December 20, 2025

Penalties for a First Offense OWI in Wisconsin

A first offense Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) charge in Wisconsin carries serious consequences. These penalties extend far beyond the courtroom. Hart Powell, S.C. recognizes that Wisconsin law treats a first offense as a civil traffic violation rather than a criminal misdemeanor. However, the penalties impact your employment, insurance rates, and driving privileges for years. Understanding…

OWI

June 1, 2025

What Happens When You Refuse a Breathalyzer Test in Wisconsin

It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle in Wisconsin with a Blood/Breath Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or greater. If a law enforcement police officer has reason to believe you are Operating While Intoxicated (OWI), they can request samples of your breath, blood, or urine. If you refuse to take a breathalyzer test, you…

OWI

May 6, 2025

Penalties for Multiple OWI Offenses in Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) is called “operating while intoxicated” (OWI). If law enforcement charges you with an OWI, you need a skilled and knowledgeable OWI lawyer to help protect your rights and avoid an OWI charge. Navigate the Wisconsin criminal justice system. Why? The offense cannot be…

OWI

June 1, 2024

Is an OWI / DUI Blood Test After Two Hours Legal in Milwaukee?

Were you arrested for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated (OWI) in Wisconsin? Did the officers wait and only give you an OWI/DUI blood test after 2 hours? Depending on the circumstances of your arrest, a delayed blood test could harm your defense. Sometimes, police use underhanded tactics to make the evidence against a defendant…

OWI

January 1, 2022

Five Ways to Avoid an OWI Charge

Everyone loves, and deserves, some downtime after a hard day’s or week’s work. Sometimes, that downtime involves relaxing at home and, sometimes, you want to go out and have a good time with friends or loved ones. It might involve a drink or two. Even attending a party, celebration, or work event may include indulging…

OWI

September 4, 2021

How to Beat a DUI

We’ve all seen the commercials, the online ads, the digital signs floating above the highway reading: “Don’t drink and drive.” But sometimes, things happen. If you’ve been arrested or charged with driving under the influence or operating while intoxicated (DUI/OWI), you need the help of an experienced attorney. Having a DUI/OWI on your record can…