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 warnings against drowsiness and operating heavy machinery.
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.
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 made a procedural mistake, your charges could be reduced or dropped.
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.
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.
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 an IID adds a significant cost to an OWI conviction.
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.
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 another area around your home where you have a reasonable expectation of privacy.
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.
Can Lawful Driving Be Grounds for a Traffic Stop?
In criminal defense, when we talk about "reasonable suspicion of criminal activity," we're talking about just that: reason to think that a crime has been committed. In the context of traffic stops, a police officer must have reasonable suspicion to pull you over.
