Wisconsin OWI Penalties

Wisconsin Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) laws are similar to DUI laws in other states. Wisconsin OWI laws prohibit doing anything to a motor vehicle which is necessary to put the vehicle into motion while a person’s blood alcohol content (BAC) is .08% or higher. In Wisconsin, you could be arrested and charged with OWI for sitting in the driver’s seat of parked but running motor vehicle if your BAC is .08% or higher.

1st and 2nd OWI Offenses

If you are arrested and convicted of OWI in Wisconsin for the first time, you face up to $665 in fines and surcharges, six (6) to nine (9) month suspension of your driver’s license, and six (6) points on your driver’s license. A second OWI conviction in Wisconsin will result in fines and surcharges of up to $1465, five (5) days to six (6) months in prison, twelve (12) to eighteen (18) month driver’s license suspension and six (6) points on your driver’s license. A second conviction may also cause your vehicle to be immobilized, or you may be required to have an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle at your own expense.

3rd and Subsequent OWI Offenses

The penalties of a third conviction of OWI in Wisconsin include fines and surcharges of up to $2365, thirty (30) days to one (1) year in prison, two (2) to three (3) year driver’s license suspension and six (6) driving points. A third conviction may also cause a person’s vehicle to be immobilized or seized, or the person convicted may be required to have an ignition interlock device installed on their vehicle at their own expense. Subsequent OWI convictions in Wisconsin carry increased penalties.

If you or someone you know has been arrested and charged with OWI in Wisconsin, it is important to contact an attorney who specializes in Wisconsin OWI law as soon as possible. This is the best way to ensure your legal rights are protected.