Dane County Drunk Driving Lawyer
- Our Location
Madison, WI
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(608) 204-5807
Top-Rated OWI Defense Attorneys
Defending Against Drunk Driving Charges in Dane County, Wisconsin
A drunk driving charge in Dane County is a serious matter with potential consequences that extend far beyond fines and license suspensions. An Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) conviction can impact your job, insurance rates, and even your ability to drive legally in Wisconsin. However, being charged does not mean you will be convicted—and the right defense strategy can make all the difference.
Drunk Driving Lawyer in Dane County
At DK Anderson, S.C., we provide dedicated OWI defense for individuals charged with drunk driving across Dane County, including Fitchburg, Monona, Middleton, and Sun Prairie. Each municipality has its own law enforcement agencies and municipal courts, meaning OWI cases may be handled differently depending on where the arrest occurred.
Whether you’re facing a first offense OWI in municipal court or a repeat offense in Dane County Circuit Court, our team is prepared to defend you. We have extensive experience representing clients throughout these communities and understand the nuances of each local court system.
How OWI Cases Are Handled in Fitchburg, Monona, Middleton, and Sun Prairie
Fitchburg OWI Defense
The Fitchburg Police Department is aggressive in patrolling for drunk drivers, especially along Fish Hatchery Road, McKee Road (Highway PD), and Verona Road (Highway 18/151). If arrested, your case may be handled in Fitchburg Municipal Court for a first offense, or in Dane County Circuit Court for repeat offenses. We will work to challenge traffic stops and breathalyzer results to fight for a reduction or dismissal of your OWI charge.
Monona OWI Defense
OWI arrests in Monona are typically made by the Monona Police Department, which frequently conducts DUI enforcement along Broadway, Monona Drive, and the Beltline (Highway 12/18). First offense OWI cases are heard in Monona Municipal Court, while repeat OWIs are prosecuted in Dane County Circuit Court. Local judges and prosecutors take OWI charges seriously, making it critical to have a strong defense strategy in place.
Middleton OWI Defense
The Middleton Police Department and Dane County Sheriff’s Office regularly conduct OWI stops along University Avenue, Greenway Boulevard, and Century Avenue. First-time offenders will have their cases heard in Middleton Municipal Court, but second or subsequent OWIs will be prosecuted as criminal offenses in Dane County Circuit Court. If you’ve been charged in Middleton, our team will scrutinize the evidence, challenge breath test results, and work to reduce your penalties.
Sun Prairie OWI Defense
Sun Prairie has one of the busiest municipal courts in Dane County, handling numerous OWI cases each year. The Sun Prairie Police Department and Wisconsin State Patrol conduct frequent OWI patrols on Highway 151, Main Street, and Windsor Street. First-time OWI offenses are processed in Sun Prairie Municipal Court, but repeat OWI charges are prosecuted in Dane County Circuit Court. We are familiar with the judges and prosecutors handling OWI cases in Sun Prairie and can develop a strong legal strategy tailored to the local system.
Regardless of which court your case is in, you need an experienced OWI attorney who understands the nuances of Dane County’s court system and OWI sentencing guidelines.
Fighting an OWI Charge in Dane County
A drunk driving arrest does not mean a conviction. There are several defense strategies that can be used to challenge your OWI charge, including:
- Illegal Traffic Stop – If law enforcement lacked probable cause to pull you over, we challenge the validity of the stop.
- Faulty Breath or Blood Tests – Breathalyzers and blood tests must be properly calibrated and administered; errors in testing procedures can lead to unreliable results.
- Field Sobriety Test Issues – Officers often fail to properly instruct or score field sobriety tests, leading to inaccurate conclusions.
- Medical or Environmental Factors – Certain medical conditions, medications, or even road conditions can mimic signs of impairment.
At DK Anderson, S.C., we carefully analyze police reports, video footage, and testing procedures to uncover weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
Drunk Driving Penalties in Dane County, WI
If convicted, OWI penalties in Dane County follow Wisconsin’s statewide sentencing guidelines for Judicial District 5. The penalties vary depending on prior offenses, BAC level, and aggravating factors:
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- Fine: $150 – $300 (+$435 OWI surcharge)
- Driver’s License Revocation: 6 to 9 months
- Ignition Interlock Device (IID): Required if BAC 0.15% or higher
- No jail time unless there are aggravating circumstances
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Second & Subsequent OWI Offenses
- Mandatory jail time (starting at 5 days for second offenses)
- Longer license suspensions and IID requirements
- Increased fines and potential felony charges for repeat offenses
Our goal is to reduce or eliminate these penalties whenever possible. If avoiding a conviction isn’t an option, we fight to minimize the impact on your life, your job, and your ability to drive.
Why Choose DK Anderson, S.C. for Your Drunk Driving Defense in Dane County?
- Extensive Experience in Dane County Courts – We know local judges, prosecutors, and court procedures, giving us an edge in crafting an effective defense.
- Aggressive & Strategic Defense – We challenge weak evidence, negotiate for reduced penalties, and fight for dismissals when possible.
- Client-Focused Representation – We understand that an OWI charge can be overwhelming, and we provide clear guidance and strong advocacy every step of the way.
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Take Action Now – Free Consultation
An OWI charge doesn’t have to define your future. With the right defense, you can fight back and protect your rights. Contact DK Anderson, S.C. today to discuss your case and explore your options.
📞 Call (608) 204-5807 to start building your defense.
Frequently Asked Questions - Drunk Driving in Dane County
After an OWI arrest in Dane County, you will likely be booked, processed, and released with a citation or bail conditions. Make sure to keep all paperwork as it will have important information such as your court date. Depending on whether you consented to the breath or blood test, you may receive a Notice of Intent to Suspend from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT), which starts the administrative suspension process. If you refused, you should receive a Notice of Intent to Revoke. In each situation, you must request a hearing within 10 days.
Where your OWI case is heard depends on the circumstances:
First offense OWIs are often handled in municipal courts (e.g., Madison, Sun Prairie, Stoughton, Middleton, or Fitchburg).
Second offense or greater OWIs (which are criminal offenses) go through the Dane County Circuit Court in Madison. An experienced Dane County OWI attorney can navigate the specific court procedures in each jurisdiction to build the strongest possible defense.
Middleton OWI arrests often occur near Greenway Station or downtown bars along University Avenue. If arrested, we can challenge the legality of the traffic stop, examine BAC test results, and negotiate reduced penalties based on Middleton court precedents.
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.