drunk driving laws

wisconsin

An OWI is a charge for operating while under the influence, which is Wisconsin's equivalent to a DUI charge for driving while under the influence. A separate charge for violating Wisconsin's prohibited alcohol content level guidelines is usually issued along with a drunk driving citation. So, it is possible (and highly likely) for a person to receive two tickets for a single drunk driving arrest or police stop. However, under the rules for double jeopardy, the state of Wisconsin can only pursue prosecution for one of those violations.

driving age - minors in possession - zero tolerance

Wisconsin's legal drinking age is 21 years. If a person under the age of 21 years is stopped by police and is in possession of alcohol (or an illegal drug), police will likely (almost always) issue a citation or make an arrest for minors in possession. If the minor is driving, there is no question as to whether a citation will be issue; Wisconsin has zero tolerance laws that require arrest for any minor determined to be drunk and driving.

Blood Alcohol Content & Wisconsin's legal limits

BAC stands for blood alcohol content level. A BAC is a measurement of the percentage of alcohol in a person's bloodstream at the time of the test. PAC, mentioned above as Wisconsi's prohibited alcohol content levels, is a separate, the violation of which rests with an accurate blood alcohol content level measurement.

Am I Drunk?

Wisconsin's drunk driving laws are based on the percentage of alcohol in a person's bloodstream. Whether or not you were drunk while driving, or under the influence of any drug (legal or illegal) will depend on your weight, height, the number of drinks you consumed, and how you handled your vehicle. (You can get an OWI fine without being intoxicated). See Am I Drunk

21 years of age or older with no prior convictions

A person is at least 21 years of age, and who has no prior convictions, is prohibited from driving if the percentage of alcohol in their bloodsteam is at or above .08.

21 years of age of older with prior's

If a driver has three prior drunk driving convictions, the limit is lowered to .02.

Under 21 years of age

Zero BAC. a person under the age of 21 years is prohibited from operating a motorized vehicle in the state of Wisconsin if his or her blood contains any trace of alcohol.

Wisconsin's foremost authority on DUI laws

Attorney Tracey Wood is Wisconsin's foremost authority on drunk driving laws. She is the president of the Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and past president of the Dane County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association. Tracey Wood is also the first attorney ever from Wiscosnin to serve on the Board of Regents to the National College for DUI Defense, as well as the board's youngest member, and the first female lawyer to ever be a board member. Attorney Wood frequently appears on a several of Madison's news broadcasts as a legal analyst and commentator on subjects ranging from Wisconsin being ranked as the worse state for drunk driving to the rational behind Wisconsin vehicular homicide while intoxicated laws.

Free initial consultation

For a professional and brief initial consultation with a drunk driving attorney who has handled more than 2,000 cases in her career thus far, who is regarded as Wisconsin foremost authority on drunk driving laws, and who will defend you regardless of the prosecuting attorney's case, please call (1-888-663-8163) the law offices of Van Wagner & Wood.