Criminal courts in Wisconsin increasingly recognize the need for addiction treatment. That goes for drugs and alcohol.In fact, there are currently 31 treatment courts for OWI offenders in Wisconsin, and the state's first OWI treatment court opened in Waukesha County...
Drunk Driving Charges
Prescription Drugs and OWI: Can Following a Doctor’s Orders Lead to an Arrest?
It's common knowledge that alcohol and certain prescription medications are not supposed to be mixed -- particularly if you're planning to drive. Prescription drugs for pain, anxiety and depression typically have alcohol-related warnings on the bottles, as well as...
Consequences of a First-Time OWI in Wisconsin
Wisconsin has a reputation as a state where beer flows freely. While that may be true in one sense, the reality is that law enforcement in Wisconsin is cracking down on drunk driving.There are heavy penalties for operating a vehicle while intoxicated -- for repeat and...
Drunk Driving Defense: 3 Mistakes Police Make During OWI Stops
People throughout Wisconsin have been there -- they had one too many drinks and need to drive home. Getting behind the wheel while intoxicated can lead to serious consequences, but you should know that if you find yourself in this situation, and if a police officer...
Legislators Consider Tougher Penalties as Police Increase Holiday OWI Patrols
A bill that would increase penalties for repeat OWI offenses is receiving major support from Wisconsin lawmakers. The bill was passed unanimously in the state Senate in November, and police organizations have also voiced their support for the measure.In early...
Wisconsin Supreme Court: Police Coerced Driver to Consent to Blood Test
If you don't know whether you should submit to a blood-alcohol test in Wisconsin, you are not alone.An important thing to understand is that under Wisconsin law your driver's license could be revoked if you refuse a breath or blood test. Still, as a recent OWI case...
Ignition Interlock Devices Are on the Rise in Wisconsin
Ignition interlock devices -- otherwise known as IIDs -- are increasingly part of the penalties for drunk driving convictions in Wisconsin and nationwide. In addition to preventing you from operating your vehicle if alcohol is detected on your breath, installation of...
3 Proposed Bills Would Increase Penalties for Drunk Driving in Wisconsin
The Wisconsin legislature is considering three bills that would increase penalties for people convicted of drunk driving.A quick breakdown of the proposed legislation: One bill would establish a five-year minimum prison sentence for individuals convicted of homicide...
Wisconsin Supreme Court Rules on OWI Stop in Private Parking Garage
The area around a person's home, in legal terms, is called the curtilage. This area is constitutionally protected from warrantless search and seizure. For example, a police officer would generally need a warrant to enter and search your yard, your private garage or...
Wisconsin Supreme Court: Police Can Stop You for Littering, Arrest You for OWI
What gives a police officer the right to stop your vehicle? Basically, the officer must have reason to suspect that a violation has been committed, but what constitutes reasonable suspicion is not always clear.For example, the Wisconsin Supreme Court recently ruled on...