Practice Areas

You've been arrested

What you do next is crucial. Winning a case depends on the experience of your attorney and how the facts come in. Our approach to defending anyone charged with drunk driving is to presume they are innocent, look for ways to present a defense, and finally, be direct and honest about the charges they face.

What happens next

Carefully review the paperwork you received when you were arrested. There are many deadlines and steps to take before your first court date.

Prepare a written account of the events leading up to and after your arrest. Include a timeline and a general description of your interaction with the police. Save your version of the events for a consultation with a qualified attorney.

Contact an attorney to discuss the facts of your case and your situation. If you decide to hire an attorney, be sure to find an experienced attorney that you feel comfortable with and can afford.

How we defend you

Drunk driving cases require a competent attorney to review audio and video evidence, how the field sobriety tests were administered, blood/breath test results, and testing processes. Your attorney should thoroughly understand toxicology and the body's absorption and elimination of alcohol and know how medical conditions can affect testing. Attorney Piel has the same training in administering field sobriety tests as the arresting officer. He has the experience necessary to analyze your blood/breath test records to look for errors or inconsistencies in the testing procedures and to cross-examine expert witnesses.

Simply put, he has the experience you need to defend your case.

What you should know

I have been charged with a DUI. What does this mean?

You have been accused of driving while under the influence of alcohol and probably received two tickets; one for operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicant and if your test result was above .08, above .02 in fourth offense or higher cases, a second for operating with a prohibited alcohol concentration. While you may not have felt too impaired to drive, an OWI can be charged when a law enforcement officer stops you and suspects imparement.

What do I have "10 days" to do?

If you receive a Notice of Intent to Suspend Operating Privileges or a
Notice of Intent to Revoke Operating Privileges, you have 10 days to act. Failing to demand either hearing impacts your operating privileges 30 days from your date of arrest. Failing to Demand a Refusal Hearing when receiving an Notice of Intent to Revoke is irreversible and counts as a OWI conviction regardless of what eventually happens with your OWI arrest. While failing to demand the Administrative Suspension Hearing is less detrimental, it deprives you of opportunity to question officers and
in most cases, receive critical information about your case in advance of court appearances.

What is an interlock device?

An Ignition Interlock Device, or an IID, is placed on your vehicle and requires you to blow into the machine before allowing you to start your vehicle. You are also prompted to blow while driving, and any alcohol in your system will prevent the starting of your vehicle or will disable your vehicle.

Will I go to jail?

If you are charged with an OWI 2nd or subsequent charge, or there was a minor in the vehicle, injury or death on a first offense, jail will be imposed. The amount of jail time, or prison time in fourth offense cases or higher, varies based on the sentencing guidelines throughout the state and the circumstances of your case.

Criminal cases can change your life

A conviction can mean possible job loss or future employment issues. The consequences for felonies are even more severe, with voting rights and firearm rights at stake. We investigate your case to determine if your rights were violated and if an investigator is needed to interview witnesses. We’ll explain to you the potential penalties you face.

Attorney Piel has represented those charged with battery, disorderly conduct, drug charges, and sexual assault. Each case requires a thorough examination of the facts leading up to the arrest and an understanding of how to best defend our clients.

What you should know

I don't think I was read my Miranda rights?

What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor?

Need another quesiton re criminal cases

Is probation or a deferred agerement an option?

NEed Walt to write this

Will expungment be an option?

need walt to answe this

No Violation is too small

Traffic violations are not always just a minor inconvenience, especially if you drive for a living or have a probationary license. With so much at stake, it's important to consult with a lawyer who understands how these violations may impact you. We are well-versed in the process of resolving traffic citations. We will work diligently to help you reach an agreement that helps reduce the risk of other issues.

Client testimonials

"Walter was compassionate yet realistic regarding my situation. He explained every step of the process in ways that I could understand, took nothing for granted, and wound up getting the charges dismissed."

"Walter represented me with an aggressive no-quit attitude. He took charge and never misrepresented what he was willing to do or could do for my situation. Walter was always very patient with all my questions and I felt like I could call with anything that was not clear to me."

"Walter was always very patient with all my questions and I felt like I could call with anything that was not clear to me."

"· Attorney Piel handled my case in a professional and expeditious manner. I was very satisfied with his representation of me and completely resolved my case."

"I was involved in a car accident after I had been drinking. The police charged me with two felonies. Walt came to my house and drove all the way across two counties to sit at my kitchen table and hear my story about that night. He made no promises, but I could hear a very strong, solid, reliable, honest, trustworthy, experienced man sitting
in front of me speaking. I immediately retained his services.
That was the best decision I ever made."

“Even knowing that was one of the worst days I’ve been a part of, you really made me feel like you had my back. Watching you go to work was a very impressive to witness.”

You've been arrested

What happens next

DUI Defense

How we defend you

What you should know

Criminal Defense

Criminal cases can change your life

What you should know

Traffic Violations

No Violation is too small

Client testimonials

Get in Touch with Us