Drunk Driving in Milwaukee: The Consequences

No one has to be reminded that drunk driving is a serious offense. This fact is plastered all over billboards, TVs, computers, and radios.
However, despite this, individuals still take the risk of driving while intoxicated. Perhaps you took this risk, and were pulled over by the police? If so, you’ve got an arduous court case ahead of you. It would be wise to brush up on the potential consequences.
Here is everything you need to know about drunk driving in Milwaukee.

What is Considered Drunk Driving in Milwaukee?
In the state of Wisconsin, drunk driving is legally punishable by an OWI (operating while intoxicated). In order for a person to obtain on OWI, he or she must be operating a motor vehicle while also possessing an appropriately high blood alcohol content.
If you’re 21 or older, your punishable blood alcohol content is 0.08% and higher. If you’re under the age of 21, your punishable blood alcohol content is 0.02% and higher.
There is a separate penalty for those who operate commercial vehicles while under the influence. Their punishable blood alcohol content is 0.04% and higher.

Drunk Driving in Milwaukee: The Consequences
If you’re found guilty of drunk driving in Milwaukee, you are punished based on how many OWIs you already possess. While all guilty parties will be punished harshly, those who have been guilty more than once will be punished especially harshly.

First Offense
Those who are receiving their first OWIs will not be subjected to jail time unless they injured or killed someone while under the influence. Instead, they will be punished by fines of up to $300.
In addition to these fines, they can have their driver’s licenses suspended for up to 9 months. So that they can still go to work, they might be rewarded with an occupational driver’s license. This license allows for guilty individuals to operate their vehicles when (and only when) they are going to work.

Second Offense
When an OWI hits your record, it stays there for a period of 10 years. Any additional OWIs which are added to your record before this 10 years ends will be judged with progressively harsher penalties.
Your second OWI offense is punishable by between 5 days and 6 months in prison. In addition to this prison time, it is also punishable by between $300 and $1,100 in fines.
There is also a chance that second-time offenders could have their driver’s licenses suspended for between 12 months and 18 months. In some cases, the guilty parties will be allowed occupational driver’s licenses.

Third Offense
Those who receive an OWI for the third time in 10 years will be punished by between 30 days and a year in prison. In addition to prison time, they can be forced to pay between $600 and $2,000 in fines.
Someone who has received a third OWI will almost certainly have his or her license suspended. At this point, it can be suspended for anywhere between 2 and 3 years. However, there is still a chance that he or she will be allowed an occupational driver’s license.
Should you receive any more than three OWIs in 10 years, you will start to be penalized with major prison time.

Charged with Drunk Driving in Milwaukee?
Have you been charged with drunk driving in Milwaukee? If so, you’re going to need a staunch legal defense. It’s highly recommended that your hire a defense attorney.
If you’re looking for a Milwaukee defense attorney with a reputable record, we here at Hartley Pecora are the people to see. We’ve defended clients in a variety of different drunk driving cases, resulting in reduced sentences for a number of our clients.

Contact us today for 24/7 service!