Dennis Melowski is the only one to have been selected 10 times for inclusion in Wisconsin Super Lawyers list by Law & Politics and Milwaukee Magazine for DUI defense from 2005 to 2011. He takes seriously the consequences of a third DUI in Wisconsin offense.
Penalty for 3rd OWI in Wisconsin
A conviction for a third DUI in Wisconsin results in mandatory jail time of 45 days to one year; license revocation of two to three years; thousands of dollars in fines; mandatory ignition interlock device; and alcohol counseling. Your breath or blood test result impacts the fine as follows:
- Fines double at .17 - .199 (up to $4,000)
- Fines triple at .20 - .249 (up to $6,000)
- Fines quadruple at .25 and above (up to $8,000)
Most importantly, after a third offense conviction, you will be taken into custody immediately to begin serving your jail sentence. Therefore, success of a Wisconsin DUI lawyer is the only measuring stick in determining the best representation for your third DUI. Different attorneys take different approaches in their practice of this complex area of criminal defense. Most are quick to plead guilty and move on to their next case. They claim success in negotiating meaningless or trivial concessions from the prosecutor. Yet, the DUI conviction remains on your record for life.
Develop your own FAQ (frequently asked questions) when it comes to selecting an attorney.
- How many cases have you won?
- When was the last case you won?
- How many DUI victories have occurred in court?
- When was your last trial?
How to Avoid Jail Time for a 3rd DUI in Wisconsin
It is generally advisable to seek the help of a qualified attorney if you have been charged with a 3rd DUI in Wisconsin. A skilled lawyer will be able to examine the specific circumstances of your case and advise you on the best course of action to take. They may be able to negotiate a plea bargain on your behalf or defend you in court in an effort to avoid jail time.
There are a few things you can do to try to avoid jail time for a 3rd DUI in Wisconsin:
- Seek treatment for any underlying substance abuse issues. A judge may be more lenient if they see that you are taking steps to address any substance abuse problems you may have.
- Take responsibility for your actions and show remorse. A sincere apology and an acknowledgement of the harm you have caused may be taken into consideration by the judge when deciding on your sentence.
- Comply with all requirements of your pretrial release. This includes abstaining from alcohol and drug use, attending all scheduled court appearances, and following any other conditions set by the court.
- Consider enrolling in a rehabilitation program. A judge may be more likely to impose a sentence of rehabilitation instead of jail time if they see that you are actively working to address any substance abuse issues you may have.
Again, it is strongly recommended that you seek the advice of a qualified attorney if you have been charged with a 3rd DUI in Wisconsin. They will be able to provide you with the best guidance on how to proceed and help you try to avoid jail time.
Defense for Third Offense DUI in WI
We are a DUI defense firm with an emphasis on defense. Years of experience and memberships on boards do little to show true success. Claims of minimizing consequences and protecting rights will not lead to acquittals. Aggressive advocacy, creative strategies and pursuit of the facts will.
At Melowski & Singh, we measure success in a third DUI offense not being on your record. We measure success by having no fines or jail time imposed against our clients. We measure success when our clients can continue to operate their car legally with a valid driver's license.
To schedule an appointment with our premier Wisconsin third DUI attorneys, contact us at (920) 294-1414.
