First Offense OWI/DUI in Wisconsin

A first DUI in Wisconsin, also known as an OWI offense in the state, carries the potential of both criminal and administrative penalties, which suspend or restrict the driver’s license of a defendant. The following article outlines penalties applicable to first offense convictions for private adult drivers. The state of Wisconsin employs differing sentencing requirements for other first offense DUI charges, such as violations of zero tolerance laws by minors, DUI by commercial drivers, and for all drivers, enhanced administrative penalties in light of violating implied consent laws. In any given case, having dedicated legal counsel is essential towards determining the specific penalties and nature of charges faced.

Administrative Penalties

• Drivers, pending upon arrest under suspicion of first offense DUI, will face administrative license suspension of six (6) months, unless otherwise contested successfully at an administrative hearing. Having legal counsel during this process is essential.

• License suspension can be reduced or modified, in the form of an occupational or hardship based license

• Upon eligibility to reinstate, a driver must provide proof of SR-22 insurance coverage

Criminal Penalties

• First offense DUI/OWI convictions in Wisconsin carry no mandatory period of incarceration

• Fines applicable to first offense convictions range from $150 to $300, but these fines do not include costs incurred during completion of other sentencing items, such as probation requirements, alcohol testing, or defensive driving courses

• Alcohol assessment is required in all DUI/OWI cases in Wisconsin

Getting Legal Help

The state of Wisconsin does not expressly bar reduction of DUI/OWI charges into lesser criminal offenses. Likewise, with the insight of legal counsel, a defendant may be able to negotiate a highly favorable plea agreement, or obtain outright dismissal of charges, depending on the case-specific nature of the DUI/OWI case, as well as the specific defense strategy employed. For more information and insight into your specific pending OWI/DUI charges, consult with a Wisconsin DUI/OWI lawyer to learn more.