The Days Of Handling An OWI Charge Without A Lawyer Have Passed
There may have been a time when a person facing a drunk driving charge could show up in court without legal representation and get through the process relatively unscathed, but those days are long gone. The stigma attached to drunk driving nationwide has resulted in severe penalties and aggressive enforcement of drunk driving laws.
If you are arrested in Wisconsin for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated (OWI), you will face $1,000 or more in fines and an increase in insurance rates, and your driver’s license can be revoked for up to nine months. If your blood alcohol content was .15 or above, you will be required to install an ignition interlock device in your car. What’s more, a Wisconsin OWI charge triggers legal action on two fronts: the court case involving the criminal charge and an administrative hearing regarding your driving privileges.
“Chris worked his magic and was able to get my OWI charge reduced to reckless driving, which completely exceeded my expectations. If you hire Chris, you won’t have to stress or worry about anything. Your situation will end better than if you tried to handle it yourself or hired someone else.” – Shawn D. (February 2015)
Minimize The Impact Of An OWI Charge
In this day and age, a person who faces a drunk driving charge without a lawyer is practically begging for the stiffest possible penalties. I am Christopher T. Van Wagner, an experienced OWI/DUI attorney who has a proven record of helping Wisconsin residents minimize the impact of a drunk driving charge.
- I know the defense strategies that work, I understand what factors can lead to reduced charges, and I know how to negotiate alternative sentences that can keep you out of jail. In many cases, I can help you retain full driving privileges or obtain an occupational license that allows you to drive to work and make other essential trips.
- If you have one or more OWI convictions on your record, the penalties are exponentially harsher and the case becomes that much more difficult to defend. If you are charged with drunk driving and you were involved in a serious injury accident, it could result in a prison sentence of more than 12 years. An OWI accident that causes a death can result in a prison sentence of 25 years for a first-time offender and 40 years for someone with a previous OWI conviction.
Call Today To Put An Experienced OWI Lawyer In Your Corner
I have a record of success in complicated OWI cases as well. It is not the time to take chances with your future. Call 608-401-4507 or email me to schedule a consultation. I will review your case, provide a candid assessment and recommend an effective course of action. I represent clients throughout central and western Wisconsin from my office in Madison.
