Wisconsin OWI Penalties
The penalties for a drunk driving conviction in Wisconsin contain six main components:
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A "hard" revocation period where the Defendant is ineligible for an occupational license;
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A revocation period where if otherwise eligible a Defendant may obtain an occupational license;
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A fine/forfeiture;
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Installation of an Ignition Interlock Device (IID)
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For non-1st Offense convictions a period of confinement to the county jail or prison;
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Alcohol & Other Drugs Assessment (AODA) and Driver Safety Plan.
Of course, there are many potential collateral consequences to a drunk driving conviction including but not limited to:
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Public embarrassment & loss of reputation
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Increased insurance premiums
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Loss off professional license
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Loss of employment
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Adverse consequences in custody and placement proceedings.
First Offense Drunk Driving:
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Non-Criminal Civil Violation
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6 to 9 Month Driver's License Revocation
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Forfeiture: $150 to $300 plus court costs
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If BAC is at or above .15 installation of IID for 1 year
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Immediate Eligibility for Occupational License
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AODA
2nd Offense Drunk Driving
Prior OWI outside 10 years
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Non-Criminal Civil Violation
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6 to 9 Month Driver's License Revocation
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Forfeiture: $150 to $300 plus court costs
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1 year IID Order
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Immediate Eligibility for Occupational License
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AODA
2nd Offense Drunk Driving:
Prior OWI within 10 years
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Criminal Misdemeanor
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Forfeiture: $350 to $1,100 plus court costs
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5 days to 6 months confinement
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12 to 18 Month Driver's License Revocation plus confinement length
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12 to 18 Month IID Order
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45 day waiting period for Occupational License
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AODA
3rd Offense Drunk Driving:
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Criminal Misdemeanor
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Forfeiture: $600 to $2,000 plus court costs
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45 days to 12 months confinement
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2 to 3 Year Driver's License Revocation plus confinement length
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1 to 3 Year IID Order
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45 day waiting period for Occupational License
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AODA
4th Offense Drunk Driving
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Class H Felony
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Forfeiture: $600 to $10,000 plus court costs
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60 days to 6 years confinement
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Permanent Driver's License Revocation
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10 year waiting period for Occupational License
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AODA
5th and subsequent OWIs or OWIs that Cause Injury are serious offenses. For additional information regarding this category of offense contact Atty. Skarie.