Graeme Zielinski faces third OWI, trial set for November

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- We have an update to a story FOX6 News first brought you on Thursday, September 5th regarding 40-year-old Graeme Zielinski, a former spokesman for the Democratic Party of Wisconsin.

Zielinski was scheduled to be in a Jefferson County court on Thursday for his initial appearance in connection with his third OWI offense. He was not at that court appearance. Zielinski's lawyer tells FOX6 News now that he arranged to appear before the court on Zielinski's behalf.

According to the criminal complaint in the case, Zielinski was pulled over on Sunday evening, June 2nd in the Town of Lake Mills. Zielinski is charged with OWI - third offense and operating with prohibited alcohol concentration - third offense.

The criminal complaint in the case indicates an officer was informed by a motorist that a vehicle was weaving through traffic, headed eastbound on I-94.

Zielinski's vehicle was stopped, at which point Zielinski took the keys out of the ignition and handed them to the officer, according to the complaint.

The complaint indicates Zielinski was ordered to perform field sobriety tests, during which time it was determined that Zielinski was driving while intoxicated.

The criminal complaint says Zielinski was taken to the Fort Atkinson Health Center for a blood draw, and it was determined that his blood alcohol level was .231.

Zielinski's previous OWI convictions occurred in 1991 and 1999.

In court on Thursday, the judge also indicated Zielinski needs to appear at all future court dates. The court also set the trial in this case to begin on November 4th.

Monitor FOX6 News and FOX6Now.com for updates on this developing story.