Administrative Review Hearings
- Our Location
Madison, WI
- Free Consultations
(608) 204-5807
Madison, WI OWI Attorneys
Fighting an Administrative Suspension in Wisconsin? Act Now to Protect Your License
If you’ve been arrested for Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) in Wisconsin and failed a breath or blood test, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) will impose an automatic six-month administrative suspension of your driving privileges.
This administrative action is separate from any criminal penalties or court-ordered license revocations resulting from an OWI conviction. However, you have the right to challenge this suspension, and doing so may significantly strengthen your defense.
Why an Administrative Review Hearing is Critical for Your OWI Defense
Many drivers don’t realize that contesting an administrative suspension isn’t just about keeping your license—it’s also a powerful legal strategy in fighting your OWI charge.
At DK Anderson, S.C., we emphasize the importance of administrative review hearings because they provide:
✔ Early Cross-Examination Opportunity – We can subpoena and question the arresting officer, potentially uncovering inconsistencies or procedural errors that may weaken the prosecution’s case.
✔ Preview of the Evidence – The hearing gives us a first look at the state’s evidence, allowing us to assess weaknesses and develop a stronger courtroom strategy.
✔ License Retention While Your Case is Pending – If we win the hearing, you keep your license while your OWI case moves through the court system, giving you more flexibility and reducing the immediate impact of the charge.
An administrative review hearing is an opportunity, not just an obstacle. Winning here can set the stage for a more favorable outcome in your OWI case.
Time-Sensitive Deadlines: You Only Have 10 Days to Act!
📅 If You Received a Notice in Person:
- You must request an administrative review hearing within 10 days of receiving your Notice of Intent to Suspend Operating Privilege (usually provided at the time of your arrest).
📅 If You Received a Mailed Notice (Blood Test Cases):
- If your BAC results came from a blood sample, the notice is typically mailed to you. You have 13 days from the date listed on the notice to request a hearing.
⚠ Miss the Deadline? Your License Will Be Suspended for Six Months!
Failing to request a hearing within the deadline results in automatic suspension, even if you have a strong OWI defense.
OWI Defense Attorneys
How an Administrative Review Hearing Can Help Your OWI Case
An administrative hearing allows us to:
✔ Challenge the legality of the traffic stop – Did the officer have probable cause to stop you? If not, the case could be thrown out.
✔ Expose procedural errors – Any missteps by law enforcement could lead to the suspension being overturned.
Winning an administrative review hearing can help you keep your license and weaken the prosecution’s case against you.
Take Action Now – Protect Your Driving Privileges
The clock is ticking! If you’ve been arrested for OWI in Wisconsin, don’t wait to challenge your license suspension.
📞 Call DK Anderson, S.C. at (608) 204-5807 or Schedule a Consultation today. We’ll fight to protect your license, your rights, and your future.
An administrative review hearing is a separate legal process that allows you to challenge the automatic suspension of your driver’s license after an OWI arrest. It is not the same as your criminal court case but can provide valuable insights into the prosecution’s evidence and help build a stronger defense for your OWI charge.
If you fail to request a hearing within 10 days (or 13 days for mailed notices), your driver’s license will be automatically suspended for six months, regardless of the outcome of your OWI case. You may still be able to apply for an occupational license, but you will lose the opportunity to contest the suspension.
No, the administrative hearing only addresses your driver’s license suspension and does not directly impact the criminal OWI charges. However, the hearing can provide valuable evidence and testimony that may help weaken the prosecution’s case, potentially leading to dismissal or reduced charges in court.
Winning the hearing prevents the automatic suspension, but your license may still be at risk if you are later convicted of OWI in criminal court. However, a successful hearing can weaken the prosecution’s case and improve your chances of avoiding a conviction or negotiating reduced penalties.
Our Practice Areas
Drunk Driving
Whether you are charged with a first offense, or a fifth offense, our Wisconsin OWI attorneys can help.
Violent Crimes
A conviction for any one of Wisconsin's violent crimes will have significant consequences.
Drug Charges
Our Wisconsin Drug charge attorneys know the law and how to apply that law in the court room.
Domestic Violence
A conviction for a domestic violence charge in Wisconsin has additional consequences.
Property Crimes
Wisconsin property crimes include theft, forgery, and criminal damage to property.
Sex Offenses
Not much will change your life like a conviction for one of Wisconsin's sex offense charges.
Traffic Citations
Although less serious than a criminal charge, a traffic citation can effect your driver's license.