Eau Claire Criminal Defense Blog

When you got arrested during a Wisconsin traffic stop, it might have felt like the earth dropped out from under you. You knew you had to call your family. It was also likely the situation was going to interfere with your job, namely because you'd have to request time off for court appointments. Facing OWI charges can be damaging to your personal and professional reputation, even if you ultimately obtain a positive outcome in court.

There are several important issues to keep in mind as you navigate the criminal justice system. The first is that you do not have to go it alone. In fact, most defendants request experienced legal representation before heading to court. Even if you've never been in trouble with the law before, you might not feel as stressed if you have an experienced attorney by your side when you stand before a judge.

Driving is a privilege that is sometimes underappreciated, until it is taken away. For those facing an OWI or DUI, loosing driving privileges may be a genuine concern.

Thankfully, there are certain actions parties may take to regain their privileges. It is important to understand and implement the proper steps.

There are certain topics that tend to spark controversy in Wisconsin and across the country. Marijuana is definitely one of them. Many people believe it should be legal to grow, sell, purchase or use the drug at will. Others adamantly disagree. What matters most is what the laws are and whether or not a particular person knows where to seek support if a legal problem arises involving marijuana.

People who live in or travel to this state may be easily confused by regulations and laws pertaining to marijuana. This is because state law permits the use of this particular drug in certain circumstances, but federal law prohibits any and all possession, manufacturing, sales or purchase of the marijuana. This can lead to complications, especially if a person thinks he or she is acting within the law and winds up facing charges for a drug crime.

One arrest for operating a vehicle while under the influence is one too many. However, many people around Wisconsin get far more than one OWI. Police recently arrested one woman in Menasha for her sixth OWI, with her last offense going back to 2007. 

Most people will not have to worry about getting six OWIs in their lifetime. However, many drivers end up getting a third. After two OWIs, you need to do everything in your power to avoid driving drunk because the penalties worsen with each additional offense. Here is what you need to know about a third OWI conviction.