Wisconsin DUI Penalties

A DUI is a serious affair in the state of Wisconsin, as an offender may be subjugated to numerous penalties ranging from imprisonment, fines, the temporary loss of driving privileges, community service, and even the need to complete an alcohol education course.

Like most other states, Wisconsin’s DUI Law is grounded in two simple legal theories. The first theory states that an individual can be charged with driving drunk if they have a blood alcohol level (BAC) of .08 percent or higher (this is commonly known as the “per se” law). The second theory is grounded in the concept that an individual under the influence of an intoxicant is both physically and mentally impaired, and thus not able to drive safely.

Summary of DUI Penalties

Aside from imprisonment, fines, and the like, an DUI offender in the state of Wisconsin may also have their vehicle seized, have an ignition interlock device installed in their vehicle (this device is designed so as to not allow the offender’s engine to turn over if he or she has a BAC of .02 or .04 percent) or even have their vehicle immobilized. However, a first time DUI offense will usually result in penalties such as a fine of $150-$300 and the loss of driving privileges for 6-9 months.

Furthermore, the penalties for a second DUI offense may be a fine of $350-$1,100, a jail sentence of 5 days up to 6 months, and the loss of driving privileges for 12-18 months. In addition, a third DUI offense will usually result in such penalties as a fine of $600 up to $2,000, imprisonment for 30 days up to 1 year, the loss of driving privileges for 2-3 years.

The penalties for a DUI in the state of Wisconsin should be taken seriously, and the best means of doing so is for an offender to contact a DUI defense lawyer immediately following being charged. A skilled DUI defense lawyer can aid a defendant in protecting their rights and lessening the severity of the overall penalties. Therefore, if you are charged with a DUI in the state of Wisconsin, it is highly advisable that you contact a DUI defense lawyer.