Criminal Defense for DUI-Related Charges in Madison
Sometimes a DUI stop leads to more than just an OWI charge. Maybe there was an accident involved. Maybe the officer found something in your car. Maybe the situation escalated. When DUI charges come with additional criminal allegations, the stakes go up — way up.
The attorneys we work with in Madison handle the full range of DUI-related criminal charges. They understand how these charges interact with OWI cases and can build a unified defense strategy that addresses everything at once.
DUI-Related Criminal Charges We Handle
Reckless Driving / Endangerment
If your driving was particularly dangerous — high speed, wrong-way driving, or weaving across lanes — you may face reckless driving charges in addition to OWI. In Wisconsin, reckless driving can be a misdemeanor or felony depending on whether someone was injured. These charges carry their own potential jail time and fines on top of any OWI penalties.
Injury or Homicide by OWI
If someone was hurt or killed in an accident where alcohol or drugs were involved, you're looking at felony charges with serious prison time. Wisconsin law has specific statutes for homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle (Wis. Stat. § 940.06) and injury by intoxicated use of a vehicle (Wis. Stat. § 940.25). These are among the most serious charges in the state, and you need an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately.
Drug Possession
If a search during a DUI stop turns up controlled substances — marijuana, prescription pills without a prescription, cocaine, or other drugs — you may face drug possession charges alongside your OWI. Wisconsin law treats drug-related OWI (operating while under the influence of drugs) differently from alcohol-related OWI, and the penalties can be more severe.
Resisting or Obstructing an Officer
If the situation with law enforcement became confrontational, you may be charged with resisting or obstructing. This is a serious charge that can complicate your OWI defense. A skilled attorney can often get these charges reduced or dismissed, especially if the officer's actions were aggressive or improper.
Minor Consumption / Underage Drinking
For drivers under 21, a DUI stop often reveals underage drinking. Wisconsin's underage drinking laws are strict, and a conviction can mean fines, license suspension, and a permanent record. For UW-Madison students, this can also trigger university disciplinary proceedings.
Why You Need a Unified Defense Strategy
When you're facing multiple charges, the prosecution will try to use each charge to strengthen the others. A good defense attorney sees the whole picture and looks for ways to weaken the prosecution's case across the board. Maybe the traffic stop was illegal — that could get evidence suppressed in both the OWI and drug possession cases. Maybe the officer's report has inconsistencies that undermine their credibility on all charges.
The attorneys we work with in Madison have experience handling complex, multi-charge cases in Dane County Circuit Court. They know how to negotiate with prosecutors who are trying to stack charges, and they're not afraid to take a case to trial when the prosecution won't offer a fair deal.
Facing Multiple Charges?
Don't try to handle this alone. Call us for a free, confidential consultation. We'll listen to your situation and our team will handle it.
(608) 535-6554