OWI Defense Lawyers in Madison, WI Drunk driving attorneys fight to get your charges reduced or DROPPED

Written By: Amy Scholz

OWI & Criminal Defense Attorney

Madison's OWI defense attorneys Amy Scholz, Tom Grieve, and the team of OWI lawyers at Grieve Law help Madison residents dismiss or reduce their drunk driving charges. We offer criminal defense legal services for 1st offense OWI, 2nd offense OWI, and all other OWI offenses. 

If you are facing OWI charges in Madison, call Grieve Law's criminal defense attorneys for a free case consultation. 

 

OWI FAQ Payment plans

Madison's Best OWI Lawyers

The Madison OWI lawyers at Grieve Law Criminal Defense are amongst the most educated & experienced defense attorneys in Dane County. Our drunk driving lawyers have a remarkable record of success and a solid reputation for getting OWI charges reduced or dropped entirely. Many of our OWI defense attorneys are former prosecution attorneys, meaning we already know what the other side is thinking and we're ready for anything they'll throw at us in court.

Awards and recognitions our outstanding attorneys have received include: Wisconsin Rising Stars (Super Lawyers), Top Lawyer (Madison Magazine), Client’s Choice Award - DUI & DWI (Avvo.com), Top 100 Lawyers (National Trial Lawyers Association) and so many more.

Our criminal defense lawyers fight all types of OWI charges, including misdemeanor charges, felony charges, drug OWI charges and more. If you or a loved one are looking for help reducing or beating drunk driving charges (or just want to talk about your options), contact our Madison criminal defense law office today.

What Constitutes Drunk Driving in Madison, Wisconsin?

In Wisconsin, a drunk driving charge can occur any time someone operates a motor vehicle with a blood or breath alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or more. To receive an OWI in Wisconsin, the driver must be under the influence of an intoxicant such as alcohol (beer, wine, spirits, etc.) or drugs (marijuana, cocaine, etc). Drunk driving in Wisconsin goes by many different names: Operating While Intoxicated (OWI), Driving While Under the Influence (DUI), Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), Drunk Driving, or Operating While Impaired. The correct, legal term used in Wisconsin statutes is OWI.

Penalties for Different OWI Offenses

The penalties and fines associated with a first-offense OWI are much different than those of a second, third or fourth offense. Possible penalties for a drunk driving conviction in Madison include jail time, fines, license revocation and an ignition interlock device (IID).

First Offense OWI Penalties - With a BAC of Less Than .15 

  • Diver’s license revocation for 6-9 months after conviction
  • Up to $300 in fines
  • Mandatory Alcohol and Other Drug Assessment (AODA)
  • Installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) - required for BAC .15 or higher
  • High-risk driver status - SR-22 insurance
  • Occupational driver’s license IID installation and service charges
  • Possible (unlikely) jail time of up to 6 months 
  • Learn more about 1st offense DUI/OWI charges in Wisconsin

Second Offense OWI Penalties

  • Up to 6 months of jail time
  • Diver’s license revocation for 12-18 months after conviction
  • Up to $1,100 in fines in addition to other fees 
  • Up to 2 years of a required ignition interlock device in your vehicle(s)
  • Alcohol and Other Drug Assessment (AODA)
  • Travel ban to Canada (and some restrictions with traveling to the European Union)
  • Possible community service
  • Learn more about 2nd offense DUI/OWI charges in Wisconsin

Third Offense OWI Penalties

  • Up to 1 year in jail
  • Diver’s license revocation for 2-3 years after conviction
  • Up to $2,000 in fines plus other fees 
  • Mandatory alcohol assessment and treatment
  • Up to 3 years of a required ignition interlock device in your vehicle(s)
  • Absolute sobriety for an occupational license
  • Travel ban to Canada (and some restrictions with traveling to the European Union)
  • Possible community service
  • Learn more about 3rd offense DUI/OWI charges in Wisconsin

Fourth Offense OWI Penalties

  • Up to 6 years in jail
  • Diver’s license revocation for 2-3 years after conviction
    •  Drivers license revocation for life with no possibility of an occupational license if previously convicted within 15 years
  • Up to $10,000 in fines
  • Absolute sobriety for an occupational license
  • Mandatory alcohol assessment ant treatment
  • Up to 3 years of a required ignition interlock device in your vehicle(s)
  • ‘Driver improvement’ surcharge of $435
  • Travel ban to Canada (and some restrictions with traveling to the European Union)
  • Possible community service
  • Learn more about 4th offense DUI/OWI charges in Wisconsin

How Common Are DUIs in Madison, WI?

Every year hundreds of people get arrested for drunk driving in Madison and throughout Dane County. Dane County is one of the top counties in Wisconsin for annual DUI arrests. 

Drunk Driving Arrests in Dane County (2020)

CityOWI Arrests
Madison 363
Middleton 122
Fitchburg 77
Sun Prarie 63
Verona 51
DeForest 40
Monona 37
Stoughton 30
Oregon 27
Waunakee 18

 

Can I Reduce My Drunk Driving Charges?

Depending on the details of your Madison drunk driving case, reducing your penalties is a likely possibility if you present the proper defense in court. It’s much easier to reduce drunk driving charges for first-offense OWI charges compared to subsequent charges. It’s also more likely drunk driving charges will get dropped or reduced if you fight the charges before being convicted compared to after, as trying to get an OWI charge removed from your record is extremely unlikely. 

 

Do I Need to Hire a Lawyer for a Madison OWI?

Hiring a criminal defense attorney who specializes in OWIs is highly recommended for anyone looking to get charges reduced or dismissed. A knowledgeable OWI attorney will be able to analyze the facts of your case to develop a strong defense to implement in court. Our experienced OWI attorneys at Grieve Law know how to navigate the court system and apply Wisconsin’s drunk driving laws to your case. Fighting your case alone is never a good idea and often results in an OWI conviction.

Risk Of Self-Representation for OWI Charges

Unless you’re highly educated on the law or you are an attorney yourself, we don't recommend attempting to defend yourself in court alone- the consequences of losing your case are too severe. Without the proper defense, you will not be able to follow the proper procedures that allow for a case dismissal, and you won’t have the ability to present an adequate defense in front of the court. If you want the best chance at a future with freedom, hire an attorney who's fought and won OWI cases before. An experienced lawyer will know exactly how to navigate the court system and handle the court’s questions while defending your case competently and confidently under extreme pressure.

If you’re thinking about representing yourself in your Madison OWI case, don’t. Hire an experienced Madison drunk driving attorney from Grieve Law.

How Much Does an OWI Cost?

If you or a loved one have been convicted of an OWI, you'll have a large bill to pay off. Not only does an OWI come with fines, but you’ll also have to pay court fees and will likely be punished with increased insurance rates for the remainder of your life. The exact dollar amount associated with an OWI is different for everyone and depends on the details of your case. An OWI could potentially cost you more than $30,000 over the course of your life.

The best way to avoid fines and bills that follow you forever is by hiring a drunk driving lawyer from Grieve Law.

What If I Can’t Afford a Madison OWI Lawyer?

If money is tight, you should find a Madison OWI lawyer who offers payment plans and financing. With Grieve Law Criminal Defense, you can get an attorney payment plan, which allows you to pay your lawyer fees in small incremental amounts over a pre-established period of time. Payment plans are often a great option for someone who needs an attorney to help them fight a record-threatening charge and can’t afford an attorney in full at the time of the charge.

If you’re looking for a Madison attorney who offers payment plans, contact the OWI attorneys at Grieve Law Criminal Defense to learn more about the options available to you.

How long does an OWI stay on my Record?

An OWI charge will stay on your record for the rest of your life.

Penalties and consequences associated with an OWI in Wisconsin may include:

  • Higher insurance premiums
  • You are now considered a high-risk customer because of your OWI. In addition to higher premiums, SR-22 insurance will be required for 3 years.
  • Permanent travel ban to Canada and other countries
  • Possible mandatory alcohol classes or sessions
  • Installation of a breathalyzer in your car  
  • Restriction or revocation of your Wisconsin driver's license
  • Job loss for pilots, commercial drivers and other professionals

How to beat a drunk driving charge in Madison

  1. Stay ahead of deadlines for Madison laws.

    Once you are arrested for an OWI, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation will send you an Administrative Notice of Intent to Suspend. Failure to file a response within ten days could result in the suspension of your license for 6 months. Our Madison defense case attorneys can take care of this for you.

  2. Call Grieve Law’s Madison OWI defense attorneys.

    The first days after an OWI arrest are critical to minimizing your consequences. We'll handle your deadlines to increase your chances of getting your charges reduced or dismissed - call us without delay.  

  3. Attend our free legal consultation.

    During your first meeting with our Madison DUI attorneys, we'll walk you through the court process and answer all questions you may have. Our attorneys will work with you to better understand what happened, examine the evidence and build the best strategy for your defense. 

  4. Build a powerful defense.

    Our award-winning Madison defense attorneys will work tirelessly to form the best defense for your OWI case. Many of our attorneys are former prosecutors, so they know how the opposition works and can target their weaknesses to get your case dismissed or your charges reduced. If any procedures in the arrest process were completed incorrectly, we will find out for your advantage.

  5. Attend your scheduled court date.

    This is one of the most important parts of criminal defense. The defendant must show up. We know showing up in court can be stressful and anxiety-inducing. We're here to get you through it. Our award-winning attorneys will stay by your side to represent you in court and work to find any mistakes or holes in the opposition's attack which can lead to your case being dismissed or your charges being reduced. 

Contact our DUI lawyers in Madison, WI for a free DUI legal consultation.