Blog | Bucher Law Group, LLC

3 Facts You Need to Know About a First Offense OWI

2026-09-03 12:43:56

If you're facing a first-offense OWI in Wisconsin, you'll want to know how Wisconsin actually classifies this charge, what it can cost you, and when things can take a turn for the worse. All are relevant in challenging the charge in 2026 with the help of an experienced lawyer.

Our Ozaukee County, WI criminal defense lawyer can help you understand your legal options. Remember, a charge is not a conviction. Attorney Paul E. Bucher personally handled hundreds of drunk driving offenses.

What Key Facts About a First-Offense OWI in Wisconsin Should You Know?

Understanding these three facts can help you know exactly what you're facing and what to expect as your case moves forward.

Fact One: A First OWI Is Usually Treated as Civil, Not Criminal

What Is the Predominant Aggressor in a Wisconsin Domestic Violence Case?

2026-08-29 00:00:00

In a Wisconsin domestic violence case, the predominant aggressor is simply the person police decide was most responsible for what happened. This determination directly affects who gets arrested. This is true even when both people were involved in the confrontation.

If you've been arrested as the predominant aggressor in 2026, our Waukesha County, WI criminal defense lawyer can help you challenge this determination. Attorney Paul E. Bucher spent 20 years as the Waukesha County District Attorney. He personally directed or handled dozens of homicides, hundreds of drunk driving offenses, and thousands of serious drug cases. This gives him deep insight into how these determinations are made.

How Does Wisconsin Law Define the Predominant Aggressor?

Under Wisconsin Statute Section 968.075, the predominant aggressor is the most significant aggressor in a domestic abuse incident. They are not necessarily the first.

What Should You Do if You Are Accused of Leaving the Scene of a Fatal Crash?

2026-08-21 00:00:00

If you're accused of leaving the scene of a fatal crash in 2026, there are a few key things you should do. Avoid making any statements to police without a lawyer present. Gather any evidence supporting your account of what happened. And contact a defense attorney as soon as possible.

Our Dodge County, WI criminal defense lawyer can help you understand the charges against you and protect your rights.

What Does Wisconsin Law Require After a Fatal Accident?

Under Wisconsin Statute Section 346.67, a driver who knows or has reason to know that an accident caused injury or death must stop and remain at the scene. The driver must provide their name, address, and vehicle registration number. If requested and available, they must also show their driver's license. Most importantly, they have to provide reasonable assistance to anyone who is injured. Failing to meet these requirements can result in a criminal charge.

What You Need to Know About Your Miranda Rights

2026-08-12 00:00:00

Your Miranda rights protect you from self-incrimination. It requires police to inform you of your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney before questioning you. Understanding these rights can make a significant difference in how your case unfolds, especially if you're unsure when they apply or what happens if police fail to follow the proper procedure.

If you're facing questioning or charges in 2026, our Waukesha, WI criminal defense lawyer can help you understand your rights and protect yourself throughout the process. Attorney Paul E. Bucher spent 20 years as the Waukesha County District Attorney and brings that experience to defending clients today.

What Are Miranda Rights and Where Do They Come From?

Miranda rights come from the landmark U.S. Supreme Court case Miranda v. Arizona. It established that police must inform suspects of certain constitutional rights before conducting a custodial interrogation. These rights include the right to remain silent, the right to know that anything said can be used against you in court, and the right to have an attorney present during questioning.

How To Prepare for Sexual Assault Charges

2026-08-04 00:00:00

If you're facing sexual assault charges in Wisconsin, the first thing you should do is talk to a lawyer before you say or do anything else. These charges carry some of the harshest penalties in Wisconsin's criminal code. How you handle the first few days after an accusation can shape the entire outcome of your case.

If you've been accused of sexual assault in 2026, our Waukesha County, WI criminal defense lawyer can help you understand the charges against you. At Bucher Law Group, LLC, we’ll start protecting your rights right away.

What Should You Do Immediately After Being Accused of Sexual Assault?

The first 48 hours after an accusation often matter more than people realize. Police may already be building a case against you. They could be gathering statements and reviewing your phone records before you're ever formally charged.

Steps that can protect you during this early period include:

Can I Challenge Field Sobriety Tests in a Wisconsin OWI Stop?

2026-07-31 00:00:00

You can challenge field sobriety tests in a Wisconsin OWI stop. These tests are far from perfect. They rely on an officer's judgment, not hard science. Attorney Paul Bucher spent 20 years as the Waukesha County District Attorney. This gives him rare insight into how these tests get used to build a case against you.

If you’re facing an OWI in 2026, our Milwaukee County, WI criminal defense lawyer can look at whether the tests in your case were done the right way. He may also help you challenge them.

What Are Field Sobriety Tests and Why Do Officers Use Them in OWI Cases?

Field sobriety tests are physical and mental exercises officers use during a traffic stop. They help the officer guess whether a driver might be impaired. These typically include the walk-and-turn test, the one-leg stand, and the horizontal gaze nystagmus test, which checks for a certain kind of eye movement. Officers use these tests to build probable cause for an arrest. But the results depend a lot on how carefully the test was given and how the officer read your performance. This leaves a lot of room for error and challenge.

What Is First-Degree or Second-Degree Homicide in Wisconsin?

2026-07-22 00:00:00

First-degree intentional homicide in Wisconsin means causing someone's death on purpose. Second-degree intentional homicide involves an intentional killing too. But it happens under circumstances the law treats as less blameworthy.

Facing a homicide charge is one of the most serious situations a person can go through. You need to know exactly what you're charged with – and why – so you can fight it. If you’re facing charges in 2026, contact Bucher Law Group, LLC. Our Dodge County criminal defense lawyer can help you understand the charge against you. Together, we can begin building your defense right away.

How Does Wisconsin Law Define First-Degree Intentional Homicide?

Wisconsin defines first-degree intentional homicide under Wisconsin Statute Section 940.01. This law makes it a crime to cause the death of another human being with the intent to kill that person or another person.

What Is the Definition of a Sex Offender in Wisconsin?

2026-07-11 00:00:00

In Wisconsin, a sex offender is a person who has been convicted of certain sexual offenses. They are then required by law to register with the state's sex offender registry. The definition covers a wide range of offenses, some of which people might not immediately think of as sex crimes. Understanding what qualifies under Wisconsin law and what the consequences of that label are can be critically important if you or someone you care about is facing charges. If you are dealing with a sex crime charge in 2026, a Dodge County, WI criminal defense lawyer can help you understand the charges and how to fight them.

What Offenses Qualify as Sex Offenses Under Wisconsin Law?

Wisconsin's sex offender registry law covers many different types of criminal convictions. Some of the most common offenses that trigger registration include:

First, second, and third-degree sexual assault under Wisconsin Statutes Section 940.225

Can I Face OWI Charges if My BAC Is Below the Legal Limit in Wisconsin?

2026-07-02 00:00:00

You can face OWI charges in Wisconsin even if your blood alcohol concentration is below the legal limit of 0.08 (or 0.04 for commercial drivers). If an officer believes your ability to drive is impaired by alcohol or any other substance, you can be arrested and charged regardless of your BAC reading. However, you may be able to use that in your defense. If you are facing an OWI charge in 2026 and your BAC was below the legal limit, a Waukesha County criminal defense lawyer can help you understand your rights and build a strong defense.

How Does Wisconsin Define OWI?

Wisconsin's OWI law is broader than most people realize. Under Wisconsin Statute Section 346.63, it is illegal to drive or operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicant to a degree that renders you incapable of safely driving. It is also illegal to drive with a BAC of 0.08 or higher.

What Is the Difference Between a Misdemeanor and a Felony in Wisconsin?

2026-06-30 00:00:00

Criminal offenses in Wisconsin fall into two categories: misdemeanors and felonies. Which one applies to your case determines where you could serve time, how long your sentence might be, and what rights you stand to lose. A Milwaukee County, WI criminal defense attorney can review your charges and explain your options.

What Makes a Charge a Felony Instead of a Misdemeanor in Wisconsin?

Under Wisconsin Statute § 939.60, a crime punishable by imprisonment in the Wisconsin state prison system is a felony. Crimes punishable only by county jail are generally misdemeanors.

Misdemeanors include crimes such as disorderly conduct and battery, with a maximum punishment of county jail time. Felonies cover more serious offenses such as homicide, armed robbery, and sexual assault, where the legislature has decided state prison time is warranted.