Biggest Drunk Driving misconception in Wisconsin
Isn’t it cheaper to just pay the DUI/OWI ticket and move on with my life?
No it is not!
This is a very prominent and damaging misconception, because the amount you’re required to pay right off the bat (the amount listed on the top right hand corner of the citation) is not the final amount you will pay upon conviction! This immediate forfeiture amount typically lies between $700.00-$1,000.00 and, unfortunately, this is just the beginning of the burdens you will have to bear. To better understand what the costs may be and your charges, download our PDF on DUI Laws in Wisconsin.
Out of Pocket Costs:
If you are convicted of an OWI First in the State of Wisconsin you will be subjected to a mandatory AODA assessment (alcohol and drug assessment). This will typically cost several hundred to even a thousand dollars out of pocket. While an OWI First in the State of Wisconsin is a civil ordinance violation ticket and not a criminal offense, we are the only state in the USA which views it as such! Meaning, if you ever apply for a job out of state, your future employer may believe you have been convicted of a crime or even served jail time. Not to mention, if your BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) was above the legal limit, but below .15, your drivers license will be revoked for a period of six to nine months. We recommend you hire a reputable DUI lawyer located in Milwaukee.
If you were to apply for an occupational license during these proceedings, then even more restrictions, expenses and paperwork will apply to you. Upon receiving your occupational license, you will only be able to drive during certain hours of the day, typically before and after work. You would only be able to drive 60 hours per week on an occupational license. Which might seem like plenty of time, but most people’s driving obligations span far beyond these time restrictions, affecting both your personal and social life.