Field sobriety tests (FSTs) are roadside exercises used by law enforcement to help determine whether a driver may be impaired. In Wisconsin OWI cases, these tests are used to establish probable cause for arrest and may later be introduced as evidence in court. However, FST results are not chemical tests, and their reliability can be…
OWI penalties in Wisconsin escalate based on three primary statutory factors: prior offenses, alcohol concentration, and aggravating circumstances such as minor passengers or injury. While a first-offense OWI is typically treated as a civil forfeiture, repeat offenses and specific enhancements can elevate a case to a criminal misdemeanor or felony with significantly increased exposure. Wisconsin’s…
In most Wisconsin OWI cases, refusing a chemical test does not prevent law enforcement from obtaining a blood sample. Officers frequently seek a warrant and obtain blood evidence even after a refusal. Refusal also triggers a separate legal proceeding that can result in license revocation and additional penalties. For many drivers, refusing testing does not…
No, your license is not automatically suspended the moment you are arrested for OWI in Wisconsin. In most cases, a 30-day temporary driving period begins on the date of arrest or notice, and a suspension takes effect later unless a hearing is requested within the required 10-day window. The exact timing depends on whether chemical…
After an OWI arrest in Wisconsin, a driver typically faces two parallel legal processes: a criminal (or civil forfeiture) court case and an administrative action affecting driving privileges. The court process begins with an initial appearance where release conditions may be set, while the administrative process can trigger an automatic license suspension with strict deadlines…