Wisconsin OWI Penalties

A thorough, dedicated drunk driving defense attorney will clearly explain the statutory and collateral consequences of an OWI conviction. Attorney Dan Skarie ensures that all of his clients fully understand the potential consequences of their case. 

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The penalties for a drunk driving conviction in Wisconsin contain six main components: 

1. ​A "hard" revocation period where the Defendant is ineligible for an occupational license; 

2. A revocation period where if otherwise eligible a Defendant may obtain an occupational license; 

3. A fine/forfeiture; 

4. Installation of an Ignition Interlock Device (IID)

5. For non-1st Offense convictions a period of confinement to the county jail or prison; 

6. Alcohol & Other Drugs Assessment (AODA) and Driver Safety Plan. 

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Of course, there are many potential collateral consequences to a drunk driving conviction, including but not limited to:

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1. Public embarrassment & loss of reputation

2. Increased insurance premiums

3. Loss off professional license

4. Loss of employment

5. Adverse consequences in custody and placement proceedings

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First Offense Drunk Driving:

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• Non-Criminal Civil Violation

• 6 to 9 Month Driver's License Revocation

• Forfeiture: $150 to $300 plus court costs

• If BAC is at or above .15 installation of IID for one year

• Immediate Eligibility for Occupational License

• AODA

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2nd Offense Drunk Driving - Prior OWI outside ten years

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• Non-Criminal Civil Violation

• 6 to 9 Month Driver's License Revocation

• Forfeiture: $150 to $300 plus court costs

• 1 year IID Order

• Immediate Eligibility for Occupational License

• AODA

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2nd Offense Drunk Driving - Prior OWI within ten years

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• Criminal Misdemeanor

• Forfeiture: $350 to $1,100 plus court costs

• 5 days to 6 months confinement

• 12 to 18 Month Driver's License Revocation plus confinement length

• 12 to 18 Month IID Order

• 45 day waiting period for Occupational License

• AODA

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3rd Offense Drunk Driving:

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• Criminal Misdemeanor

• Forfeiture: $600 to $2,000 plus court costs

• 45 days to 12 months confinement

• 2 to 3 Year Driver's License Revocation plus confinement length

• 1 to 3 Year IID Order

• 45 day waiting period for Occupational License

• AODA

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4th Offense Drunk Driving

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• Class H Felony

• Forfeiture: $600 to $10,000 plus court costs

• 60 days to 6 years confinement

• Permanent Driver's License Revocation 

• Ten years waiting period for Occupational License

• AODA

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5th and subsequent OWIs or OWIs that Cause Injury are serious offenses with severe consequences.

For additional information regarding this category of offense, or any drunk driving issue, contact drunk driving defense attorney Dan Skarie.

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