OWI Defense Lawyers in Wisconsin
Defending individuals charged with OWI and related impaired driving offenses throughout Wisconsin.
Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) in Wisconsin is not a single offense, but a category of impaired driving charges that can escalate quickly based on a person’s prior history, the type of impairment alleged, and the circumstances of the stop. OWI cases may involve alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both, and charges are often filed alongside related allegations arising from the same incident.
Wisconsin treats OWI cases with heightened scrutiny, and early charging decisions can significantly affect a person’s legal exposure. While some OWI cases are civil in nature, others carry criminal penalties, and repeat offenses can result in felony charges. Importantly, an arrest does not automatically result in a conviction, and many OWI cases turn on whether law enforcement and the State complied with constitutional and evidentiary requirements.
Because OWI cases often involve complex investigative issues and multiple legal tracks, early involvement by an experienced defense attorney is critical. Prompt legal guidance can help protect constitutional rights, identify weaknesses in the State’s evidence, and shape how the case proceeds from the outset.
The attorneys at Chirafisi Anderson, S.C. have extensive experience defending individuals charged with OWI and related impaired driving offenses in Wisconsin courts. Our practice focuses on identifying unlawful stops, challenging the reliability of field sobriety and chemical testing, and scrutinizing whether law enforcement and the State have met their legal and constitutional obligations. We approach OWI cases with a litigation mindset, recognizing that early investigation and strategic motion practice often determine the outcome.
Types of OWI Charges in Wisconsin
Wisconsin law recognizes multiple OWI-related charges, each governed by different legal standards and potential consequences. While these charges often arise from the same traffic stop or arrest, they are legally distinct and must be evaluated separately.
Core OWI Offenses
Related OWI Allegations
OWI Involving Injury or Death
Additional information about each offense is available on the individual pages linked above.
How OWI Cases Are Commonly Prosecuted in Wisconsin
OWI cases in Wisconsin typically begin with a traffic stop followed by an investigation into whether a driver was impaired. Law enforcement may rely on observations, field sobriety testing, and chemical testing to determine whether charges are warranted. Charging decisions are often made early and may involve multiple OWI-related allegations arising from the same incident.
In addition to the criminal case, OWI arrests frequently trigger separate administrative proceedings that operate on strict deadlines and independent legal standards. These parallel processes can affect driving privileges and other rights regardless of how the criminal case ultimately resolves. Early procedural decisions can therefore have significant consequences.
Because OWI prosecutions often hinge on the legality of the stop, the conduct of the investigation, and the reliability of testing, early involvement by an experienced defense attorney is critical. Prompt legal representation can help protect constitutional rights, challenge improper evidence, and ensure that the State’s case is thoroughly examined rather than assumed.
OWI-Related Legal and Administrative Issues
An OWI arrest often raises immediate questions beyond the criminal charge itself. Depending on the circumstances, individuals may be dealing with separate administrative proceedings, driving restrictions, or strategic defense considerations that operate on strict timelines.
OWI Defense
Administrative Issues
Why Hiring an OWI Defense Lawyer Matters
OWI charges can carry serious legal and practical consequences, particularly when charging decisions escalate based on prior history or testing allegations. Early decisions made by law enforcement and prosecutors often shape the scope of the case, making experienced legal representation critical from the outset.
OWI cases frequently turn on technical and constitutional issues, including the legality of the traffic stop, the conduct of the investigation, and the reliability of testing. The attorneys at Chirafisi Anderson, S.C. understand how OWI cases are investigated and prosecuted in Wisconsin courts and how early missteps can dramatically affect outcomes. Our approach emphasizes careful case analysis, strategic motion practice, and disciplined advocacy.
Experience That Matters
We have extensive experience defending individuals charged with OWI and related impaired driving offenses throughout Wisconsin. These cases often involve contested stops, suppression issues, chemical testing challenges, and evolving charging theories that require focused and knowledgeable defense.
Proven Results in Serious OWI Cases
Our practice is built on defending high-stakes criminal matters where outcomes are often determined early. We prepare OWI cases to be litigated when necessary, recognizing that strategic preparation and a willingness to challenge the State’s evidence can significantly influence case resolution.
Strategic, Early Intervention
OWI investigations often begin before all facts are fully developed. We focus on early case assessment, preservation of evidence, and identifying weaknesses in the State’s case at the earliest opportunity. By engaging early and strategically, we work to protect our clients’ rights and position cases for the best possible outcome.
Representative Results in OWI Cases
Client Testimonials
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Talk to a Wisconsin OWI Defense Lawyer
An OWI arrest can have immediate and lasting consequences, even before a case is resolved in court. If you are under investigation or have been charged, speaking with an experienced defense attorney early can help protect your rights and ensure the State’s case is carefully examined.
The attorneys at Chirafisi Anderson, S.C. provide confidential consultations for individuals facing OWI and related impaired driving charges in Wisconsin. We are prepared to evaluate the circumstances of your case, explain your options, and guide you through the legal process with clarity and discretion.