Legal Question in DUI Law in Wisconsin

2nd Offense Drunk Driving OWI-- Do I Need to Hire a Lawyer?

Second offense OWI requires mandatory jail upon conviction. The minimum is five days jail and the maximum is six months. However, in most of the state of WI, sentences are rarely less than 30 days in jail, and can approach six months if the blood alcohol content was high (above .12) and the driving behavior dangerous. I would therefore always recommend hiring an attorney because this is such a serious violation and always involves jail time. Even if you don't fight the charge, an attorney can assist you greatly is putting yourself in the best possible light before the judge at the time of sentencing. An experienced criminal lawyer might also spot defenses to the charge which may not be obvious to a non-lawyer.