OWI lawyer in Mequon, Wisconsin Drunk driving defense attorneys serving Ozaukee County

Grieve Law provides Mequon, Wisconsin and the surrounding communities with award-winning OWI attorneys. In Mequon, Wisconsin, penalties for first offense OWI might include fines of $150 to $300, a surcharge of at least $435, and a license revocation anywhere from 6 to 9 months. After your first offense OWI penalties escalate with each offense. After your third offense, your charges climb from a misdemeanor to felony charges. We can help whether it be your first offense, second offense, third offense, fourth offense, or fifth offense OWI charge.

266 individuals were arrested for OWI in Ozaukee County in 2020. Mequon accounted for 53 of the arrests - 19.9% of all Ozaukee County OWI-related arrests in 2020.

If you are facing OWI charges in Mequon, call Grieve Law's drunk driving attorneys for a free case consultation.

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What constitutes an OWI in Mequon, WI?

In Mequon, Wisconsin, an OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) involves operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other restricted/illegal substances that impair your ability to drive safely. According to Wisconsin state law, here’s what defines an OWI in Mequon:

Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits

  1. 0.08% or higher for drivers aged 21 and older.
  2. 0.04% or higher for drivers operating commercial vehicles.
  3. 0.02% or higher for drivers with three or more prior OWI convictions.
  4. Any detectable amount of a restricted controlled substance in your system (such as recreational drugs like cannabis or prescribed drugs that impair driving).

Impairment Standard

You can still be charged with OWI, even if your BAC is below the legal limit, if law enforcement determines that alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both has impaired your ability to drive.

Refusal to Take a Chemical Test

Under Wisconsin's implied consent law, if you're lawfully arrested for an OWI, you're required to take a chemical test (breath, blood, or urine). Refusing to comply can lead to extra penalties, including license revocation and the installation of an ignition interlock device.

Aggravating Factors

Certain conditions can elevate the seriousness of an OWI charge:

  • Driving with a minor under 16 years old in the vehicle.
  • Causing injury or death while operating under the influence.
  • Prior OWI convictions.

Free consultation with a Mequon OWI attorney

Grieve Law offers free legal consultations in Mequon for anyone facing drunk driving charges. Our Mequon OWI lawyers listen to your concerns, evaluate your case, and explore your options. We help you understand your charges and the potential outcomes or penalties. You are only guilty if convicted. Reach out to our law office as soon as possible.

First OWI Offense Penalties in Wisconsin

Penalties for a first OWI offense in Mequon include fines of amounts from $150-$350, 6 to 9 months without a driver’s license, and an assessment of alcohol and other drug abuse. Fines do not include court costs, surcharges, potential blood draw fees, or other costs. People often see fines totaling $900 to $1,000 for their first OWI offense.

Some extenuating circumstances can lead to extra fines and penalties. A minor in your car makes the OWI a criminal offense. If the minor is younger than 16, your penalties could be the same as a second offense OWI. Your fines would increase, your license revocation would extend further, they may require an ignition interlock device (IID), and you will get jail time. There are often also increases to car insurance which can lead to thousands of dollars in extra payments over time. An OWI conviction will also stop you from entering Canada.

Second OWI Offense Penalties in Wisconsin

A second offense of operating while intoxicated comes with many penalties if convicted.

In 2025, a second offense OWI in Wisconsin is a criminal charge with strong penalties if convicted:

  • 5 days to 6 months in jail
  • Driver’s license revoked 12-18 months
  • $350-$1100 in fines +$435 ‘driver improvement’ surcharge
  • 12-18 months required ignition interlock device (IID) in vehicle
  • $250 alcohol and drug assessment
  • Travel ban to Canada and problems traveling abroad in European Union
  • Requirement to carry SR22 high-risk auto insurance
  • Higher rates for your life insurance
  • Higher rates for health insurance
  • Vehicle impound fees
  • Travel ban to Canada & problems traveling elsewhere (like the European Union)
  • Loss of your job if you have a commercial driver’s license or pilot’s license
  • Hundreds of dollars for an occupational license
  • More money to apply to have your driver’s license reinstated

Common Defenses our Mequon OWI Lawyers Use

Drunk driving defense can involve various strategies. Grieve Law’s Mequon OWI attorneys review your case and apply the most effective defense techniques to secure the best possible outcome. Some of the most successful defenses used to challenge an OWI/DUI in Wisconsin include:

  • No probable cause
  • Improper sobriety test protocol
  • Miranda rights not read
  • Invalid chemical test
  • Medical condition
  • Testimony of a witness

How to Beat OWI Charges in Wisconsin

With years of experience handling drunk driving cases from both the prosecution and defense sides, the accomplished defense attorneys at Grieve Law possess an exceptional comprehension of OWI laws in Wisconsin. While Fee to Plea™ lawyers may persuade their clients to accept quick and effortless plea bargains, Grieve Law's zealous lawyers wholeheartedly uphold your rights and present your best defenses to the judge.

When your court appearance approaches, it will be your account versus the officer's. It is essential not to confront your OWI allegations alone. You need a proven OWI defense attorney who has the expertise to scrutinize and pursue every possible avenue to get your charges and penalties dismissed or lessened.

Penalties and Fines for DUI in Mequon

First Time DUI Penalties

Wisconsin is the only state in the nation that treats a first-time DUI as a traffic violation rather than a criminal offense. Despite the comparatively light treatment of a first-time OWI, a conviction can still come with steep penalties, the loss of your driver’s license, and additional costs.

We urge even first-time offenders to seek help from an experienced OWI defense attorney. If first-time offenders get help from a knowledgeable attorney, they may never face a second OWI. If you get help avoiding a first charge, there will never be a second.

Second-Time DUI Penalties

A second OWI/DUI conviction and any subsequent convictions are considered a crime in Wisconsin, which include increased fines and jail time. If your BAC is over 0.15, penalties will usually double, and an ignition interlock device (IID) will automatically be required for your vehicle, at your cost.

In Wisconsin, a second DUI conviction that occurs more than 10 years after a first conviction will often be considered a “second first” violation, meaning it would be charged again as a traffic violation.

Third, & Fourth Offense DUI Penalties

Third and fourth offenses implement a “lifetime look back,” and will take all previous convictions into account. If you reach a fourth offense, it is considered a Class H felony in Wisconsin and can come with up to 6 years in jail, up to 3 years of license revocation, and up to $10,000 in fines. A fifth offense can carry up to 10 years in jail, up to 3 years of license revocation, and up to $25,000 in fines.

OWI Cases in Mequon, Wisconsin

If you’ve received an OWI in Mequon, or Wisconsin, it’s very important to get help from an aggressive, experienced DUI or OWI defense attorney. When you’re stopped by the police there is a high likelihood that some issue will occur during the duration of the stop. If an officer smells any trace of alcohol they will most likely immediately begin an investigation. If an officer suspects you’ve been operating your vehicle under the influence they will ask you to perform a field sobriety test (FST). Field sobriety tests can easily be performed incorrectly and cause false positives. A false positive will count as a clue that an officer will use to contribute to an arrest for OWI. 

You Can Be Charged For An OWI/DUI Below .08 in WI

Most people think you cannot be charged with an alcohol OWI/ DUI if your breath or blood alcohol concentration is below .08. This is not true. Police can charge you with an OWI no matter what your alcohol concentration is. If an officer believes you are too impaired to safely operate your vehicle, you could still get charged with an OWI.

Hire An Experienced Mequon Drunk Driving Lawyer

Hiring an OWI attorney who’s experienced, has the knowledge, and is aware of the specific details required to turn over a DUI case will make a huge difference in whether or not you get convinced. A highly experienced OWI defense lawyer will help you navigate the legal system. The attorneys at Grieve Law will do whatever it takes to help beat your case or reduce your charges.

Mequon OWI Attorneys

How long does an OWI stay on your record in Mequon?

Wisconsin does not allow DUI convictions to be expunged or removed from your record. An OWI conviction will remain on your record for life. Roughly 95% of first-time offenders do not hire a lawyer, while 99% of second-time offenders do. Hiring a drunk driving lawyer the first time you face an OWI charge can save you the trouble of dealing with a criminal second offense.

How to beat an OWI in Mequon

When you are arrested for an OWI in Wisconsin, you will receive an Administrative Notice of Intent to Suspend. You will need to respond to the Department of Transportation within 10 days to schedule a hearing for your notice. Our attorneys can help you do this.

Contact our Mequon drunk driving defense attorneys right away for a free legal consultation. Court may be the next day, or it may be in a few weeks. You will want an attorney on your side immediately to put you in the strongest position to defend your case. As long as you have experienced lawyers on your side and attend all court dates, you may be able to have your charges reduced.