Underage OWI in Wisconsin: The Potential Consequences and What to Do Next

 Posted on October 19, 2022 in DUI/OWI

If your child has just been charged with underage OWI in Wisconsin, you may be feeling a range of emotions, from shock to anger to worry. It's important to know that there are consequences for underage drinking and driving, but there are also ways to minimize the negative impact of an OWI on your child's life. Here is what you need to know about the penalties for an underage OWI in Wisconsin and what you can do next.

Penalties for an Underage OWI in Wisconsin

The penalties for an Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) conviction for an underage person in Wisconsin depend on the facts of the case, but they can range from a fine to jail time. If your child is convicted of an underage OWI, they may face the following penalties:

• Fines of up to $500

• Suspension of their driver's license for up to six months

• Mandatory completion of an alcohol assessment and/or treatment program

• Installation of an ignition interlock device on their vehicle

In some cases, an underage OWI may be charged as a felony if the suspect has prior convictions or if someone was injured as a result of the suspect's drunk driving. If your child is facing felony charges, it is important to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

The Next Steps

If your child has been charged with an underage OWI, the first thing you should do is contact a criminal defense attorney who has experience handling these types of cases. An experienced attorney will be able to review the facts of your child's case and determine what the best course of action is. They may be able to get the charges reduced or dismissed altogether. In some cases, it may be possible to negotiate a plea agreement with the prosecutor that includes lesser penalties.

It is also important to make sure that your child does not drink and drive again in the future. Underage drinking is a serious offense, and it can have long-lasting consequences on your child's life if they are caught. Repeat offenders will face more severe penalties, including jail time. If your child has been charged with an underage OWI, help them get their life back on track by getting them the help they need to avoid drinking and driving in the future.

Contact a Waukesha County OWI Defense Lawyer

If your son or daughter has been charged with underage OWI in Wisconsin, it is important to seek legal assistance as soon as possible. An experienced Milwaukee underage drinking and driving defense lawyer from Bucher Law Group, LLC will help you and your child determine the best course of action for moving forward. Call 262-303-4916 for a free consultation today.

Source:

https://wisconsindot.gov/Documents/safety/education/drunk-drv/owi-youth-penchrt.pdf