Driving while intoxicated costs the state of Wisconsin millions of dollars including costs for injuries, fatalities, and property damage. Measures taken by the state to prevent drunk driving include mandating BAC testing and ordering the installation of ignition interlock devices in vehicles of those convicted of drunk driving.
Ignition interlock devices require drivers to take a breathalyzer test before they are able to start their car. Drivers are required to install the devices if they are driving with a BAC above 0.15 on their first OWI offense. The current legal BAC limit for driving is 0.08. Under a related bill, which was signed into law February 29, police officers may obtain search warrants to administer BAC blood tests on the first OWI offense. Prior to this law, offenders could refuse to have their BAC level tested.
A conviction for Wisconsin DUI/OWI can result in substantial fines, loss of license, incarceration and more. If you have been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, contact the Law Offices of Andrew C. Ladd LLC for help. Our aggressive drunk driving defense representation includes challenges to blood alcohol count (BAC) test results, legal challenges to probable cause, illegal search, motions to dismiss or reduce drunk driving charges to non-alcohol violation, license revocation proceedings, requests for occupational driver’s licenses, license reinstatement and defense of related traffic violations such as excessive speeding or reckless driving.
Source: The Badger Herald, “Drunk Driving’s ‘Ripple Effect’ Felt By All in Wisconsin”, by Emily Hamer, March 14, 2016.
