OWI Attorney Serving Chippewa Falls, WI
Facing an OWI charge in Chippewa Falls, WI is a serious situation, and the decisions made early in the process can shape what happens next. Cohen Law Offices defends people charged with operating while intoxicated throughout Chippewa County. Our attorneys know the local courts, the local prosecutors, and what it takes to build a credible defense for the accused. Call us at
715-514-5051 to schedule a consultation.
What an OWI Arrest Means in Chippewa County
Wisconsin uses the term OWI, or Operating While Intoxicated, rather than DUI or DWI in its statutes. These cases move through the Chippewa County Circuit Court at 711 N. Bridge St. in Chippewa Falls, and the outcome of each case depends on the specific facts surrounding the stop, the arrest, and the testing process.
A first OWI offense in Wisconsin is classified as a civil forfeiture, not a criminal charge, but the consequences are still significant. Penalties can include fines, a driver's license revocation of six to nine months, and a mandatory ignition interlock device requirement if the blood alcohol content was at or above 0.15. A second offense carries criminal penalties, including potential jail time. If a passenger under 16 was present in the vehicle, even a first offense can be elevated to a criminal misdemeanor.
How We Defend OWI Cases in Chippewa Falls
A charge is not a conviction. Depending on how your stop and arrest were handled, there may be real grounds to challenge the case against you.
The stop itself is always the starting point. Law enforcement must have a specific, articulable reason to pull a driver over. If the reason for the stop does not hold up under scrutiny, the evidence collected during that stop may not stand.
Field sobriety test results are also open to challenge. These tests are affected by road conditions, footwear, fatigue, medical conditions, and nerves. Whether the officer followed standardized procedures matters when evaluating the reliability of those results.
Chemical testing is not automatic proof either. Breathalyzer machines require regular calibration, and blood draws must follow a proper chain of custody. Errors in testing procedures can affect what is admissible in court.
Cohen Law Offices examines every piece of the record from the initial contact through the test results to find any weaknesses in the prosecution's case.
Reach Our Team in Chippewa Falls
We are available seven days a week and offer weekend appointments for clients who cannot meet during regular business hours. When you contact us, we review the police report, the circumstances of your stop, and any test results before outlining your options clearly.
For a broader look at how we handle drunk driving defense in Wisconsin, visit our [drunk driving defense overview]. To see everything Cohen Law Offices handles in the Chippewa Falls area, visit our [Chippewa Falls criminal defense page].
Frequently Asked Questions About OWI Defense in Chippewa Falls, WI
Will a first OWI in Wisconsin go on my criminal record?
A first OWI offense in Wisconsin is classified as a civil forfeiture, so it does not become part of your criminal record in the same way a misdemeanor or felony would. It does appear on your driving record, and a prior OWI can be used to increase penalties if a second offense occurs. An attorney can explain exactly how the charge affects your record based on the specific facts of your case.
What happens to my driver's license after an OWI arrest in Chippewa Falls?
After an OWI arrest in Wisconsin, your driving privileges may be administratively suspended before your case is resolved in court. You may be able to request a hearing to contest that suspension and apply for an occupational license that allows you to drive to work, school, or medical appointments during the revocation period. Cohen Law Offices can represent you through both the court process and the administrative hearing.
Can an OWI charge in Chippewa County be dismissed?
An OWI charge can be dismissed or reduced depending on how the stop, arrest, and testing were conducted. If the traffic stop lacked proper justification, if testing procedures were not followed correctly, or if there are other errors in the record, those issues can be raised as part of your defense. Reviewing the specific facts with an attorney is the first and most important step.
Contact Cohen Law Office today to schedule a free consultation. Our team answers calls seven days a week at 715-514-5051, and we are here to help you understand your options from the start.
