Five Ways to Avoid Sabotaging Your OWI Defense

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in Criminal Defense

When you have been arrested for operating your vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant (OWI), you may feel that your life cannot get any worse at that moment in time. Shortly after you are arrested, the circumstances surrounding your arrest are still developing, and depending on the situation, your case may even be dismissed months down the line. However, if you engage in certain actions, you may give the prosecution more ammunition against you and proving that you may be your own worst enemy. Under Wisconsin law, in order to be convicted of a OWI, the prosecution must prove that you were operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicant. The prosecution has to prove every single element of the OWI charge in order to obtain a conviction. If the prosecution fails to prove any single element, the case against you is substantially weakened which raises your chance of acquittal.

Things to Avoid

If you have been arrested for an OWI, you will most likely make bail and be released under certain conditions. While on bail, there are a few things that you should avoid doing at all costs because they may negatively affect your case.

• First, avoid mentioning anything on social media about your arrest or OWI. Anything that you say on social media may be used against you in court by the prosecution. If you make an admission that you were driving drunk or were arrested after leaving a party where you drank all night, it could severely limit the success of your defense.
•  Second, you should avoid indulging in any partying or heavy drinking. A condition of your bail may require you to abstain from drinking.
•  Third, if you were arrested for an OWI, your license will most likely be suspended. You should avoid driving because you can get arrested for driving with a suspended license and incur more jail time than necessary.
•  Fourth, do not miss any court dates. The judge may issue a bench warrant for your arrest and you could possibly spend time in jail until your case is resolved.  Show up to all your court dates on time.
•  Fifth, make sure you obtain an experienced OWI defense attorney. If you try to handle the case on your own, you may inadvertently assist the prosecution not to mention negotiating a bad deal for yourself.

Consult an Attorney

By following these rules and securing legal counsel, you will give yourself the best chance to fight the OWI charges. If you are facing OWI charges, you should contact an experienced Milwaukee criminal defense attorney who will protect your rights and hold the prosecution to its burden.