By Carlos Gamino. Click here for audio version.
The holidays are right around the corner, and for many people in Wisconsin, that means DUI charges are coming. But what happens if you get a DUI during the holidays – will you go to court sometime next year, or will you spend Thanksgiving or Christmas locked in a cell? This guide explains.
What Happens if You Get a DUI Around the Holidays?
Getting a DUI during the holidays is the same as it is any other time of year; you’ll be facing harsh criminal penalties and could end up spending time behind bars. That can really throw a wrench in your holiday plans, so here’s what you need to know.
Going to Court During the Holidays
In Wisconsin, the courts are typically open and hearing cases Monday through Friday during normal business hours – and that means if you’re caught driving under the influence on a Friday night, you’ll likely have to wait until Monday morning (or later) to see a judge. You could spend the entire weekend in jail.
Holiday hours vary quite a bit for Wisconsin courts, though (the circuit courts’ schedules are listed here). Many are closed on Veterans Day, which falls on a Thursday, and all of them are closed on Thanksgiving Day; many are also closed the next day (Friday, November 27), as well. Courts are closed on December 24 (a Friday) as well as Thursday, December 31 and Friday, January 1. That means if you’re arrested for drunk driving and kept in jail, you won’t see a judge until the next business day. For example, if you’re arrested for DUI on Wednesday, December 30, you won’t see a judge until after the court opens on Monday, January 3.
What if You’re Caught at a DUI Checkpoint in Wisconsin?
The police in Wisconsin can’t set up DUI checkpoints at specific locations, but they can – and do – put out patrols at times they believe a significant number of drunk drivers will be on the roads. The Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office has “Operation Drive Sober,” for example, which puts extra officers on the roads from Friday afternoon through Sunday morning to look for signs of impaired driving. Often, police departments all over the state do the same on holidays, sending out extra patrols to find and arrest drunk drivers.
What Should You Do if You’re Arrested for DUI on a Holiday?
The first thing you should do if you’re arrested for DUI on a holiday is get in touch with a Wisconsin drunk driving attorney. Your attorney can help determine whether you have to remain in jail until you see a judge – and then your lawyer can represent you when it’s your turn in court.
Do You Need to Talk to a DUI Lawyer in Wisconsin?
If you or someone you care about has been arrested for DUI in Wisconsin, we may be able to help you. Call us at 414-383-6700 for a free consultation now; we’ll ask you some questions and make a plan of action that gets you the best possible outcome.Attorney Carlos Gamino
