An OWI arrest is overwhelming. In a matter of hours, your driver’s license, job, reputation, and freedom can all be put at risk. Many people don’t realize how quickly consequences begin after an OWI arrest in Wisconsin—or how much damage can be done before they ever step into a courtroom.
If you were arrested for OWI in Eau Claire or anywhere in Eau Claire County, now is the time to speak with a lawyer who focuses exclusively on OWI defense. The steps you take right now can directly affect whether you lose your license, face jail time, or carry a permanent record.
Nero DUI Defense steps in immediately to protect you, challenge the case against you, and fight for the best possible outcome.
📞 Call (715) 318-7000 now for a confidential consultation.
What Happens After an OWI Arrest in Eau Claire County
After an OWI arrest, the process moves fast. In most cases, you may be facing:
- Immediate license suspension or revocation
- Criminal charges filed within days or weeks
- Court appearances in Eau Claire County
- Long-term consequences if the case isn’t handled correctly from the start
Waiting or hoping things “work themselves out” is one of the biggest mistakes people make after an OWI arrest. Prosecutors begin building their case immediately. Your defense should begin just as fast.
Will I Lose My License After an OWI Arrest?
For many people, license loss is the most immediate and disruptive consequence of an OWI. In Wisconsin, license penalties can include:
- Administrative license suspension shortly after arrest
- Court-ordered revocation after conviction
- Ignition Interlock Device (IID) requirements
- Restrictions that affect work, family, and daily life
An experienced Eau Claire OWI lawyer can often challenge the stop, arrest, or testing procedures to protect your driving privileges or minimize suspension time. The sooner a defense attorney gets involved, the more options may be available.
OWI Penalties in Eau Claire County: First vs. Repeat Offenses
OWI penalties in Wisconsin escalate quickly. Even a first offense can have serious consequences.
First OWI
- Fines and court costs
- License revocation
- Mandatory IID if BAC is 0.15% or higher
Second OWI
- Mandatory jail time
- Increased fines
- Longer license revocation
- IID required
Third OWI and Beyond
- Jail or prison time
- Felony charges in some cases
- Severe license penalties
- Long-term impact on employment and background checks
Every case is different. Penalties depend on prior offenses, BAC level, and how the arrest was handled. A skilled OWI defense lawyer can often reduce penalties or avoid the worst outcomes altogether.
How an Eau Claire OWI Lawyer Can Help Your Case
An OWI charge does not automatically mean conviction. Many OWI cases involve errors, constitutional violations, or unreliable evidence.
At Nero DUI Defense, we focus on identifying and using those weaknesses, including:
- Challenging the traffic stop if police lacked legal justification
- Questioning field sobriety tests that were improperly administered
- Disputing breath or blood test results due to calibration or procedural errors
- Reviewing arrest procedures for violations of your rights
- Exposing inconsistencies in police reports and testimony
Our goal is always the same: protect your record, your license, and your future.
DUI vs. OWI in Wisconsin: What’s the Difference?
In Wisconsin, the legal term is OWI (Operating While Intoxicated). While many people use “DUI,” OWI is the charge you’ll face under state law.
- OWI includes driving or being in control of a vehicle while impaired
- You can be charged even if the vehicle was not moving
- Wisconsin OWI laws are strict and technical
Understanding how these laws apply to your specific case is critical. That’s why working with a lawyer who focuses exclusively on OWI defense matters.
Why Choose Nero DUI Defense?
OWI defense is all we do. This exclusive focus matters.
- We understand Eau Claire County courts and procedures
- We know how OWI cases are prosecuted locally
- We act fast to protect your rights from day one
- We build focused, strategic defenses—not generic approaches
When your freedom and future are on the line, you need more than a general practice attorney. You need an OWI lawyer who handles these cases every day.
Speak With an Eau Claire OWI Defense Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one was arrested for OWI in Eau Claire or Eau Claire County, don’t wait. The sooner you act, the more control you have over the outcome.
📞 Call (715) 318-7000 now to speak with Nero DUI Defense. Your consultation is confidential, and your defense starts immediately.
