In Milwaukee and elsewhere, individuals make fast decisions that may have long-term consequences on their reputations and future opportunities. Individuals facing criminal charges with significant penalties such as drunk driving should be aware of the possible defenses to reduce the present and long-term consequences of a DUI. Recently, a woman was charged with drunk driving after almost hitting a police vehicle.
According to police, a woman narrowly missed hitting a police squad car. Police say the woman was stopped and was uncooperative with police; she told them that she had just left a martini lounge. The woman now faces charges that include drunk driving, driving the wrong way on a highway, unlawful U-turn and recklessly endangering safety.
In Milwaukee, a first drunk driving offense includes a driver’s license revocation of up to nine months, a mandatory alcohol assessment with education or treatment and a mandatory ignition interlock installed for 12 months on all vehicles titled under the name of the individual convicted of the DUI, if the individual refused to participate in a breath or blood alcohol test or the individual’s blood or breath alcohol level was more than 0.15. The defendant may also have to forfeit between $150 and $300. Financial penalties and forfeitures increase depending on whether the blood or breath alcohol level exceeds 0.17, 0.20 and 0.25. In Wisconsin, a first-time offense of drunk driving is considered a civil offense.
A person convicted of drunk driving may face challenges including finding future employment. The defendant should be aware of these penalties and how they may be reduced. It is important to remember that all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Source: CBS 58 News “Woman narrowly missed squad car while driving drunk,” Chris Patterson, Dec. 24, 2012
