Are You Facing Wauwatosa OWI Charges?
An OWI (operating while intoxicated) conviction in Wisconsin carries significant and long-lasting consequences that extend far beyond immediate fines and potential jail time. These can include driver’s license revocation, mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) at the offender’s expense and a significant increase in car insurance premiums, often requiring expensive SR-22 coverage for several years.
Wauwatosa OWI charges are initially handled at the Wauwatosa Municipal Court. For more serious offenses, such as a second or subsequent OWI, charges are typically handled at the Milwaukee County Circuit Court. It’s always a good idea to double-check your court summons or get in touch with the clerk of courts to confirm the exact division or courtroom for your specific case.
Beyond The Legal Penalties For OWI
An OWI conviction can also negatively impact your employment opportunities, particularly for jobs requiring driving or professional licenses. In addition, an OWI conviction may damage your personal reputation. Future travel to certain countries may also be restricted, and the financial burden can accumulate from court costs, mandatory alcohol assessment and treatment programs, and lost wages due to court appearances or incarceration.
Given the potential consequences, working with an experienced attorney will be important to battle OWI charges in Wisconsin. Our attorneys at Lee Law Firm, LLC, can guide you through your legal options and will work to protect your rights at every stage, from the initial traffic stop through any court proceedings.
How Our Wauwatosa Criminal Defense Can Help
Our defense team will carefully review the evidence, look for issues with breathalyzer results, field sobriety tests and police procedures. Additionally, depending on the nature of your circumstances and arrest, we will discuss possibilities to ease the long-term effects on your life and future with prosecutors such as:
- Reducing charges
- Minimizing penalties
- Pursuing alternative sentencing
- Dismissing the case
At Lee Law Firm, LLC, we understand that people can sometimes face tough situations. We’re committed to protecting our clients’ rights when it comes to:
- OWI: In Wisconsin, “OWI” is the legal term for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Unlike some states that use “DUI,” Wisconsin uses OWI to encompass impairment from any substance, not just alcohol, that affects a person’s ability to safely operate a vehicle.
- Interlock devices: An ignition interlock device (IID) is a breathalyzer installed in a vehicle that prevents it from starting if alcohol is detected on the driver’s breath. In Wisconsin, these are often a mandatory penalty for OWI convictions, even for a first offense, and the offender typically bears the cost of installation and maintenance.
- Minors in the car charges: If an OWI offense occurs while a minor (typically under 16) is present in the vehicle, Wisconsin law imposes significantly enhanced penalties. This can include increased fines, longer jail sentences and extended periods of license revocation or IID requirements, reflecting the heightened risk posed to children.
- Refusals: In Wisconsin, by operating a vehicle, you implicitly consent to chemical testing (breath, blood or urine) if suspected of OWI. Refusing to submit to such a test carries its own separate and immediate consequences, including automatic license revocation and mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device, regardless of whether you are ultimately convicted of the OWI itself.
Get a free consultation by calling Lee Law Firm, LLC, at 414-567-5631 or sending us an email to get started.
Directions To The Courthouse
For first-offense OWI charges: Wauwatosa City Hall, 7725 W. North Avenue, Wauwatosa, WI 53213
From our office in Milwaukee at 6737 W. Washington Street, it should take about eight to 15 minutes by car, depending on traffic:
- Head north on N. 68th Street toward W. Washington Street.
- Turn right onto W. Washington Street.
- Turn left onto N. 60th Street.
- Turn left onto W. North Avenue.
- Continue on W. North Avenue for approximately 1.5 miles.
Wauwatosa City Hall will be on your left at 7725 W North Avenue. You’ll see it after you pass N. 76th Street.
For second and multiple OWI charges: Milwaukee County Courthouse, 901 N. 9th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53233
From Wauwatosa, it is about 25 minutes by car, depending on your exact starting point in Wauwatosa and traffic conditions:
- From your location in Wauwatosa, head east. Your goal is to get onto I-94 East.
- Common routes to I-94 East from Wauwatosa include W. Bluemound Road, W. Wisconsin Avenue or W. North Avenue, which can connect you to freeway entrances.
- Merge onto I-94 East toward downtown Milwaukee.
- Continue on I-94 East for several miles until you approach downtown.
- Take Exit 309B for 10th Street/6th Street/James Lovell Street.
- Keep left at the fork, following signs for N. 10th Street.
- Turn right onto N. 10th Street.
- Turn right onto W. State Street.
The courthouse will be on your left.
Points Of Interest In Wauwatosa
- The Village of Wauwatosa, 7600 Harwood Avenue: This charming historic downtown area is the heart of Wauwatosa, known for its unique boutique shops, diverse restaurants, cafes and lively atmosphere. It is a great place for strolling, dining and local events.
- Milwaukee County Zoo, 10001 W. Bluemound Road: Located right in Wauwatosa, the zoo is home to a vast array of animals from around the world, offering educational exhibits and family-friendly activities.
- Hart Park, 7300 W. Chestnut Street: This park is a central hub for recreation and community events and features walking paths, sports fields, a bandshell for concerts and a playground.
- Mayfair Mall, 2500 N. Mayfair Road: A major regional shopping destination, it offers a wide selection of department stores, national retailers, restaurants and entertainment options, making it one of the largest enclosed malls in Wisconsin.
- Wauwatosa Historical Society/Little Red Store, 8440 W. North Avenue: This historic site offers a glimpse into Wauwatosa’s past, featuring the iconic Little Red Store, which served as the city’s first permanent schoolhouse and general store, and hosts local history exhibits and events.