How Much Is an OWI Attorney in Wisconsin

How Much Is an OWI Attorney in Wisconsin

If you are facing an OWI charge, it’s important to recognize that the consequences of a conviction can be dire. Adding the cost of legal guidance to the mix can be daunting, but in the end, having skilled legal guidance on your side can more than make up for the cost. Turn to an experienced Wisconsin OWI attorney for the help you’re looking for.

Factors that Affect the Cost of an OWI Attorney

Several factors can affect how much the OWI attorney you hire will cost.

Complexity of the Case

The more complex your case, the more costly your legal needs are likely to be. Your attorney’s goal is to provide you with the strongest defense available, which can save you money in the long run, and the overall cost will closely correlate with the depth of your legal needs.

Experience and Reputation of the Attorney

The more experience your attorney has – and the strength of their reputation – will directly affect their hourly or fixed price. The good news is that the more experience your attorney has and the more impressive their reputation, the more effective and efficient their legal counsel is likely to be, which can translate to fewer billable hours.

Billing System Used by the Attorney

Some OWI attorneys employ a fixed-rate payment system, while others stick strictly to hourly rates. There are pros and cons to both approaches. With fixed pricing, there is no question about how much you’ll be paying, but if you end up requiring less legal assistance than anticipated, it won’t be a bargain. With an hourly rate, you’ll only pay for the legal assistance you actually need, but if your case proves more complex than you originally thought, it can be pricey.

Legal Consequences and Penalties of the Offense

The more serious the legal fines and penalties associated with a conviction, the more your legal defense is likely to cost.

Jail Time and Revocation Penalties

If an OWI conviction can lead to jail time, license revocation, or both, the matter is more serious still, and bringing your strongest defense is to your advantage. This tends to come with a higher legal price tag, but it’s difficult to put a price on avoiding such consequences.

Insurance Rates

An OWI conviction can lead to greatly increased insurance rates and your legal fees are likely to pale in comparison.

Average Cost of Hiring an OWI Attorney in Wisconsin

The average cost of hiring an OWI attorney in Wisconsin increases as the number of offenses you have under your belt goes up – in response to increasing penalties.

Cost Range for First Offense OWI

A first offense comes with fines of up to $300 and no confinement.

Cost Range for Second Offense OWI

A second offense comes with fines of up to $1,000 and jail time of from 5 days to 6 months.

Cost Range for Third Offense OWI

A third offense comes with fines of up to $2,000 and jail time of from 45 days to 1 year.

Cost Range for Fourth and Fifth Offense OWI

A fourth offense comes with fines of up to $10,000 and from 60 days to 6 years in prison.

It’s important to note that higher blood alcohol concentrations can lead to more severe legal consequences.

Tips for Finding an OWI Attorney in Wisconsin

The best way to find the right OWI attorney for you is by doing a bit of research, which can include all the following:

• Reading online reviews and testimonials
• Scouting out firm websites that align with what you’re looking for in an OWI attorney
• Asking friends and family members for recommendations
• Asking attorneys for recommendations

Consult with a Trusted Wisconsin OWI Attorney for All Your Options

Working closely with a seasoned Wisconsin OWI attorney is the surest way of protecting your legal rights and achieving your case’s best possible resolution. And the seasoned OWI attorneys at Martinez & Ruby, LLP, are standing by to help. Contact or call us at 608-699-6649 for more information today.