Ploetz Defense - The Wise Defense

Get Your Best Defense - (414) 443-9810 - Peter D. Ploetz, S.C.

DWI/OWI Defense

OWI and DWI convictions can carry stiff penalties; the financial repercussions can persist long after your day in Court. Through the DOT administrative review process, maintaining a valid Wisconsin Driver’s License is of primary importance during the pendency of the OWI/BAC court proceedings. An experienced, effective Defense Attorney familiar with the nuances of Criminal-Civil Traffic Laws can be your greatest ally. The cost of doing nothing will likely end up being much greater than the cost of retaining effective counsel. Hire a competent, capable Defense Attorney with OWI/DWI expertise. Attorney Peter D. Ploetz has over 20 years of experience helping Milwaukee area drivers with Drunk Driving violations. Multiple OWI or Drunk Driving offenses often lead to jail time for those convicted. To reduce or avoid jail time altogether it is essential to have an attorney experienced in negotiating, and using the law to your advantage. PloetzDefense has a long history of helping Milwaukee area residents facing OWI and drunk driving charges. Attorney Ploetz works to reduce or avoid jail time through a detailed understanding of the law, and an effective, strong pleading of your individual case. Attorney Peter D. Ploetz will be able to discuss your options at the early stages of your case. Expect nothing less than an experienced Drunk Driving Defense Attorney to represent you.

In most Drunk Driving/OWI allegations, jail time is mandated by State Statute. By act of the Wisconsin State Legislature, a fourth time OWI allegation will be quite possibly a felony matter for an accused individual. OWI penalties, though relatively light by national standards, are substantial in the State of Wisconsin. Wisconsin Law sets forth the following penalties and requirements:

Conviction Fine or Forfeiture Jail Suspension or Revocation Occupational License Alcohol Assessment Demerit Points
OWI First (Per se AC> .08) Restricted or Controlled Substance $150 - $300 plus $365 OWI Surcharge No 6 - 9 month revocation Ignition interlock if BAC is > 0.15 Immediately Yes 6
OWI Second (Per se AC>.08 $350 - $1,100 plus $365 OWI Surcharge 5 days to 6 months 12 - 18 month revocation Required ignition interlock After 45 days Yes 6
OWI Third Per se AC>.08 $600 - $2,000 plus $365 OWI Surcharge 45 days to one (1) year 2 - 3 year revocation Required ignition interlock After 45 days Yes 6
OWI Fourth Per se AC>.02 If prior OWI offense within 5 years $600 - $10,000 plus $365 OWI Surcharge 6 months to 6 years 2 - 3 year revocation Required ignition interlock After 45 days Yes 6
OWI Fifth or Sixth $600 - $10,000 plus $365 OWI Surcharge 6 months to 6 years 2 - 3 year revocation Required ignition interlock After 45 days Yes 6
Causing Injury While OWI $300 - $2,000 plus $365 OWI Surcharge 30 days to one (1) year 1 - 2 year revocation Required ignition interlock After 60 days Yes 6
Chemical Test Refusal – First 1 year revocation Required ignition interlock After 30 days
Chemical Test Refusal – Second 2 year revocation Required ignition interlock After 45 days
Administrative Suspension for Prohibited Alcohol Consentation 6 month suspension Immediately
* Penalties may vary depending on individual facts of case. Harsher penalties under Wisconsin Statutes exist for more aggravated offenses. Partial Probation may be imposed by a sentencing Judge in some cases whereby actually reducing incarceration time. Continued three year SR-22 insurance requirement after reinstatement of revoked operators privileges except for reinstatement for OWI -First Offense.