Were you arrested for OWI (drunk driving)?

What is happening

• If the breath or blood test came back over the limit, the DMV can suspend your license before the court case ends.
• You have only 10 days from the notice to request an administrative review of that suspension in writing (13 days if the notice came by mail, excluding weekends and holidays).
• A first offense with no aggravating factors is usually treated as a violation, not a crime, but repeat offenses, an accident, or a minor in the vehicle change that.

What the attorney does

• Requests the suspension review within the deadline and defends your license separately from the court case.
• Reviews the stop, the field sobriety tests, and the handling of the sample, which are the most common sources of defense.
• If you are not a citizen, analyzes the immigration effect, especially with repeat offenses or drugs.

What to bring to the consultation

• The citation and the administrative suspension notice, with the date you received it.
• Any receipt or paper from the police.
• What you remember about the arrest: time, place, what you were told, what tests were done.
• Your driving record if you have it.

Common questions

Can I drive in the meantime?

It depends on the stage and whether you requested the review. In many cases an occupational license is available. Ask at the consultation.

Does a first OWI affect my papers?

A single OWI without aggravating factors generally has less effect than repeat offenses or drug cases, but every case must be reviewed.

What if I refused the test?

Refusal has its own license consequences. Bring the papers; the deadlines are different.