If you’ve been arrested for drunk driving in Wisconsin, you may be hit with two separate charges: Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) and Operating with PAC. While many drivers understand what an OWI is, the second charge — PAC, or Prohibited Alcohol Concentration, often raises more questions.
So what does Operating with PAC mean in Wisconsin? Let’s break it down and explain what these charges mean, how they differ, and what the potential consequences could be, especially if you're in Milwaukee or elsewhere in the state.
Operating with PAC refers specifically to your blood alcohol concentration (BAC). In Wisconsin, anyone caught driving with a BAC of 0.08% or higher can be charged with PAC, even if their driving seemed normal. This charge doesn’t depend on whether the officer believed your ability to drive was impaired. It’s strictly based on the alcohol level in your system.
In many cases, drivers who are arrested for OWI will also receive a PAC citation. The idea is that one charge targets impairment (OWI), while the other focuses only on your BAC (PAC). While both charges may be filed, you can only be convicted of one, usually the one that’s easiest for the prosecution to prove.
Understanding the distinction between OWI and Operating with PAC is key to building a defense strategy.
You might wonder, can I be convicted of both? The answer is no — Wisconsin law only allows one conviction, even if both charges are filed. That said, both charges will appear in your initial court paperwork and arrest report.
The consequences of a PAC conviction in Wisconsin are the same as an OWI, and they get harsher with repeat offenses. Here’s what to expect:
If you’ve been charged with a PAC offense in Milwaukee or elsewhere in Wisconsin, these penalties can seriously disrupt your life, making it difficult to work, travel, or care for your family.
Just because you’ve been charged doesn’t mean you’re out of options. There are multiple ways to fight a PAC charge in Wisconsin, depending on the details of your case.
Some common defense strategies include:
An experienced defense attorney can review every detail of the arrest, from how the test was administered to whether the officer had probable cause, and help you build the strongest defense possible.
In some situations, especially if a conviction seems likely, your attorney may be able to negotiate a plea deal. This could reduce the penalties or keep the conviction off your record, depending on your history and the specifics of your case.
A successful plea agreement might include conditions like:
While plea bargains aren’t available in every case, particularly for repeat offenses — they can be an important tool for minimizing long-term consequences.
In Wisconsin, a PAC conviction stays on your record permanently. This can impact your ability to drive, increase your insurance rates, and may affect employment opportunities that require a clean driving history.
That’s why it’s so important to fight the charge, or work with an attorney to reduce its impact, as early as possible.
If you’ve been charged with Operating with PAC or OWI in Wisconsin, the consequences can be serious — and long-lasting. Whether you’re in Milwaukee or elsewhere in the state, having the right legal support can make a major difference in the outcome of your case.
At Bayer Law Offices, we understand the ins and outs of Wisconsin OWI and PAC laws. We’re here to review your case, explain your options, and fight to protect your future. Contact us today for a free, no obligation consultation about your case.
If you’ve been arrested for drunk driving in Wisconsin, you may be hit with two separate charges: Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) and Operating with PAC. While many drivers understand what an OWI is, the second charge — PAC, or Prohibited Alcohol Concentration, often raises more questions.
So what does Operating with PAC mean in Wisconsin? Let’s break it down and explain what these charges mean, how they differ, and what the potential consequences could be, especially if you're in Milwaukee or elsewhere in the state.
Operating with PAC refers specifically to your blood alcohol concentration (BAC). In Wisconsin, anyone caught driving with a BAC of 0.08% or higher can be charged with PAC, even if their driving seemed normal. This charge doesn’t depend on whether the officer believed your ability to drive was impaired. It’s strictly based on the alcohol level in your system.
In many cases, drivers who are arrested for OWI will also receive a PAC citation. The idea is that one charge targets impairment (OWI), while the other focuses only on your BAC (PAC). While both charges may be filed, you can only be convicted of one, usually the one that’s easiest for the prosecution to prove.
Understanding the distinction between OWI and Operating with PAC is key to building a defense strategy.
You might wonder, can I be convicted of both? The answer is no — Wisconsin law only allows one conviction, even if both charges are filed. That said, both charges will appear in your initial court paperwork and arrest report.
The consequences of a PAC conviction in Wisconsin are the same as an OWI, and they get harsher with repeat offenses. Here’s what to expect:
If you’ve been charged with a PAC offense in Milwaukee or elsewhere in Wisconsin, these penalties can seriously disrupt your life, making it difficult to work, travel, or care for your family.
Just because you’ve been charged doesn’t mean you’re out of options. There are multiple ways to fight a PAC charge in Wisconsin, depending on the details of your case.
Some common defense strategies include:
An experienced defense attorney can review every detail of the arrest, from how the test was administered to whether the officer had probable cause, and help you build the strongest defense possible.
In some situations, especially if a conviction seems likely, your attorney may be able to negotiate a plea deal. This could reduce the penalties or keep the conviction off your record, depending on your history and the specifics of your case.
A successful plea agreement might include conditions like:
While plea bargains aren’t available in every case, particularly for repeat offenses — they can be an important tool for minimizing long-term consequences.
In Wisconsin, a PAC conviction stays on your record permanently. This can impact your ability to drive, increase your insurance rates, and may affect employment opportunities that require a clean driving history.
That’s why it’s so important to fight the charge, or work with an attorney to reduce its impact, as early as possible.
If you’ve been charged with Operating with PAC or OWI in Wisconsin, the consequences can be serious — and long-lasting. Whether you’re in Milwaukee or elsewhere in the state, having the right legal support can make a major difference in the outcome of your case.
At Bayer Law Offices, we understand the ins and outs of Wisconsin OWI and PAC laws. We’re here to review your case, explain your options, and fight to protect your future. Contact us today for a free, no obligation consultation about your case.
When confronted with an OWI charge or criminal charges, the situation can feel daunting and overwhelming. We are here to help you shape your path to a better outcome.
