Your Best Defense Against
Drunk Driving.
Contact Axley for a Free Consultation
After a drunk driving arrest, it is imperative to get an experienced legal team behind you. In many cases, you must act within 10 days to avoid an automatic license suspension or revocation.
Our experienced OWI defense attorneys, Brian Hough and Erika Bierma, have successfully litigated drunk driving cases in counties throughout Wisconsin. Our criminal attorneys understand the stakes. They will promptly meet with you, whether it is at Axley’s offices or in jail. During a free initial consultation, they will explain the charges and the complex processes with the court, the jail, and the Department of Transportation. Our team has the technical knowledge and skills needed to either defend you aggressively at trial, or to negotiate a resolution which reduces your penalties.
Handling a Drunk Driving Arrest
A DUI arrest usually leaves a lot of unanswered questions. Should you fight the charges? Can anything be done to minimize the penalties? Will you have to go back to jail? When can you drive again? These are all complex questions, and the answers depend on the effectiveness of your defense attorney. For cases that do not go to trial, our defense team is often able to reduce potential jail terms by 33-50%. If you are charged with drunk driving, contact an attorney immediately. You may face various deadlines. We can develop a plan to reduce your penalties as soon as possible.
Our Criminal Defense Attorneys
Partner • Madison
Partner • Madison
Client Successes
Not Guilty – Officer Drunk Driving at Twice the Legal Limit
Won a drunk driving jury trial in which the accused was a prominent law enforcement officer. The officer had a blood alcohol level of twice the legal limit. He was found not guilty.
Not Guilty – Drunk Driving at Three Times the Legal Limit
Obtained a “not guilty” verdict for a defendant who admitted that he drove drunk at over three times the legal limit and struck a pedestrian at a speed of 65 m.p.h.
Dismissal – Drunk Driving at Over Three Times the Legal Limit
Obtained dismissal of a drunk driving case in which the driver was observed driving erratically with a .26 blood alcohol level by proving that the arrest violated the driver’s Fourth Amendment right to be free from unreasonable seizures because the officer initiated the arrest in the driver’s backyard patio without a warrant, consent or exigent circumstances.
I was faced with losing my driver’s license indefinitely. Brian developed an aggressive strategy for my defense. Over the course of many months, he carefully executed the plan. He communicated in a straightforward, direct manner – earning my full trust and confidence. In the end, Brian’s hard work allowed me to keep my driver’s license. I’m very thankful I hired Brian Hough, and I would recommend him to anyone in need of a criminal defense attorney
Brian was very approachable and understanding of my situation. Our initial conversation left me feeling relieved and confident. Sure enough, through his efforts, my case never even made it into court. He is a real miracle worker. I would definitely recommend Brian to anyone who is in need of his services.
Do I need an attorney?
DWI cases are highly complex. There are evolving legal nuances, physiological issues, law enforcement issues, constitutional issues and divergent local court practices to deal with. Furthermore, there are deadlines in each case that start running once chemical test results are determined, which may be immediate. Considering the high stakes of a conviction, hiring an attorney is in your best interest to get the charges dropped or the penalties reduced.
What penalties could I face?
A DUI arrest may result in a wide range of possible charges. Depending on the circumstances, the charge could be a civil forfeiture, a criminal misdemeanor or a criminal felony. The penalties for conviction vary, but may result in jail or prison, probation, heavy fines, a license revocation, installation of an ignition interlock device in any vehicle you own or operate and an alcohol assessment with a driver safety plan. There may be collateral consequences as well to your career, your relationships and your ability to travel abroad, possess firearms or vote.
Can I refuse a breathalyzer?
If you refuse to submit to a chemical test of your breath or blood after an OWI arrest, there can be significant consequences. Wisconsin's implied consent law states that anyone who operates a motor vehicle upon the public highways of this state is deemed to have given consent to tests of his or her breath, blood or urine to analyze it for alcohol. While you can refuse a preliminary test, refusing after an arrest can lead to revocation of your driver's license, installation of ignition interlock devices, and a mandatory alcohol assessment.