The penalties for a drunk driving conviction will affect the individual’s life for years to come. For example, the inability to drive to work can limit their earning capacity, not to mention insurance rates that will become staggering after a conviction.
The best way to limit the impact of a drunk driving arrest is by contacting a drunk driving lawyer in Beaver Dam, WI. Their experience and knowledge can help an individual minimize the impact of the arrest with aggressive legal representation. Sometimes, evidence will get tossed out if it wasn’t properly obtained.
Criminal Charges
A drunk driving charge is considered a criminal charge. Other criminal charges involving automobiles include operating after revocation, speeding and traffic violations, probation revocation, and felony charges. Criminal charges will remain on an individual’s record for years to come and can affect an individual’s ability to get or remain employed.
First-Time Offenders
Wisconsin does not criminalize first-time drinking and driving offenses. In most situations, the offender receives a fine and is released after they sober up. They can still lose their license for six to nine months, and if there are children in the car, penalties will be more severe.
Subsequent Offenses
When an individual is arrested for subsequent offenses, they increase the penalties. Surcharges paid with the fines cover community programs for alcohol and drug abuse programs. Jail time will be assessed for the second offense and beyond.
Jail time for a second offense begins at five days and can last as long as six months. A fourth, fifth or sixth arrest can result in 60 days to six years in prison, and a fifth or sixth offense can cause a felony charge.
Ignition Interlock Device
An ignition interlock device is known as an IID, which will be put on the person’s car if their blood alcohol content is over .15 for the first offense. If an individual has subsequent offenses, an IID will get installed in their car, for which they will have to pay. An aggressive drunk driving lawyer in Beaver Dam, WI can help people with their drunk driving charges.
Don’t let a drunk driving charge ruin your life. Click here to learn more about how a criminal attorney can help. You can also visit them on Facebook.
