OWI vs. Traffic Ticket: OWI Lawyer Handles Criminal Defense

Driving under the influence is a serious crime. For anyone facing charges, finding the right OWI lawyer in Eau Claire, WI, can determine whether your life will be altered permanently. Cohen Law Offices understands that an Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) charge isn’t like any other moving violation—it’s a life-changing criminal accusation. If you’re grappling with an OWI or DUI arrest, the difference between general legal assistance and dedicated criminal defense can mean everything. In this article, we’ll explore why an OWI should be treated as a criminal matter, discuss the wide-ranging consequences of an OWI conviction, and explain why our passionate, focused team at Cohen Law Offices is equipped to serve you.



OWI Charges: More Than Just a Traffic Ticket

Unlike a simple traffic citation, an OWI charge is a criminal accusation with consequences that go far beyond fines or points on your license. In the Eau Claire, WI, area, being charged with OWI can bring lifelong repercussions. While a speeding ticket may only momentarily inconvenience your day, an OWI conviction can drastically impact your future. Ready to learn more from Cohen Law Offices? Visit our DUI, DWI, and OWI page for details and expert guidance from our OWI lawyer.

License Loss and Driving Restrictions

A conviction nearly always leads to immediate suspension or revocation of your driving privileges. The inability to drive affects everyday life—commuting to work, taking children to school, running errands. Unlike losing a few points on your license, the administrative penalties accompanying an OWI can leave you dependent on others or spending significant money on taxis or rideshares.

Criminal Record and Employment Risks

 
Being found guilty of OWI means obtaining a criminal record, which can restrict job opportunities and professional licenses in Eau Claire, WI, and beyond. Many employers perform background checks and may see an OWI as a warning sign for risky or irresponsible behavior—potentially leading to job loss or inability to secure new work.

Financial Consequences

The costs associated with an OWI conviction don’t end with fines. Insurance rates in Eau Claire, WI, can spike dramatically. There may be mandatory educational classes, alcohol treatment, or ignition interlock device fees. You might spend thousands more per year, on top of court costs and missed work.



Why Handling OWI Defense Requires Focused OWI Lawyer Experience

General practice attorneys often offer a laundry list of legal services, from drafting a will to advising on real estate transactions. But when it comes to OWI defense, especially in Eau Claire, WI, the stakes are much higher, and the knowledge required is much deeper.

Understanding Legal Nuances

OWI laws are notoriously complicated. The statutes governing intoxicated driving frequently change, and interpreting them requires an ongoing, focused commitment to criminal defense. A general attorney who only occasionally defends OWI cases might not be well-versed in recent legal updates, potential constitutional defenses, or unique sentencing alternatives.

Complex Science Behind OWI Charges

OWI cases in Eau Claire, WI, rely not only on legal arguments but also on science. Breathalyzer accuracy, lab procedures, and police field sobriety tests can all be contested—but only if your OWI lawyer understands the science behind blood alcohol analysis, calibration, and human error.

Courtroom Experience Matters

Criminal defense attorneys with years of concentrated practice know the tendencies of prosecutors and judges operating in the Eau Claire, WI, area. They’re skilled in negotiating plea agreements, recognizing flaws in the prosecution’s case, and advocating for reduced or dismissed charges. Without focused experience, an attorney might miss crucial opportunities for your defense.



Long-Term Consequences of an OWI or DUI Conviction

An OWI conviction is not a minor setback—it’s a barrier that can define your future. Our OWI lawyer urges anyone facing a charge to understand the lingering dangers.

Restricted Travel and Mobility

With an OWI on your record, entering certain countries may be restricted. Your ability to move freely, travel for work, or visit family overseas can be jeopardized.

Educational Barriers

Students pursuing higher education could lose scholarships or face expulsion due to an OWI conviction. Educational institutions may suspend or expel students based on school policy.

Family, Relationships, and Community Standing

 
An OWI, unlike a traffic ticket, can affect your reputation in Eau Claire, WI. Friends, family, and community networks may view you differently, with lasting damage to relationships and trust.

Insurance Hurdles

As a secondary consequence, insurance carriers often hike premiums for those with OWIs. You may face ongoing financial burdens, with limited access to affordable auto coverage.



How Focused Criminal Defense Can Help Your Future

Understanding the critical difference between a general practice and a criminal defense-focused firm is vital for your future. Cohen Law Offices draws on more than 60 years of combined experience, dedicated exclusively to criminal defense—not traffic tickets, not real estate, not wills.

Proactive Case Strategy

A focused OWI lawyer will immediately investigate the details of your charge in Eau Claire, WI. From scrutinizing officer reports to reviewing breathalyzer calibration records, every procedural detail is critical.

Challenging Evidence Effectively

With in-depth familiarity of OWI defense, your attorney understands which pieces of evidence can—and should—be challenged in court. Was the breath test administered correctly? Did law enforcement follow protocol? These are vital questions for anyone accused.

Preserving Your Legal Rights

 
Any criminal charge, especially an OWI, brings the risk of lost rights. The right OWI lawyer will defend against improper police searches, unconstitutional stops, and errors in procedure that can make or break your case.

Negotiating Sentences

Sentencing alternatives or reductions are only possible when your lawyer knows what’s available in Eau Claire, WI, courts. With experience comes the ability to spot these chances for lenience or dismissal.

Why Our Firm Chooses Criminal Defense

Cohen Law Offices isn’t distracted by the many complexities of general law practice. Serving Eau Claire, WI, our OWI lawyer believes the most effective way to protect your future is to focus exclusively on criminal cases.

Continuous Training and Learning

With a practice built solely on criminal defense, our attorneys are consistently seeking advanced training and keeping current with legal trends.

Community Connections Matter

By remaining rooted in criminal defense, Cohen Law Offices builds strong relationships with local courts, prosecutors, and law enforcement. These connections ensure our team knows how best to advocate for your interests.

Real Results, Real Relief

Our long history operating in the Eau Claire, WI, area means we know what matters most to local clients—protecting rights, careers, and futures. We’re dedicated to seeing you move forward after an OWI incident.



Don’t Treat an OWI Like a Traffic Ticket—Act Now!

If you or someone you care about has been charged with OWI, you’re already aware this is far more than a simple citation. An OWI lawyer in Eau Claire, WI, can help protect every aspect of your life—your license, job, family, and future. Trust the focused criminal defense experience found at Cohen Law Offices and take the first step toward a strong defense. Call us at (715) 514-5051 to speak directly with an attorney who will fight for your rights. Don’t let an OWI determine your life’s direction—act today and protect your future.