Challenge the Evidence Before the Consequences Begin
OWI / DUI Defense in Madison for individuals arrested and charged with Operating While Intoxicated under Wisconsin law
Law Office of Alexandr Matt, LLC represents individuals charged with Operating While Intoxicated offenses in Madison and throughout Wisconsin. You may have been pulled over after a traffic stop, asked to perform field sobriety tests on the side of the road, and then taken into custody based on an officer's observations or chemical test results. OWI charges carry both criminal penalties and administrative consequences that affect your driving privileges, and both proceedings move forward on separate but overlapping timelines.
Your defense begins with a review of the traffic stop itself. Wisconsin law requires that officers have reasonable suspicion to initiate a stop and probable cause to make an arrest. If the stop was unlawful or the arrest lacked proper justification, evidence obtained afterward may be challenged. Field sobriety tests are subjective and affected by weather, road conditions, footwear, and medical issues. Chemical tests, whether breath or blood, must follow specific protocols regarding calibration, administration, and chain of custody.
If you have been charged with OWI in Madison, contact Law Office of Alexandr Matt, LLC to discuss the evidence in your case and the defenses that may apply.
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What Happens After an OWI Arrest in Wisconsin
When you retain an attorney, you will receive guidance on both the criminal case and the license suspension process. Wisconsin imposes an administrative suspension soon after arrest, and you have a limited window to request a refusal hearing or challenge the suspension. Your attorney will file the necessary documents, appear at the hearing, and argue whether the officer had proper grounds to request a chemical test and whether you were properly informed of the consequences of refusal.
After your case concludes, you will know whether the charges were dismissed, reduced to a lesser offense such as reckless driving, or resulted in a conviction. If the case is dismissed or reduced, you avoid some or all of the mandatory penalties tied to OWI, including ignition interlock requirements, license revocations, and increased insurance costs. Law Office of Alexandr Matt, LLC works to identify weaknesses in the state's case and present those issues to the court or prosecutor during negotiations.
Not every case results in dismissal. Some involve strong evidence, such as high blood alcohol results or admissions made at the scene. In those situations, your attorney can still argue for reduced penalties, alternative sentencing, or occupational license privileges that allow you to drive for work, school, or medical appointments during the revocation period.
At Law Office of Alexandr Matt, you’re not just another case file — you’re a valued member of our community, and your success is our mission.
Questions About OWI Charges and Defenses
Understanding the legal and procedural aspects of an OWI charge helps you prepare for what lies ahead and make informed decisions about your defense.
What is the difference between the criminal case and the license suspension?
The criminal case is prosecuted in court and may result in fines, jail time, and a conviction on your record. The license suspension is an administrative action taken by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and begins shortly after arrest unless you request a hearing.
How can field sobriety test results be challenged?
These tests are not scientifically reliable and depend on the officer's subjective interpretation. Your attorney can question whether the tests were administered according to standardized procedures and whether factors such as uneven pavement, poor lighting, or medical conditions affected your performance.
Why does the type of chemical test matter?
Breath tests require regular calibration and maintenance of the instrument, and blood tests require proper handling and chain of custody. Errors in either process can result in inaccurate results, and your attorney can review maintenance logs, testing protocols, and lab reports to identify problems.
When is an occupational license available in Wisconsin?
You may be eligible for an occupational license after a period of absolute suspension, which varies depending on whether this is your first or subsequent offense. The license allows you to drive for specific purposes such as work, school, or medical appointments within Madison and other approved locations.
What happens if I refused the chemical test?
Refusal results in a longer license revocation, but it also means the state has less direct evidence of impairment. Your attorney can evaluate whether the refusal was justified, whether the officer followed proper procedures in requesting the test, and whether the stop itself was lawful.
If you are facing OWI charges in Madison or the surrounding counties, call Law Office of Alexandr Matt, LLC at (608) 513-1827 to review your case and begin building your defense.