Practice Areas

You have been accused of driving while under the influence of alcohol and probably received two tickets; one for operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicant and if your test result was above .08, above .02 in fourth offense or higher cases, a second for operating with a prohibited alcohol concentration. While you may not have felt too impaired to drive, an OWI can be charged when a law enforcement officer stops you and suspects imparement.

If you receive a Notice of Intent to Suspend Operating Privileges or a
Notice of Intent to Revoke Operating Privileges, you have 10 days to act. Failing to demand either hearing impacts your operating privileges 30 days from your date of arrest. Failing to Demand a Refusal Hearing when receiving an Notice of Intent to Revoke is irreversible and counts as a OWI conviction regardless of what eventually happens with your OWI arrest. While failing to demand the Administrative Suspension Hearing is less detrimental, it deprives you of opportunity to question officers and
in most cases, receive critical information about your case in advance of court appearances.

An Ignition Interlock Device, or an IID, is placed on your vehicle and requires you to blow into the machine before allowing you to start your vehicle. You are also prompted to blow while driving, and any alcohol in your system will prevent the starting of your vehicle or will disable your vehicle.

If you are charged with an OWI 2nd or subsequent charge, or there was a minor in the vehicle, injury or death on a first offense, jail will be imposed. The amount of jail time, or prison time in fourth offense cases or higher, varies based on the sentencing guidelines throughout the state and the circumstances of your case.