When you are behind the wheel of a car, you have a duty to other people on the road, and that duty is simple: behave in a way that does not put yourself or others into danger. Unfortunately, according to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, around 28,790 people were arrested for operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI) in 2015, and 23,931 were actually convicted. Drunk driving can be deadly, and even when it is not, it can cause a great deal of harm, which is why a DUI/OWI charge in Wisconsin is taken very seriously.
First Offense OWI
Consequences for a first-time DUI conviction in Wisconsin are mainly aimed at educating the offender and changing their habits or behaviors. There is typically no jail time, but there is a possible fine of $100 to $300, plus a $435 OWI surcharge. First-time offenders will also face a driver’s license revocation of six to nine months, and if their blood alcohol content (BAC) was over .15, an ignition interlock device or 24/7 sobriety program will be required for one year.
Second Offense OWI
If you have no prior OWIs in the past 10 years, and you never committed any bodily harm or homicide in an accident, sentencing will generally be more lenient than if you had. A second DUI offense will mean that you will face a possible fine of $100 to $300, plus a $435 OWI surcharge, along with a six to nine month license revocation, with the stipulation that you will be required to use an ignition interlock device or 24/7 sobriety program for at least one year.
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