Wisconsin OWI

A Wisconsin OWI is described in Wisconsin DUI statute 346.63 Operating Under the Influence of intoxicant or other drug. It states that no person may drive or operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicant, a controlled substance or any combination of the 2 to a degree which renders him or her incapable of safely driving.

It also states that it is illegal to drive with a prohibited blood alcohol concentration (which is .08% or greater). Further info found on the Wisconsin OWI Statutes page. 

If you are driving under the influence of alcohol in the state of Wisconsin, you will be arrested for Wisconsin OWI law violations. When this happens, you need to contact a lawyer. Your lawyer will help protect your right to keep your driver’s license as long as possible. If you are driving with a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher, you are considered in violation of Wisconsin OWI laws.

Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) Testing

If you are driving in Wisconsin, you are automatically indicating that you will submit to blood alcohol content testing if an officer should suspect that you are driving drunk. You can refuse to take this test, but if you do you are facing a one-year license suspension, and a thirty-day wait before you can get a limited license to drive to work. If you feel that you should not take the test, it is best to talk to a lawyer first.

Occupational Licenses

In Wisconsin OWI first offense cases the arrestee can immediately apply for an occupational license, which will allow him or her to drive to and from work. However, on second and third offenses there is a waiting period before you can apply for this license. You will submit your application with a $40 fee to the Division of Motor Vehicles service center.

Possible Wisconsin OWI Punishments

If found guilty of a WI OWI you'll likely face the following consequences: 

First Offense

• Fine between $150 and $300
• Drivers license suspension for 6-9 months
• Alcohol assessment, education and treatment

Second Offense

• Jail time between 5 days and 6 months
• Fines between $350 and $1100
• $335 surcharge
• Drivers license suspension from 12 to 18 months
• Alcohol assessment, education and treatment

Third Offense

• Jail time from 30 days up to 1 year
• Court fines between $600 and $2000
• $355 surcharge
• Drivers license suspension for 2 to 3 years
• Alcohol assessment, education and treatment
• Ignition interlock device

Wisconsin OWI Attorneys

DUI Arrest Help.com has compiled a list of skilled DUI defense attorneys in the state of Wisconsin who have agreed to offer you a free initial consultation to discuss your case.  There is no obligation to use them, and you can get some great information about what you should do in this free consultation.  

Click here to speak with one of our Wisconsin OWI lawyers.

Insurance Considerations for a Wisconsin OWI

SR-22 insurance is required in the state of Wisconsin after an OWI conviction.  This type of insurance is classified as 'high risk' meaning you are a higher risk to the insurance companies so consequently they will charge more for taking on more risk.  This can get very expensive if you sign up for one of these policies with the wrong company.

DUI Arrest Help.com has partnered with the largest and most trusted provider in the state of Wisconsin to offer you a free no obligation SR22 insurance quote.  Not only will you save money but our partner also leads the insurance industry in customer service. 

Take a minute and fill out a free no obligation quote.  It won't cost you a thing (and only takes a minute) to check and see what they can do for you.

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Wisconsin OWI News Headlines