During a period of time when capitols around the country are already on high alert as a result of recent events in Washington, D.C., a very unique OWI arrest took place at our state capitol building in Madison.
As reported by the Associated Press, a 44-year-old man drove his vehicle up the stairs of the Wisconsin Capitol grounds. He was arrested for drunken driving and taken to the Dane County Jail after driving away from the capitol grounds against traffic and parking his vehicle.
There may be more than one way driving up the capitol steps while under the influence of alcohol can end, but none of them are good. You don’t have to be a police officer, a criminal prosecutor or a criminal defense attorney to look at this situation and realize the driver made some terrible choices.
Right?
Not so fast.
This is a highly unusual example of an OWI arrest but people from all walks of life are arrested every day for OWI despite living very normal lives. These people may not drive up the steps of the capitol building, but it does not take such a sensational incident to get the attention of local law enforcement or the state patrol.
A simple burned out headlight can lead to a traffic stop. That traffic stop can lead to some questions. The answers to those questions can lead an officer to believe they have probable cause to administer a roadside sobriety test. Before you know it, your simple drive home from dinner can lead to a night behind bars, the loss of your driver’s license, thousands of dollars in fines and a criminal record that follows you into every job interview you attend.
As we’ve covered before, the OWI laws in Wisconsin continue to become stricter and the penalties are getting steeper. Even a first-time OWI offense can result in the consequences and hassles listed above.
Whether you drove up some steps or a routine traffic stop went sideways, you need an experienced defense attorney who can protect your rights, your reputation, your finances and your future. Call 262-518-9690 for a free consultation.