“I’m screwed.”
It’s one of most people’s first thoughts when arrested for operating while intoxicated (OWI). We understand. An OWI conviction can turn your life upside down by damaging your reputation, harming your employment prospects, increasing your insurance costs, and costing you loads of money in fines and fees.
People often do not realize that they can be “screwed” without being convicted of OWI. Some of the most significant consequences of an OWI arrest come from the administrative process alongside the criminal process.
The administrative process is overseen by the Department of Transportation and begins as soon as they are notified of your arrest. This process is separate from your criminal case and can result in the suspension of your license even if charges against you are dropped.
“See? I’m screwed.”
Not necessarily. Once you receive a suspension notice, you will have a window of 30 days to request a court hearing to contest the suspension of your license. During those 30 days you will be able to drive by using a temporary driver’s license that is good for the duration of those 30 days.
It is important to have an experienced OWI defense lawyer on your side that can protect your rights in criminal courts as well as the civil proceedings that decide the fate of your driving privileges. At Stroud, Willink & Howard Criminal Defense Group LLC, we have extensive experience with all facts of OWI defense in Wisconsin. We can help you protect your rights, finances, reputation, and driver’s license.
