What happens with a first OWI in Wisconsin?

A first-offense OWI in Wisconsin is a civil forfeiture, not a crime: it carries a $150–$300 forfeiture plus a $435 OWI surcharge, a 6–9 month driver's license revocation under Wis. Stat. § 343.30(1q)(b), and a mandatory AODA (alcohol) assessment. If your BAC was 0.15 or higher — or you refused testing — a one-year ignition interlock device is also required, and unlike other states, a Wisconsin OWI can never be expunged. Penalties escalate sharply from a second offense onward, which becomes criminal. Whether the traffic stop, field sobriety testing, and breath or blood testing were done lawfully often decides these cases — see how we challenge them on our OWI defense page.

How long does a divorce take in Wisconsin, and what does it cost to file?

Wisconsin requires a mandatory 120-day waiting period (Wis. Stat. § 767.335) between filing and the final hearing, so most Winnebago and Outagamie County divorces finalize in roughly 6–12 months. The court filing fee is $184.50 — $194.50 when child support or maintenance is requested — per the official Wisconsin Court System fee schedule at wicourts.gov. Wisconsin is a no-fault, community (marital) property state: neither spouse must prove wrongdoing, and marital assets are presumed to divide equally. Attorney costs vary with conflict — uncontested matters commonly run $3,000–$5,000 per spouse statewide, while contested cases with custody disputes and guardian ad litem fees run considerably more. We explain your likely total, in writing, at a free consultation.

What is a CHIPS case in Wisconsin?

A CHIPS case — "Child in Need of Protection or Services" — is a civil, not criminal, juvenile-court proceeding under Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 48, filed when the county alleges a child has been abused, neglected, or otherwise needs protection under the grounds in Wis. Stat. § 48.13. Because the county needs to prove its case only by a preponderance of the evidence, and outcomes range from court-ordered services to out-of-home placement and even termination of parental rights, parents should retain counsel immediately — before the first hearing. CHIPS cases also intersect with divorce, placement, and criminal matters, which is exactly why we handle family and criminal law together. Statute text is available from the Wisconsin State Legislature at docs.legis.wisconsin.gov.

Family Law & Divorce

Divorce, legal separation, child custody and physical placement, child support, CHIPS defense, restraining order petitions and defense, and guardianships for children and adults — handled by one attorney across Winnebago, Outagamie, and Calumet counties. We explain Wisconsin's 120-day waiting period, marital property presumptions, and the best-interest placement factors of Wis. Stat. § 767.41 in plain English, then put your strategy and fees in writing. From Doty Island to downtown Appleton, Fox Valley families get straight answers here — starting with a free consultation.

Wills & Estate Basics

A valid will keeps your property, your children's guardianship, and your final wishes out of dispute — and out of avoidable Winnebago County probate battles. Attorney Johnson drafts wills for Fox Valley families and pairs them with the guardianship experience the firm uses in family court every week. If you don't have a will, Wisconsin's intestacy statutes decide for you; an afternoon in our Neenah office fixes that. Ask about wills during any consultation.