OWI Penalties

drunk driving penalties in wisconsin

Drunk driving penalties are like drug penalties in that they increase with the number of offenses. A refusal is counted as a drunk driving conviction for purposes of counting the number of prior convictions. The level of permissible alcohol in the blood stream (called the BAC) lowers as the number of offenses increases; commercial drivers however have zero allowance while on duty.

fines for drunk driving convictions

Fines imposed by a court on a person who has been found guilty of driving while under the influence begin at $1,000 and increase as the number of offenses increase. Wisconsin Circuit Courts have general sentencing guidelines available to them, however most courts impose sentences in excess of those guidelines.

jail time for drunk driving convictions

A drunk driving conviction will result in jail time for all convictions except the first. A first OWI is not a crime in the state of Wisconsin; a second through a fourth is a misdemeanor; a fifth or subsequent is a felony. Jail is mandatory for a second or subsequent conviction.

boots, ignition locks, probation & other penalties

Courts can (and do) impose other penalties in addition to jail time and fines, including ignition locks, and even the surrendering of a motor vehicle to the courts. While there is no probation imposed on a convicted driver, a person who has been convicted will receive harsher penalties if the prior conviction was less than five years ago.

Drunk driving convictions can also cause other effects. In some situations, if driving is involved in a person's job, they may be terminated. DUI convictions can also harm a person's social standing.

Drunk driving defense attorney

Attorney Jonas Bednarek will defend you and your rights against any type of drunk driving offense, any level of driving driving charge, and during all administrative and court hearings, including:

• Challenging whether the initial police stop was legal.
• Arguing to protect your rights during an illegal search and seizure (an arrest is a seizure).
• Defending your right to refuse to submit to a breath or blood test.
• Protecting your driver's license during the administrative hearing.
• Representing you during all court actions, motions, and hearings.
• Seeking the best possible outcome during any negotiations (plea bargains).
• Defending you at trial.

Free Initial Consultation

If you have been arrested for driving while under the influence, please contact the law offices of Attorney Jonas Bednarek for a free initial consultation.