DUI Law in Green Bay, WI
What Is a DUI?
DUI, which refers to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, is a criminal offense that can lead to weighty consequences. Also known as DWI, the process of going to court to face either conviction or exoneration can change the course of your life forever.
Learn more about your DUI law defense options below, and then talk to a local attorney in Green Bay, Wisconsin who will help you in this delicate situation. You don’t have to stare down the consequences alone. You can take wise steps today to protect your interests.
Possible Consequences of a Green Bay, Wisconsin
DUI Conviction
Where you live, the severity of the incident, and your criminal record determine the sentencing for a DUI. The punishments can drastically increase if you have had previous DUIs, so be mindful of that. If this is your first DUI, do not go at it alone and risk costly mistakes. Get a Green Bay law firm on your side to fight for you and your rights.
Paying Fines
If convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs in Green Bay, Wisconsin, you can count on fines being a part of your sentencing. Getting arrested for drinking and driving comes with an Operating a Motor Vehicle while Intoxicated charge. Your first OWI offense in Green Bay costs $150 to $300 and increases depending on your blood-alcohol level and criminal history.
However, other factors can drastically increase the amount you must pay, including:
- Any damage to property while driving under the influence
- If someone suffered injuries as a result of your intoxicated driving
- Cases that include child endangerment
- Any court costs associated with your case
Jail Time
Jail time is mandatory, even for first-time offenders in Green Bay. If this is your first DUI offense, you may only have to face a day or two in prison. But if you have previous convictions for DUIs, you can be sentenced to several months or years, depending on the nature of the crime. Know that some circumstances can add even more time in a cell, including injury to other people while driving under the influence.
Probation
If you do not face jail time, you will likely be on probation, with the sentencing judge determining the duration. You will pay monthly fees, and you cannot commit any more criminal offenses, including traffic violations. If you violate the terms of your probation, count on facing time behind bars.
The Unit 403 Probation Office in Green Bay manages probation and monitors compliance with the program. No matter the size or significance of the violation, these infractions can reach a judge’s desk to consider revocation. You do not have a right to privacy during this period, so search and seizure can happen at any time. If you have firearms or illegal drugs, the police can arrest you and file new criminal charges. Additionally, you may have to serve the longest sentence for your conviction instead of enjoying some freedoms.
Drug and Alcohol Education Program
Following a Green Bay DUI sentencing, the law states you must complete a drug and alcohol education program. This will teach you about the dangers of driving under the influence. These programs cost more fees besides the legal costs you already have to pay.
After receiving an OWI conviction in Green Bay, an Intoxicated Driver Program assessment can follow. This process involves meeting with an assessor to discuss your previous and current use of drugs or alcohol. By the end, you should have a safety plan to follow that protects yourself and the community from harm.
The education programs also include a DUI evaluation. An evaluator asks you questions about how alcohol and drugs affect your life. If they believe that you are dependent, you may have to enter a substance abuse treatment program.
Suspension or Loss of License
No matter where you may face a DUI conviction, you have to undergo a license suspension period, at the very least. If it is your first DUI, you may have a license suspension for a few months while you go through probation and the drug and alcohol education program.
If this is not your first DUI, you may have your license suspended for much longer, or you could have it taken from you permanently.
What Should You Do When Charged With a DUI in Green Bay, Wisconsin?
If you’re facing a felony DUI charge, you must take the following steps to protect yourself:
Step 1: Contact an Attorney Familiar With DUI Law
Immediately following your DUI arrest, you need to contact an experienced Green Bay DUI attorney. Your attorney can help prepare for your arraignment and prepare a defense to vindicate yourself or reduce the sentencing.
Step 2: Learn About Your Local DUI Laws
Green Bay, Wisconsin has unique laws for DUI or DWI charges. Your lawyer will work with you to help you better understand your state’s laws on driving while intoxicated. It is critical to understand what charges you face and the potential outcomes of your case.
Step 3: Request a DMV Hearing
You or your attorney should request a hearing as soon as possible following your arrest. In Green Bay, Wisconsin you only have so much time to ask for a DMV hearing to keep your license until your court appearance. If you do not request a hearing, prepare for a license suspension.
You can request a hearing with the State of Wisconsin Department of Transportation after your OWI arrest. This event allows you to contest your involvement, liability, and responsibility. Bringing an attorney is to your benefit to present evidence that includes witnesses and affidavits. Since this resembles a trial, having a Green Bay attorney by your side can better protect your rights and interests.
Step 4: Prepare for Court Appearance
You and your attorney will prepare for your appearance and arraignment in Green Bay. If you plead “not guilty,” your DUI defense attorney represents you in court, and a judge and jury oversee the DUI law case.
Step 5: Receive Sentencing or Exoneration
You will either be “not guilty” of the charges brought against you and walk free, or you will receive sentencing for a guilty verdict.
Work with an Experienced Local DUI Lawyer in Green Bay, Wisconsin
Should you ever find yourself charged with a DUI, you need to work with an experienced Green Bay lawyer who can stand up for you in court. You cannot clear your name of the charges or reduce the consequences without help. Your life and future depend on having great legal representation during your DUI case. Contact an attorney near you today. We can even help you connect with legal help across Wisconsin state lines.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!
