Is an OWI a serious offense?

If you are facing OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) charges in Wisconsin, you may think that it’s not that big of a deal – especially if you have heard that a first-time offense is not even a criminal charge. The reality is that any drunk driving case is a serious issue, and you should call a lawyer as soon as you can. From the loss of your driver’s license, fines, and the potential difficulty getting a job or qualifying for financial aid, the consequences of an OWI conviction can be far-reaching. An experienced defense lawyer from the Cohen Law Offices can help protect your rights and resolve your case as favorably as possible.

The Potential Legal Consequences of OWI Charges

Wisconsin laws are tough on people who are convicted of drunk driving, and even a first-time offense can result in significant penalties. Potential legal consequences you can face include:

• Revocation of your driver’s license for 6 to 9 months
• Fines between $150 TO $300
• An additional OWI surcharge of $435
• Mandatory Alcohol and Other Drug Assessment (AODA)
• Ignition interlock device (IID) 
• High-risk driver status resulting in increased insurance premiums
• Mandatory SR-22 verification insurance
• If you need an occupational license, it will be expensive as they require IID installation and service charges
• If you are fined for non-compliance, you can pay up to $1,000 if you are a repeat offender
• A license reinstatement fee after revocation $200
• Penalties including up to one year in jail for failure to comply with Occupational license requirements

Keep in mind that if you have additional OWI convictions, the penalties will only increase. Whether you have been charged with an OWI many times in the past or if this is your first time, you can benefit from the legal representation of an Eau Claire OWI defense attorney at the Cohen Law Offices.

The Collateral Consequences of OWI Charges 

It’s important to be aware of the fact that an OWI conviction can also result in significant collateral consequences. While an OWI conviction might seem minor when compared to other crimes, it is still a conviction that you will need to be honest about when applying for jobs, scholarships, federal aid, and schools. Consider the following collateral consequences faced by those who have been convicted of an OWI in Wisconsin:

• Inability to qualify for financial aid
• Decreased opportunities to attend college due to admission requirements
• Increased car insurance rates
• Difficulties maintaining or getting a professional license such as those required to be a doctor, nurse, or pilot
• Trouble obtaining or maintaining employment
• The loss of your driver’s license

Not only can an OWI defense lawyer help decrease your legal consequences, but he or she may also be able to reduce or eliminate some collateral consequences as well. 

Call Us Today to Talk to an Attorney at the Cohen Law Offices about Your Case

The experienced attorneys at Cohen Law Offices are all too familiar with the legal and collateral consequences that OWI defendants can face. When you an OWI defense attorney from Cohen Law Offices, you will have an advocate on your side who understands all there is to lose. Our legal team will work tirelessly to decrease the potential penalties you could face. Receive your case review by calling Cohen Law Offices today at (715) 514-5051 or use our confidential online contact form.