Sauk County OWI Lawyer

If you’re facing criminal OWI charges in Sauk County, Wisconsin, now’s the time to call Eisenberg Law Offices, S.C. at (608) 530-1360. We’re award-winning Sauk County OWI lawyers with 140 years of combined experience who can help you defend against the allegations and push for the best possible outcome in your criminal OWI case.

Since our opening, individuals charged with driving under the influence and other serious criminal offenses have trusted us with their defenses. We’re known as tough litigators with a proven ability to negotiate favorable pleas, get charges against our clients dismissed or downgraded, and win not guilty verdicts when cases go to trial.

The state is already building its case against you, so every moment counts. Call our criminal defense law firm to discuss your OWI case today.

Why Choose Eisenberg Law Offices, S.C. For Help Defending Against OWI Charges in Sauk County, WI

An OWI conviction can threaten your freedom, family, and future. Choosing the right Sauk County criminal defense lawyer can make a difference. At Eisenberg Law Offices, S.C., we fight serious drunk driving charges with strong defense strategies, careful reviews of police conduct, and thorough analysis of the evidence.

When you ask for our help fighting OWI charges in Sauk County, WI, you can count on us to:

• Represent you in all conversations with the police, prosecution, and state
• Independently investigate the circumstances of your alleged OWI offense instead of relying on the state’s account
• Acquire and analyze relevant evidence, including dash cam footage, body-worn camera footage, results of field sobriety and breathalyzer tests, medical records, police reports, witness statements, and more
• Determine if your rights were violated during your vehicle stop, arrest, searches of you or your property, or in interactions with the police
• Assess the state’s case against you for weaknesses that can be exploited for your benefit
• File motions to get illegally obtained evidence or evidence that doesn’t have a strong chain of custody excluded from the state’s case against you
• Engage in meaningful negotiations with the prosecution to secure favorable terms in a plea agreement, reduced charges, or dismissal

Your choice of representation matters, so choose our Sauk County criminal defense attorneys for help today. 

Understanding OWI Charges in Wisconsin

OWI, or operating while intoxicated, is Wisconsin’s term for impaired driving. Depending on your prior offenses and the facts of your case, an OWI can range from a civil violation to a serious felony.

Under Wis. Stat. § 346.63, you can face OWI charges for operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or both. You can also be charged for having a prohibited alcohol concentration (PAC) or a detectable amount of a restricted controlled substance in your blood. The standard PAC limit is 0.08%, though lower limits apply to some drivers.

You don’t have to be driving to face OWI charges. Wisconsin law defines operating as using or activating vehicle controls needed to put it in motion. This can include starting a parked vehicle while impaired.

What Are the Penalties for OWI in Wisconsin?

OWI penalties in Wisconsin depend on your prior offenses, blood alcohol concentration (BAC), and other factors, such as whether a child was in the vehicle.

Possible penalties include:

• Fines and fees: You may face hundreds or thousands of dollars in fines, court costs, and OWI-related fees.
• Jail or prison time: Repeat OWI offenses can lead to jail time, while felony convictions may result in years in prison.
• License revocation: You may lose your driving privileges for months or years.
• Ignition interlock device (IID): You may have to install an IID in your vehicle or take part in a sobriety monitoring program.
• Alcohol assessment and treatment: You may have to complete an alcohol assessment and follow a driver safety plan.

A first OWI is generally a civil violation, while second and third offenses are usually misdemeanors. A fourth or later OWI is generally a felony. Penalties may increase if your BAC is high, a child under 16 is in the vehicle, or someone is injured.

How Can I Defend Against an OWI in Sauk County?

An OWI arrest does not mean you will be convicted. You have the right to challenge the charges, and several defenses may apply depending on the facts of your case.

Common OWI defense strategies include:

• Challenging the evidence: Breath, blood, and field sobriety tests may produce unreliable results due to testing errors, faulty equipment, or improper procedures.
• Challenging the traffic stop or arrest: Police must have a valid legal basis to stop or arrest you. Evidence obtained through violations of your rights may be excluded from court.
• Questioning the chain of custody: Missing records or errors in how evidence was collected, stored, or handled may raise doubts about its reliability.
• Challenging the allegations: Prosecutors must prove that you operated a vehicle and violated Wisconsin’s OWI laws. Evidence that you were not operating the vehicle or were not impaired may help your defense.

An experienced Sauk County OWI lawyer can review the evidence, identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and build a defense based on your circumstances.

Call Our Sauk County OWI Lawyers For a Confidential Case Review

Your future hangs in the balance if you’ve been accused of operating a vehicle while intoxicated in Sauk County, Wisconsin. Fortunately, you don’t have to fight the allegations on your own. Make a move that increases the likelihood of a favorable outcome by trusting Eisenberg Law Offices, S.C. with your OWI defense.

Our Sauk County OWI defense attorneys bring 140+ years of combined experience to client cases. We know the criminal and collateral consequences that are knocking on your door, and we’re here to help you fight for your best interests. 

We offer a free consultation, so contact us today to discuss your OWI case.