Sometimes when you are out to dinner or having fun with your friends or family, you might have a drink or two. That’s perfectly legal in Wisconsin. It’s not illegal to drink and drive. Simply put, it’s illegal to drink too much and then drive. In any event, you might feel fine, get in the car, and attempt to drive home only to be pulled over by the police and charged with OWI. So, what do you do now? When do you contact an OWI defense lawyer to start representing you?
Put An OWI Defense Lawyer On Your Side As Soon As Possible
When you have been arrested for an OWI-related offense in Wisconsin, you should contact a drunk driving defense lawyer immediately. A 10-day clock has already begun to run on your right to challenge either revocation or administrative suspension of your driving privileges. These driver’s license proceedings are a related but distinct issue from your OWI court case and require additional and immediate attention. Missing these deadlines will result in the automatic revocation or suspension of driving privileges.
Non-Lawyer Related Tips
- Remain silent. Everything you say during an OWI stop will be used against you. For example, if you tell the police that you had one or two drinks, they will think you’re lying and use that against you. On the other hand, if you tell the police that you had a larger number, they will consider that a confession and use it against you. The police are experts at twisting your words in the context of an OWI stop. The best way to prevent them from doing so is to respectfully assert your right to remain silent.
- Write everything down. Write down everything you remember about the stop. When and where were you stopped? What was the reason given for your stop? Was there a test administered and if so, what kind? What, if anything, did you tell the officer about your food and drink consumption? Write these things down as quickly as you can, while your memory is still fresh. The answer to these questions will guide your drunk driving lawyers with your defense strategy.
- Find witnesses. Talk to your friends and family, especially if they saw you right before, right after, or during your stop. Ask if they would be willing to testify on your behalf in court. Witnesses can go a long way to strengthen your defense, so gather them early, if possible. Your defense team will want to document their statements, because people can forget things quickly. Credible defense witnesses can make the difference between “guilty” and “not guilty.”
Contact Nelson Defense Group Today
If you or a loved one has been charged with an OWI offense, there is no time to waste. The sooner we can get involved in your defense, the sooner we can start protecting your rights and future. For a free initial discussion about your OWI charge in Wisconsin, call us in Hudson at 715-386-2694 or complete our contact form. Nelson Defense Group serves clients throughout Wisconsin.