Appleton OWI Attorney
If you face a drunk driving charge in Appleton, you want to know that your attorney is ready to help you. You want to trust that they’ll fight for you. You want to know that you’re working with someone with a good reputation. In short, you want to work with us.
At Hammett, Bellin & Oswald, LLC, we are dedicated, experienced criminal defense lawyers for people in Appleton and across the area. Since 1997, we’ve brought knowledge and sought-after personal service to our clients facing criminal charges of all types. For drunk driving cases, we move quickly to defend your rights and driving privileges, and bring all our legal skill to bear on your problem.
What Is The Difference Between An OWI And A PAC Charge?
One of the first questions we get when our clients face drunk driving cases is how operating while intoxicated (OWI) and prohibited alcohol concentration (PAC) charges differ. An OWI has nothing to do with your blood alcohol content (BAC) but rather the assessment of the officer of whether or not you are impaired. It is possible to get an OWI without having a BAC that exceeds the legal limit. If you do have a BAC of about .08%, you can be charged with operating with PAC.
Both crimes, which may be charged together, carry similar sentences and penalties, including jail time, license revocation and serious fines. The loss of your driving privileges alone can seriously upend your career prospects.
Building Your Defense
We move quickly to assess your situation when you call us because some parts of your defense are on a timer. The most time-sensitive piece is the strict 10-day deadline for filing for an administrative hearing if you’ve refused a chemical test. Getting this hearing is vital to challenging the case against you.
But even in a traditional OWI case, we make a point to challenge every piece presented:
- Blood tests: Was the blood collected properly? Was the test conducted according to all standards? Was the lab technician biased?
- Breathalyzer: Was the device properly calibrated? Was the test administered properly?
- Field sobriety test: Did the officer have cause to test you? Was the test given fairly? Was the officer’s determination biased in any way?
Our rapid response and dedicated defense are why clients turn to us for these high-stakes cases.
Drugged Driving Defense
Wisconsin law also prohibits driving while impaired by certain drugs and medications. If
arrested, your blood may be tested with a multi-panel drug screen. If detectable levels of certain
drugs are found, you may be subject to OWI charges even if the alcohol content in your blood is
0.0. Handling these cases requires experience and knowledge, and our team of attorneys have
both.
Dedication To You In Appleton OWI Cases
As local attorneys, we see you as one of our neighbors, and we are dedicated to getting you a strong defense. Reach out today to learn more by calling us at 920-202-8872 or sending an email using this online form.
