Protecting Your Rights And Freedom In OWI With A Minor Charges

There is no such thing as a minor OWI offense – especially when it concerns minors. At Lee Law Firm, LLC, we know how to aggressively defend you when you face such charges. We will do everything in our power to reduce or eliminate the consequences that accompany a criminal charge. Our experienced OWI defense team understands how an OWI with a minor charge can disrupt your life. Wisconsin lawmakers are much more likely to throw the book at you than to lend a sympathetic ear.

May Lee, our founding attorney, began as a prosecutor in Milwaukee. She understands the aggressive way the state pursues convictions in OWI with a minor charges. She will put her knowledge and experience to work for you to protect your rights and minimize potential damages.

Severe Punishments For An OWI With Minors In The Car

Legislators in Wisconsin have changed the laws in recent years to try to reduce the long-time problem of driving under the influence (DUI). The primary tactic is to increase penalties overall and create new offenses for specific circumstances including driving under the influence with a minor in the car. A first-time DUI is usually considered a civil violation in Wisconsin. However, if there are one or more minors in the car (anyone 16 years old or younger), the driver will automatically be charged with a crime and penalties are doubled. If there is a minor in the car for a DUI arrest and the driver has past DUI convictions, the penalties are often more than doubled.

Penalties For An OWI With A Minor

First-time offenders convicted of an OWI with a minor can expect their license to be revoked for up to 18 months, a prison sentence of up to six months and a fine of up to $1,100. Penalties increase dramatically with each successive OWI with a minor. A second conviction results in up to 18 months behind bars and $2,200 in fines plus a  $435 ‘driver improvement’ surcharge. A third offense is up to $4,000 in fines and two years in jail as well as having your driver’s license revoked for up to six years.

Needless to say, these penalties, even for a first time offense, can ruin your life. Even spending two months in jail for a first time conviction often results in job loss, ruins relationships and financial hardship. That is why it is important to get an experienced OWI legal team on your side.

Contact An Experienced Wisconsin OWI Attorney

If you are facing OWI with a minor charges, you need to get a lawyer as soon as possible. Contact us now by calling 414-567-5631 or filling out our online contact form. The sooner we get started on building a defense strategy, the better your chances of minimizing the penalties and possibly clearing your name.