If you have been charged with an OWI in Wisconsin, there are a variety of penalties you may face. While hefty fines and a loss of driving privileges are harsh penalties, they are not as intimidating as jail time. Let us take a closer look at the potential jail sentences for an OWI and how you may be able to avoid being locked behind bars.

Jail Sentences for Wisconsin OWIs

If you were a passenger in a vehicle with a drunk driver, you may be asking yourself whether you can be charged with an OWI. Although only the driver can be charged with an OWI, the prosecution may question whether or not you were behind the wheel. Let’s take a closer look at the elements of an OWI and what happens if you are arrested for one to help answer this question.

Elements of an OWI

In order to be charged with an OWI in Wisconsin, you must be driving or in actual physical control of the vehicle. The following must also be true:

If you have been arrested for an OWI for the first time, you are likely scared and unsure of what to expect. Fortunately, a OWI arrest does not automatically mean a conviction and there are things you can do to ensure the best possible outcome for your case. Below is some information to help you understand what to expect from a first time OWI arrest and tips on what you should do if you have been arrested.

First-Time DUI Penalties

When you get arrested for an OWI for the first time, you may feel like you are the only one to go through this. It is important to understand that you are not alone—as thousands of people get pulled over for driving under the influence in Wisconsin each year.

If you have a DUI on your criminal record and are searching for a job, you may be nervous about how potential employers will react when they find out about your DUI conviction. Here are some tips on how to explain your DUI on a job application or in an interview and increase your chances of landing the job. 

Is Disclosing a DUI Necessary?

It may be tempting not to mention your DUI while applying for a job. However, if an application asks you about your criminal history, it is important that you reveal your DUI. Since employers almost always run background checks prior to hiring employees, not mentioning your DUI can make you appear untrustworthy. In most cases, hiring managers and recruiters refrain from hiring candidates who were not honest about their criminal history. 

When you get pulled over for a DUI, you will likely feel overwhelmed with thoughts and wonder whether you will lose your license, how your insurance company will react, and who you should talk to first. If you do get accused of a DUI, it is important to follow the following five steps.

1. Document Everything. You should take the time to write down everything you can remember from your DUI arrest. Doing so can help you build a strong case and may help reduce or dismiss your charge. Some points that are vital to document include:

• When and where you were stopped
• Whether a breathalyzer test was administered
• What the officer communicated to you and vice versa
• What types of tests the officer conducted

2. Make Your Social Media Profiles Private. If your Facebook page shows pictures of you drinking the night of your DUI arrest, your arrest has a greater chance of turning into a conviction. Even if you are innocent, your photos can be taken out of context and taint your reputation. 

Therefore, you should remove any photos of yourself partying, drinking, or engaging in any type of inappropriate behavior. It is also a good idea to make sure all of your social media profiles are set to private.