Drunk Driving

Experienced Madison OWI Lawyers for DUI & DWI Defense

 

If you’ve been arrested for drunk driving, getting an experienced OWI lawyer on your side immediately is crucial. Axley’s seasoned drunk driving lawyers have successfully handled OWI, DUI, and DWI cases across numerous counties in Wisconsin, including right here in Madison.

Drunk driving charges can vary widely depending on the situation. You may be facing a civil forfeiture, a criminal misdemeanor, or even a felony. Penalties could include jail or prison time, probation, steep fines, license revocation, mandatory alcohol assessments, ignition interlock device installation, and more. In addition, a conviction can impact your career, personal relationships, and your ability to travel internationally, own firearms, or vote.

These cases are complex and require a DUI lawyer who understands both the legal system and the science behind chemical testing. Each case involves legal nuances, constitutional rights, law enforcement procedures, and unique local court practices. Deadlines can begin as soon as test results are available, so time is critical.

At Axley, our Madison OWI lawyers know what’s at stake. We offer free consultations—either in our office or at the jail if necessary. Our legal team will walk you through the process, gather evidence quickly, and build a defense strategy tailored to your case. If a trial is not in your best interest, we’ll work closely with the prosecutor to pursue the most favorable resolution possible.

 

Penalties for OWI, DUI, and DWI in Wisconsin

 

The penalties for drunk driving in Wisconsin increase with each offense:

  • 1st Offense – Civil forfeiture, license revocation, alcohol assessment, and possible ignition interlock device
  • 2nd and 3rd Offenses – Criminal misdemeanor, mandatory jail time, longer license revocation, ignition interlock required
  • 4th Offense or More – Felony charges, steep fines, jail or prison time, and loss of driving privileges for life (with limited exceptions). 

If you’re facing an OWI charge in Madison or anywhere in Wisconsin, our OWI lawyers can help you understand what you’re up against — and how to fight it.

HOW TO HANDLE A DRUNK DRIVING ARREST

Drunk Driving Attorneys

Erika Bierma
Erika L. Bierma
Partner •Madison
Brian Hough
Brian C. Hough
Partner •Madison

Client Successes

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.
Hough, Brian C.
Criminal Defense, Drunk Driving
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.
Hough, Brian C.
Criminal Defense, Drunk Driving
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.
Hough, Brian C.
Criminal Defense, Drunk Driving
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