Handling OWI Cases in Wisconsin 2024

  • OnDemand seminar
  • Criminal Law
View schedule and faculty
Handling OWI Cases in Wisconsin 2024

Endorsed by the Young Lawyers Division of the State Bar of Wisconsin

Own your next OWI case

Despite the dangers, many Wisconsinites get behind the wheel after indulging in a few too many beverages. There were nearly 23,000 operating while intoxicated (OWI) offenses in Wisconsin in 2022.1

If you’re considering adding OWI defense to your practice or looking for a refresher on defense tactics, Handling OWI Cases in Wisconsin covers the foundational processes of OWI defense and strategies for success from experienced practitioners.

Get a comprehensive overview of the essential components of an OWI case, including:

  • New presumptive OWI penalties and recent penalty changes
  • Challenging probable cause and implied consent determinations
  • Motions to suppress
  • Breath testing and blood alcohol basics
  • The prosecutor’s role and discovery obligations
  • Challenging prior offenses under Wisconsin law

8:30 am
OWI Penalties: How Much Trouble is My Client In?

Amanda K. Riek

  • The new presumptive minimum penalties
  • Recent penalty changes
  • Lifetime revocation
  • Types of sentences, prison, jail, probation, treatment courts.
9:20 am
From Traffic Stop to Suppression – Identifying & Challenging the Issues

Teuta Jonuzi

  • Reasonable suspicion and probable cause
  • Implied consent law and challenges
  • Suppression motions
10:05 am
Break
10:20 am
Set up for Success: Getting the Most out of DOT Administrative Review Hearings

Adam P. Nero

  • How to decide what type of administrative review hearing is right for your case and client
  • How to get as much valuable information from the hearing as possible
  • How to deal with the aftermath of an administrative suspension for both CDL and non-CDL holders
11:00 am
The Prosecutorial Function

David L. Lasee

  • Overview of Prosecutor’s Role
  • Prosecutor’s Discovery Obligations
11:50 am
Lunch (on your own)
12:50 pm
Basics of Breath Testing

Andrew Mishlove

  • The breath testing process
  • The EC/IR II: Wisconsin’s breath test machine
  • The uncertainty of measurement in breath testing
  • Applying the Wisconsin statutes to breath testing
1:40 pm
Blood Alcohol Basics

Andrew Mishlove

  • Collecting and handling the blood sample
  • Headspace Gas Chromatography (the blood testing process)
  • Defenses to the blood testing process
2:35 pm
Break
2:45 pm
Counting & Challenging Prior OWI-related Offenses and Nutshell Guidance for Representing Illinois Drivers

Nils P. Wyosnick

  • How to determine what counts as a prior OWI-related offense under Wisconsin Law
  • Statutory definitions for in-state and out-of-state prior offenses
  • The basics of a Collateral Attack
  • The basics of representing Illinois drivers charged with OWI, as well as out-of-state drivers in general
3:55 pm
Trial Practice

Sarah M. Schmeiser

4:45 pm
Program Concludes
Teuta Jonuzi
Tracey Wood & Associates · Madison
David L. Lasee
Brown County District Attorneys Office · Green Bay
Andrew Mishlove
Mishlove & Stuckert LLC · Glendale
Adam P. Nero
Nero DUI Defense, S.C. · Hudson
Amanda K. Riek
Birdsall Obear & Associates LLC · Madison
Sarah M. Schmeiser
Stroud, Willink & Howard LLC · Madison
Nils P. Wyosnick
Wyosnick Legal LLC · Madison

Sponsored by

Interested in sponsoring this program? Find out more.

  • Understand the essentials of OWI cases from start to finish
  • Examine common challenges and issues in traffic stops
  • Receive an introduction to blood alcohol and breath testing
  • Review key Department of Transportation (DOT) rules you need to know
  • Learn essential discovery strategies for your next OWI case
  • Examine trial issues from both defense and prosecutor perspectives
  • Better prepare for pretrial motions and sentencing
  • Attorneys interested in adding OWI defense to their practice
  • Experienced OWI defense attorneys seeking a refresher
  • Criminal law practitioners
  • Traffic law attorneys

YLD Discount!

Young Lawyers Division members receive a $20 discount on tuition.* Discount applied automatically upon log-in.

*Young Lawyers Division Members are State Bar member attorneys 36 years of age or younger, or within five years of admission to the State Bar of Wisconsin. If you’ve opted out of YLD, you will not receive this discount. The $20 discount only applies to in-person, live webcast, and webcast replay versions of this seminar – not CLE OnDemand.. YLD members with Ultimate Passes, other CLE passes, or PINNACLE discounts are not eligible for this discount.

Book Bonus!

Wisconsin Criminal Defense Manual
Save 15% on the Wisconsin Criminal Defense Manual.* Developed by highly skilled criminal defense lawyers, this “how to” book combines ideas, methods, forms, and checklists with substantive criminal law, procedure, and office systems. Use discount code CA3637 when you order online or by calling (800) 728-7788.

*Discount applies to both print and digital Books Unbound editions of this title and cannot be applied to previous purchases. Offer valid through 12/31/25. For Books Unbound users, discount may be applied to purchase of individual Books Unbound title only and may not be used on the purchase of libraries. Discount cannot be combined with any other offers.

BYP

The Build Your Practice Series from State Bar of Wisconsin PINNACLE® introduces you to the fundamentals of various practice areas. Gain the tools and information you need to develop a new area of practice and expand your firm's offerings. Build Your Practice Series programs are endorsed by the State Bar's Young Lawyers Division.