
- Hudson
- Mudge Porter Lundeen & Seguin:
Operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI) is not only a bad idea, it is against the law. Unfortunately, even a few drinks during happy hour can lead to a drunk driving charge. In Wisconsin, drunk driving is formally known as OWI - operating while intoxicated. Some people will also refer to the charges as DWI - driving while intoxicated or imbibing, and DUI - driving under the influence (of drugs or alcohol).
- Nicholet, Russell:
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice.
- Jefferson
- Monogue & Witt:
The typical drunk driving case therefore presents the accused with
three separate and distinct problems. First, and most obvious, is the
operating under the
influence charge itself. This charge, usually issued in the form of a
traffic citation and sometimes followed up on with a criminal complaint
charges the accused
with being too impaired by their consumption of alcohol to safely
operate their motor vehicle. The government does not need a test result
to try and convict on this
charge. A person can be prosecuted for this offense based upon their
driving, their demeanor, their field sobriety test performance, and any
admissions made to the
police officers at the time of arrest. However, a chemical test result
revealing a prohibited alcohol concentration constitutes prima facie
evidence of impairment.
What this means in English is that a judge or jury is permitted to find
that the accused was impaired based upon the test result alone. In
first or second offense
cases, the prohibited alcohol level in the State of Wisconsin is
currently .10. A person accused of a third offense is subject to a
prohibited level of .08, and a person
accused of a fourth or subsequent lifetime offense is subject to a
prohibited alcohol level of .02.
- Juneau
- Sciascia Law Office:
Misdemeanor and Felony Traffic Offenses
Some traffic offenses are more serious than others and can result in penalties as serious as imprisonment. While a traffic infraction might be a minor matter if no one is hurt, the same incident can be a misdemeanor or felony if someone is hurt or killed or if there is serious property damage. Some specific traffic offenses, however, are considered serious violations on their own, such as drunk driving or operating a vehicle without a license. A person charged with a traffic-related crime should treat his or her situation seriously and contact an attorney who can help to protect his or her legal rights.
- Kenosha
- Kewaunee
- Ellis Street Law Office:
If you have been accused of a crime, or think you might be, you need an
attorney with specialized knowledge of criminal defense in the State of
Wisconsin.
Criminal defense law is complicated, and your freedom, reputation, and
possibly your job are all at stake in a criminal case.
Home
Sexual Assault Drunk Driving Traffic / Criminal Traffic Drug Cases Property Crimes Revocations Appeals Domestic Abuse
In a criminal case the most important thing is to have an experienced lawyer.
You should talk to an experienced lawyer as soon as possible if you are in trouble.
Do not talk to the police without an attorney present, and without first talking to a lawyer specializing in
criminal defense.
- LaCrosse
- Lake Geneva
- Braden Olson Draper:
* Family law Ñ divorce, child custody, child support, restraining orders, adoption
* Social Security disability Ñ disability and supplemental security income claims
* Criminal defense Ñ traffic cases, drug crimes, possession, theft, sexual assault, battery, DUI/DWI, all felonies and misdemeanors
* Estate planning Ñ writing or reviewing a will, setting up a trust, protecting your loved ones
* Complex litigation Ñ business litigation, construction litigation, real estate litigation, breach of contract, construction liens, mechanics' liens
- Martin Law Offices:
If you are arrested for breaking a criminal law, the case is taken
before a magistrate who may issue a warrant if necessary and set bond
for appearance in court. If the defendant cannot post the bond he may
be incarcerated pending appearance in court. If bond is posted, he will
remain free pending appearance at an arraignment. An arraignment
usually occurs within 24 hours of the arrest or the first date
available if on a weekend or holiday. The arraignment is held before a
judge of the courts. During the arraignment the defendant is formally
told what offense he is charged with, told their constitutional rights,
and of the possible penalties. The defendant will enter a plea of
guilty or not guilty, bond may be reviewed, and a date for the next
hearing will be scheduled.
- Madison
Madison
Madison
Madison
Madison
Madison
- VanWagner and Wood:
OWI stands for operating while under the influence of an intoxicant (alcohol, illegal drugs, prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, energy drugs...etc.) and perhaps contrary to popular belief, you can get an OWI even if you don't test (i.e. you refuse to submit to a breath or blood test), and even if you are not drunk.
- Manitowac
- Kaminski & Pozorski:
Unfortunately, there are those in our community who find themselves in the unfortunate position of having been charged with major felonies, misdemeanors, and traffic offenses including OWI's.
- Marshfield
- Wolfgram, Gamoke & Hutchinson:
Business Law - Civil Litigation - Collections and Foreclosures - Construction Law Criminal Law - Municipal Law - Person Injury - Worker's Compensation Probate and Estate Planning - Product Liability - Real Estate Law Social Security Disability - Tax Law
- Menasha
- Pitsch Law Offices:
You are under "arrest" when a police officer takes you into custody and you
are no longer free to leave. It has little to do with whether you have been
handcuffed or physical restrained. The key is the exercise of police authority
over a person. When someone is arrested the police must follow legal
procedures. The police must inform you of your rights before you can be
questioned.
- Menomonie
- Milwaukee Milwaukee
- Minocqua
- Harrold, Scrobell & Danner:
If you are charged with drunk driving, the charges can impact your
insurance rates, your ability to drive, and you may even face jail
time. It is important that you preserve your rights while protecting
your reputation, regardless of the offense.
- Monroe
- Burns Law Office:
You don't need to talk to the police if you don't want to. If you do talk to them, you cannot lie to them or mislead them.
- Mount Calvery
- Nehls, Anthony:
Know the Facts
Alcohol contributes to more than 8,600 crashes each year in Wisconson. These crashes cost the public over $500 million. The risk is avoidable, if you choose not to drink and drive.driving If you are convicted of Operating While Intoxicated these are some of the reprecussions you may face.
Understand the Law
You take a risk when operating a vehicle after consuming any amount of alcohol. Your legal risk involves a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08. However, you can still be arrested with BAC below 0.08. If there is evidence that you are impaired.
The law covers more than alcohol. The legal definition is Òoperating while under the influence of an intoxicant, any controlled substances, any other drugs, or a combination thereof.Ó
Driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs or a combination of drugs and alcohol is illegal. It is also dangerous.
Understand the Restrictions
If you need to drive to and from work, an occupational license may be issued. It is a privilege with restrictions.
You will be limited to driving during certain times of the day. Routes and hours of operation will be restricted. You will have to ask your insurance agent to file a form with the Division of Motor Vehicles proving that you have insurance. Occupational licenses require absolute sobriety after two or more convictions.
If you ever have two offenses within five years, you canÕt get an occupational license for one year and the court will order all of your vehicles immobilized or equipped with an ignition interlock device.
Make the Right Choice
Be responsible. If you drink excessively and / or use other drugs, donÕt get behind the wheel. It isnÕt worth the risk.
Understand the Tests
If you take the risk and are caught, the officer will ask you to perform a series of Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFST). You will be asked to do the one-leg stand and the walk and turn. You will also be asked to follow an object with your eyes while the officer checks for involuntary eye movement.
Scientific studies have validated each SFST. Each test provides evidence of impairment of intoxication to support a legal basis for an arrest.
If you are arrested, you will read the Informing the Accused form and be asked to submit to a chemical test of your breath or blood. You have already given your consent under WisconsinÕs Implied Consent Law.
Know the Consequences
If you test at or above .08 you will lose your license for at least six months. Your license must be surrendered and you will have a temporary license good for 30 days. Plain and simple. It's the law.
If you refuse to submit to a chemical test of your blood or breath, you'll lose your license for one year and have at least a 30-day waiting period before you are eligible for an occupational license.
Face the Truth
If you are convicted of a PAC (Prohibited Alcohol Concentration) when your BAC is between 0.08 and 0.099, you will not have to undergo an alcohol and other drug assessment, or pay the driver improvement surcharge. If you are convicted of OWI, you must undergo an alcohol and other drug assessment to assist in the development of a driver safety plan.
The driver safety plan puts the emphasis on making the right choices and avoiding future impaired driving behavior through education and treatment.
You are legally required to comply with the plan Ð and you must pay for the assessment. If you donÕt comply, your driving privileges will be revoked until you do.
Once you've lost your license, you have to pay a $50 fee to get it back. If it is not your first offense, you must furnish proof of financial responsibility. If you continue to drive without a license, you face more serious consequences, including a stiff fine, jail time and an additional period of revocation.
- Neenah
- Hammett Bellin & Oswald:
In Wisconsin, the first drunk driving (OWI/DWI/DUI) offense is civil
and involves a fine and driver's license suspension; second and
later offenses are criminal and result in jail time. A fifth offense
is automatically a felony and often means the accused will go to
prison. In most counties, the conviction rate is greater than 90
percent.
If you were arrested for drunk driving or operating a vehicle under the
influence of drugs, you may feel there is nothing a lawyer can do to
improve your position, and it will be easiest to pay your fine and
forget the issue. We urge you, before making that decision, to discuss
your situation and a possible defense against drunk driving charges with
an attorney.
- New Berlin
- Gatzke & Ruppelt & Bucher:
A conviction on DUI/OWI charges will result in fines, driver's license
suspension or revocation, and possibly land you in jail. In addition,
your insurance company may increase your rates to an unmanageable
level. In defending against an impaired driving charge, you have many
rights as a criminal defendant, including the right to cross-examine
the witnesses against you, even if they are police officers. An
experienced attorney can make all the difference in such a difficult
case.
- New Richmond
- Doar Drill & Skow:
An arrest for drunk driving has serious consequences. Without a strong defense strategy, you could lose money, your privilege to drive and your freedom.
- Oconomowic
- Rakopf, Eric:
Officer, please understand I refuse to talk with you until I consult with my attorney. I also refuse to consent to any search of these premises, or any other premises under my control, or in which I have a possesory, proprietary or privacy interest, including my car, my body or effects. I hereby demand to immediately be allowed the reasonable opportunity to obtain the advise of my attorney by telephone.
I desire to exercise all my rights guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States and the State of Wisconsin, to be free from your interference with my person or affairs. If you attempt to question me, I want my lawyer present. I refuse to participate in any line-up or perform any physical acts (except OWI related tests), or to speak or display my person or property at your direction, without first conferring with my lawyer. If I am under arrest, I wish to invoke and exercise my Miranda rights. If you ignore my exercise of these rights and attempt to procure a waiver, I want to confer with my lawyer prior to any conversation with you.
If I am to be taken into custody, removed from my present location, or separated from my property, I request a reasonable opportunity to make arrangements to secure my own property. I do not consent to any impoundment or inventory of my property. I do hereby waive any claim of liability for loss, theft or damage against you, your superiors, or any other authority, and agree to hold all harmless therefrom, if I am afforded the reasonable opportunity to arrange for the safekeeping of my own property. If this reasonable opportunity is denied or is unavailable, I demand that only such intrusion occur as is minimally necessary to secure such property, hereby waiving any claim of liability for your failure to scrutinize the property or its contents prior to it being secured.
If I am not under arrest I want to leave. If I am free to leave, please tell me immediately so that I may go about my business.
- Onalaska
- Phillips
- Slaby, Deda, Marshall & Reinhard:
If you have been charged with OWI / DUI / drunk driving, contact a Wisconsin criminal defense attorney...
- Racine
- Murphy, Paulson & Murphy:
If you have been arrested and charged with a crime in Wisconsin, you face potentially serious and long-lasting consequences. With fines, loss of driving privileges, incarceration and a criminal record at stake, it is important to seek the guidance of an attorney who takes your charges as seriously as you do. A criminal conviction can limit your job prospects and just being locked up can keep you from working, with devastating consequences to your family. Count on an experienced lawyer to protect and enforce your constitutional rights at every step.
- Richards & Hall:
The sooner representation is secured the sooner your rights can be protected.
- Robert Keller:
Wisconsin's criminal code is one of the toughest in the United States.
If you have been charged with a crime or are under investigation for a
crime, you should consult with a qualified criminal defense attorney as
soon as possible.
- Rhinelander
- Cirilli Law Offices:
When a person is charged with a crime, the event precipitating the charge could have been caused by a variety of factors. Sometimes a person is in the wrong place at the wrong time, and at other times a person's own actions bring about some type of criminal culpability. Once a person is charged with a crime, two things are important to remember. First, bad things do happen to good people and just because a person is charged with a crime does not necessarily mean that person has a criminal heart. Secondly, whether the person charged is a first time offender or a person who is familiar with the criminal justice system, there are very few instances in which the person charged could not benefit from a skilled and experienced criminal law attorney. In selecting an attorney, an individual should look for an attorney who has vast experience in the criminal justice system. The attorney should have experience handling not only simple traffic citations, but also serious felony cases. The attorney must have the knowledge to utilize the applicable law to help defend you, and also the experience to utilize that system for the benefit of the client.
- Sheboygan
- Heckes, Roberta:
* Speeding
* Log books
* Equipment violations
* Overweight violations
* Improper lane changes
* OWI and DUI
- Obear, Kirk:
If youÕve been accused of a crime it is crucial that you speak to someone experienced in defending your rights as soon as possible.
If you wait, you may lose the opportunity to exercise certain rights in your case.
OWI, DUI, DRUNK DRIVING
In Wisconsin, drunk driving, DWI, and DUI are charged as OWI- Operating While Impaired or Intoxicated. Specifically, you can be charged with OWI for operating under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance, or a combination of alcohol and a controlled substance, or any other drug that makes a person less capable of driving safely (includes prescriptions and over the counter drugs- Ambien, Vicodin, Nyquil, etc.).
OWI Refusal (If you refuse a test of your breath or blood when you are pulled over by law enforcement you may be charged with a "refusal" and the court may revoke your driving privileges for at least 1 year, or more if you have prior convictions. This is true even if the police took blood from you after you refused.)
- Sturgeon Bay
- David Sparr: Traffic
violations such as speeding, DWI / DUI, illegal lane usage, reckless
driving, failure to yield, and following too closely can result in
license suspensions and higher insurance rates. Depending on the
violation and how it is resolved, you may be fined, referred to a
special program, or sent to jail.
- Stephen Johnson:
The basic rights of a citizen under arrest are stated in the Fifth,
Sixth and Eighth Amendments of the "Bill of Rights" of the United
States Constitution.
"No person . . . shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a
witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty or property,
without due process of law." (Fifth Amendment).
"In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a
speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury . . . and to be informed
of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the
witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining
witnesses in his favor; and to have the assistance of counsel for his
defense." (Sixth Amendment).
"Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor
shall cruel and unusual punishments be inflicted." (Eighth Amendment).
Since the adoption of the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution, the
states have also had to guarantee these rights. This amendment
provides: "No state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge
the privileges or immunities of the citizens of the United States . .
."
- Superior
- Johansen Law Office:
Criminal defense
- Unknown
- Reitz, Mandelman & Lawent:
Mention DUI Defenders
and get up to
10% discount.
(Some firms may not honor this offer)
- Verona
- Wausau
- Ellison & David:
* Drug possession including marijuana, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, prescription drugs
* Drug sales
* Domestic disputes
* DUI or drunk driving
* Assault and battery
* Sexual assault
* Sex with a minor
* Larceny
* Murder
- Hess Law:
The
commonly used terminology is "drunk driving" or "operating while
intoxicated" (OWI), but the law refers to impairment from either
alcohol or drugs or both. Specifically, the law prohibits a person from
driving or operating a motor vehicle while "under the influence of an
intoxicant or a controlled substance" or a combination thereof.
- Waukesha
- West Allis
- Marola, Thomas:
If you have been charged with Wisconsin OWI or another drunk-driving charge, you need to act quickly to put an experienced criminal defense attorney at your side. Being convicted of breaking OWI (DUI) laws in Wisconsin can result in serious penalties that can mean jail time, heavy fines, and the loss of your right to drive. An OWI conviction for a BAC greater than .1% can remain on your record for life.
Penalties for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated range from a forfeiture and license revocation for a first offense, to up to 6 years imprisonment, 3 year license revocation, and possible seizure of vehicles for subsequent offenses. Additionally, more severe penalties apply if injury or death results.
- West Bend
- Doherty, Joseph:
Penalties for DWI / DUI
The consequences of a DWI / DUI conviction are severe. Your license is automatically revoked for six months. You can obtain an occupational license that allows you to drive to work. However, you have to wait for 30 days for the occupational license after the second offense and one year after the third offense. Other penalties include fines, jail time and mandatory class attendance. If drugs are found in your car when you are stopped for suspicion of DWI / DUI, the penalties increase.
Contact an Experienced DWI / DUI Lawyer
You do not want to leave matters to chance when facing a DWI / DUI charge. The stakes are high and could affect your ability to work or find a place to live.
- Waring Fincke:
If you are arrested for drunk driving, you will need to figure out if
you want to take a breath or chemical test, as required by law. If you
refuse to take such a test, after being arrested for drunk driving,
your driver's license can be revoked for a year or more for refusing to
take the test.
If you have been arrested for just drunk driving, it may be advisable
to take the test. If you were involved in an accident where people were
killed or seriously injured, it may be advisable not to take the test
and suffer the revocation rather than give the police evidence of your
possible intoxication. In either event, the police do not have to let
you speak with a lawyer before taking the test. If you tell them that
you will not take the test without a lawyer present, they will treat
your comment as a refusal and so will the court.
- Wisconsin Rapids
- Nash Law Group:
Criminal Law
- Schmidt, Grace & Duncan:
... proper procedures which should be utilized by law enforcement
officers attempting to convict people of operating while under the
influence.
The laws in Wisconsin and throughout the U.S. do not specifically ban individuals from driving drunk. However, they do speak to the fact that driving under the influence is illegal. The terms that are frequently used are OWI and DUI, referring to operating under the influence of (or operating while impaired by) an intoxicant or other drug.
It is important to know that it police officer does not have to actually observe an individual in the act of driving in order to stop them for an OWI or DUI. It is enough that a person has either turned on the ignition or has left the motor running while the vehicle is in the park position. The statutory definition of operation of a vehicle is "the physical manipulation or activation of any of the controls of a motor vehicle necessary to put it in motion." The fact that a vehicle may be immobile due to engine problems or being stuck does not prevent an officer from arresting the driver on suspicion of OWI.
A lawyer at our firm can review your situation and determine how best to handle your OWI case. We examine all aspects of the case, including any violations of police procedure or your civil rights.
Brought to you by Colorado DUI Drunk Driving Defense
|