OWI/DWI Defense Lawyer

If you have been charged with OWI, the State is already in the process of suspending your license. Should you fail to challenge the Adminstrative Suspension within the required time period, the suspension will become effective for six months. Johnson & Cohen S.C. can fight your driver's license suspension.

OWI and DWI Defense lawyer Michael Cohen understands Wisconsin's drunk driving law and knows how to fight OWI charges. He has obtained dismissals and not-guilty verdicts in numerous OWI cases. If you have refused a chemical test, his work as an OWI Defense attorney is even more important. Attorney Cohen has won cases where his clients refused the chemical test.

The Advantages of Hiring a Drunk Driving Attorney

Adapted from Freeadvice.com

The overall advantage of hiring a drunk driving attorney is that they understand the rules and the consequences of a drunk driving arrest. In fact, because the consequences to you are so serious (i.e., losing your license, paying a large fine, jail time, permanent mark on your record), you are going need skilled  help to be able to fight the case well. 

An attorney who regularly practices OWI or DWI defense will know the applicable law, the defenses, the local prosecutors, and the options related to a drunk driving case in your jurisdiction in detail. This places the attorney in a better position to present your case in the most advantageous manner possible in order to reduce your penalty/sentencing or to have your OWI charge dismissed entirely. Over the last several years, more states have begun cracking down on drunk driving offenses by imposing stiffer penalties and harsher sentencing, especially on susequent drunk driving convictions. Even a misdemeanor drunk driving conviction can have more impact on your life and criminal history than some lower level felony offenses by way of mandatory jail sentences and lengthy driver’s license suspensions, so it is important that you take steps to minimize the impact of an OWI on your life. 

A qualified and experienced drunk driving attorney knows the important legal rules and standards (and local court customs and procedures) in depth to be able to defend drunk driving charges. OWI and DWI Defense lawyer Michael Cohen is up on the latest requirements for blood draws, field sobriety tests, breath tests, or sobriety check points. He will be able to identify many issues with your case that could result in a lesser sentence or dismissal of your case. 

Most people think the only two options are to take a plea or go to trial. A good OWI attorney will usually be able to talk about all of the local options as well. For example, many counties have received funding for specialized OWI programs. If you agree to enter an OWI diversion program and successfully complete the drug or alcohol counseling, you can “earn” a reduced sentence. If the attorney you are considering hiring is not familiar with local practices, does not have lots of experience in handling OWI matters or negotiating with the prosecutor, he/she may not be the right lawyer to advise you about all of the ways to handle your case. You should consider consulting with a different attorney. Look at what’s at stake: if the consequences are severe, you need good legal help fast.

An OWI attorney will know to ask for alternate plea options to protect your criminal history and driver’s license. The OWI attorney knows which arguments are likely to appeal and carry more weight with the prosecutor than someone representing themselves. 

When choosing an OWI attorney to represent you, consider this: you wouldn’t want your dentist to give you open-heart surgery. The same theory applies when selecting a drunk driving attorney. A good OWI lawyer understands the overlap of scientific principles used by law enforcement as well as trends in OWI law. Don’t compromise your OWI case (and future) with someone who is less than qualified to understand your OWI defense. Don't Be Pressured Into Pleading Guilty to an OWI charge. The penalties are too severe. A drunk-driving conviction can affect your driving privileges, your insurance rates and your freedom.  OWI/DWI defense lawyer Michael Cohen will fight for you.

What NOT To Do If You Are Pulled Over

• Do Not Answer Any Questions Regarding Your Alcohol Consumption

Like most good people, you will want to be honest and cooperative with the police officer. I strongly urge you, however, to politely decline to answer any questions related to what you had to drink, when you were drinking, etc. You may have a defense based on your drinking history. You could lose that defense if you give an officer certain information about your drinking history. Remember, you have the right to remain silent.
 

OWI/DWI LINKS:

Wisconsin DUI/OWI Laws
Wisconsin DUI/OWI Sentencing Guidelines
UW-Madison Resource Center on Impaired Driving