In Wisconsin, operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI) is considered a serious offense, especially when those accused are repeat offenders. Recently, a Wisconsin man was charged with his ninth OWI offense, according to authorities.
Reportedly, when bond was set for the defendant, the judge told the court “OWI 9th is too many.” Now, the man will be required to post $10,000 in cash to be released. The judge also mandated the man will not be able to consume alcohol or drive a vehicle without the possession of a valid license.
A citizen tip alerted police officers that the man had left an apartment complex and was apparently intoxicated. Officers located the man inside a building, but found a truck that was hot to the touch with keys remaining in the ignition at the location. The man told officers his girlfriend had given him a ride to his present location, but she would not confirm his claims.
Officers conducted a field sobriety test that he allegedly failed. He was also discovered to have a blood-alcohol level of .126. While the legal limit in the state of Wisconsin is .08, the man in question is required by law to maintain a level of .02 or less because of his numerous prior convictions.
Soon, a judge will make the decision whether or not the 42-year-old man will stand trial. In this kind of situation, having a strong legal defense typically proves invaluable. An experienced lawyer can consider the man’s circumstances, who may be suffering with addiction, and can also look critically at the way police conducted their investigation.
Source: WSAU, “Repeat drunken driver charged with 9th OWI,” Sept. 6, 2011