Showing up drunk for OWI court: not a good idea
Being charged with drunk driving is a serious and stressful matter. Taking the edge off before your court date by drinking to intoxication, however, is not a good move, and is highly unlikely to help your outcome in court.
According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Bradley J. Arnold was in court earlier this week to answer to charges of his second DUI. Court officials smelled alcohol on the Hartland man’s breath and the judge ordered a breathalyzer.
Arnold was shown to have a blood alcohol level of .34, more than four times the legal limit when driving. The 50 year old casually explained that it wouldn’t be a problem because he didn’t have to drive home since his parents were present in the courtroom. He stated that he had consumed a six pack the night before and this was why he was legally intoxicated.
The judge ordered Arnold be held on $1,000 bail for the DUI charge. He made bail later that day and was released.
Showing up to court drunk probably doesn’t improve Arnold’s chances of a favorable outcome on his OWI charge, but he will have to wait for a later date to see how that case pans out.
First time OWI charges are serious enough, carrying potential fines, license suspension, and alcohol evaluation. However, when you have been convicted of OWI before and are going in front of the judge again, your penalties are elevated.
A second offense OWI can lead to all of those penalties listed above in addition to jail time and an ignition interlock device when your license is reinstated.
With an experienced defense attorney on your side, you may be able to at the very least, get an occupational license that allows you to get to and from work. After looking over your case I can give you a better idea of the right approach you should take.
Call me for a consultation on your pending OWI case today. We can discuss the best and worst case scenarios and I may even be able to give you some free legal advice.
