Arrested for Drunk Driving on New Year’s Eve? Here’s What’s at Stake

New Year’s Eve is a time for many people to attend parties and other events where alcohol is served. It is also a night when police officers are actively pursuing drunk drivers who are out on the road. If you sustain an arrest or conviction for operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you could be facing serious legal consequences. There are also numerous collateral consequences that you could be facing – especially if you are a student or an employee. When you have a drunk driving conviction on your criminal record, it will be easy for employers and educational institutions to view.

If you have been arrested for drunk driving on New Year’s Eve, it is essential that you have knowledgeable legal representation in your criminal case. The experienced drunk driving attorneys at Cohen Law Offices can represent you during every stage of your case, as well as at all court hearings and trials. For more information about how we could assist with defending you against your criminal drunk driving charge, please call Cohen Law Offices today at (715) 514-5051.

Legal Consequences of a Drunk Driving Conviction

The State of Wisconsin prohibits individuals aged 21 and over from operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher, as this amounts to per se intoxication. Upon arrest, the prosecutor needs to prove that at the time of arrest, the driver was intoxicated beyond a reasonable doubt. If you are convicted of OWI in Wisconsin, you can face:

·        Monetary fines

·        Jail time

·        Community service

·        Mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device on your vehicle

·        Probation

·        License suspension/revocation and loss of driving privileges

Collateral Consequences of a Drunk Driving Conviction

Drunk driving convictions also come with numerous collateral consequences. This is because educational institutions and prospective employers regularly check individuals’ criminal records. When a person has a drunk driving arrest or conviction on his/her record, it could negatively impact a decision. Some of the most common collateral consequences associated with drunk driving arrests and convictions include:

·        Loss of a job

·        Denial of a job application

·        Difficulty renting an apartment

·        Damage to professional reputation in the community

An experienced drunk driving attorney could help you avoid some or all of these consequences by advocating for you in court, advancing a strong defense on your behalf, and/or by arguing for a term of probation. If you successfully complete your probation, you might be able to avoid a conviction altogether.

Speak with an Experienced Drunk Driving Attorney about Your Legal Matter Today

When it comes to drunk driving arrests, there’s a lot at stake. The skilled attorneys at Cohen Law Offices can review the circumstances of your drunk driving arrest with you and work to defend you against your criminal charge. To schedule a free case evaluation and legal consultation with an experienced drunk driving lawyer, please call Cohen Law Offices today at (715) 514-5051 or contact us online.