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Milwaukee DUI/OWI Penalties Lawyer

Experienced Defense Against the Harsh DUI/OWI Penalties in Wisconsin

Unlike the first OWI offense in Wisconsin, if you have a second offense within ten years of your first offense, it will be charged as a crime. Wisconsin increases the penalties for anyone caught transporting a minor under 16 while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

Call Bayer Law Offices today at (414)-939-9650 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our DUI/OWI penalties attorney in Milwaukee! 

What are the Penalties for an OWI in Wisconsin?

In Wisconsin, OWI stands for Operating While Intoxicated, the legal term for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The penalties for an OWI conviction in Wisconsin vary depending on the number of prior offenses and other factors. Here is an overview of the penalties:

1st Offense OWI – (Noncriminal)

  • Fine: $150-$300 (plus $435 OWI surcharge)
  • Confinement: None
  • Driving Consequences: 6-9 month revocation, IID only for >.15
  • Can apply immediately for occupational license

2nd Offense OWI (No Prior OWI Within 10 Years) – (Noncriminal)

  • Fine - $150-$300 (plus $435 OWI surcharge)
  • Confinement - None
  • Driving Consequences - 6-9 month revocation
  • Can apply immediately for occupational license

2nd Offense OWI (OWI Within 10 Years) – (Misdemeanor)

  • Fine - $350-$1,100 (plus $435 OWI surcharge)
  • Confinement - 5 days to 6 months confinement
  • Driving Consequences - 12 – 18+ month revocation
  • Can apply for occupational license after 45 days

3rd Offense OWI – (Misdemeanor)

  • Fine - $600-$2,000 (plus $435 OWI surcharge)
  • Confinement - 45 days to 1 year confinement
  • Driving Consequences - 2 -3 plus years revocation
  • Can apply for occupational license after 45 days

4th Offense OWI – (Felony)

  • Fine - $600-$10,000 (plus $435 OWI surcharge)
  • Confinement - Class H Felony, 6 months to 6 years
  • Driving Consequences - Lifetime revocation
  • Can apply for occupational license after 45 days

5th and up are Felony charges with harsher penalties than a 4 offense OWI.

ADDITIONAL OWI PENALTIES IN WISCONSIN

What are the Penalties for DUI With a Child Passenger?

Penalties are often doubled if a minor under the age of 16 was in the vehicle at the time of the offense. 

The Penalties May Include: 

  • For a first and second DUI offense with no prior offenses in the preceding ten years, fines are more than doubled, jail time is added, and revocation penalties are doubled.
  • For a second OWI offense (with prior convictions within ten years) of offense as well as third or greater OWI offenses and causing injury while intoxicated offenses, fines/forfeitures, jail time, and suspensions/revocations penalties are doubled.
  • For causing great bodily harm or homicide while intoxicated offenses and chemical test refusals, the revocation penalties are doubled. 

Penalties and revocation are also doubled for causing great bodily harm or homicide by intoxicated use if an unborn child is in the vehicle at the time of the offense.

What Happens if You Get a Second OWI 10 Years After the First in Wisconsin?

If you have received a second offense OWI 10 years after your first offense in Wisconsin it will be a traffic ticket and not a criminal case. This means you will not face jail time. 

Penalties for a Second Offense After 10 Years:

You can apply immediately for an occupational driver’s license.

OWI Causing Injury

If you were charged with an OWI causing injury it will increase the severity of the penalties for your DWI. A number of variables will determine the charges.

Causing Injury While OWI (No Prior OWI Offense)

  • Fine: $300-$2,000 (plus $435 OWI surcharge)
  • Confinement: 30 days-1 year
  • Driving Consequences: 1- 2 years plus revocation. Can apply for occupational license after 60 days.

Causing Injury While OWI (With Prior OWI Offense)

  • Fine: Up to $10,000
  • Confinement: Class H Felony, Up to 6 years confinement
  • Driving consequences: 1-2+ years plus revocation. Can apply for occupational license after 60 days, except if 2 or more offenses within 5 years can apply after 1 year

Causing Great Bodily Harm by OWI

  • Fine: Up to $25,000
  • Confinement: Class F Felony up to 12.5 years confinement
  • Driving Consequences: 2 year+ revocation. Can apply after 120 days, except if 2 or more offenses within 5 years can apply after 1 year.

Homicide With OWI

  • Fine: Up to $100,000
  • Confinement: Class D Felony, up to 25 years confinement
  • Driving Consequences: 5 year plus confinement. Can apply after 120 days, except if 2 or more offenses within 5 years can apply after 1 year.

Contact Bayer Law Offices today to schedule a FREE consultation with our Milwaukee criminal defense attorney

How Does Huber Work in Wisconsin?

Huber is a privilege that allows an inmate to go to work while they are incarcerated. The judge must grant Huber and then the jail will verify the employment and determine whether all requirements are met. If your OWI case requires a confinement sentence the Milwaukee OWI attorney at Bayer Law Firm will help you get Huber work release if you are eligible for it. 

How Do I Get House Arrest in Wisconsin?

In some cases, for an OWI confinement the county jail will allow electronic monitoring, or a house arrest. In order to determine if you are eligible for electronic monitoring they will look at the level of the offense and your personal situation. 

Bayer Law Firm in Milwaukee is committed to assisting you with all incarceration issues including electronic monitoring.

Is Ignition Interlock Mandatory in Wisconsin?

If you are convicted of a criminal OWI charge you will be subject to putting an IID in your vehicle(s). This is the breathalyzer device that requires you to blow into it in order to drive.

It’s Important to Understand That:

  • The court will order an IID on any repeat offender (2nd offense and up), any first offender with a BAC of 0.15 or more and any person who refuses a chemical test.
  • A driver subject to an IID order will have his/her Class D operating privileges restricted for a minimum of 1 year to a maximum period equal to the length of the driver’s revocation (which includes extensions for confinement and for having a minor under 16 or an unborn child in the vehicle at the time of the offense).
  • The IID restriction will begin on the date the driver obtains any license (including occupational license) in Wisconsin.
  • The IID order also requires the installation of IIDs on every vehicle titled or registered in the driver’s name, unless undue financial hardship would result.
  • Courts can require the vehicle order to begin immediately. Courts will charge a $50 IID Surcharge when issuing IID orders.
  • A 24/7 sobriety program may be substituted for IID participation, if court approved.

How to Get an Occupational License Following a DUI

Anyone whose operating privileges have been suspended or revoked may apply for an occupational license to drive between home and work or school. 

  • It will require payment of $240 ($50 reinstatement fee + $140 OWI-related fee + $40 occupational fee license + $10 license issuance fee). 
  • No occupational license may be issued to an offender who fails to pay $50 IID surcharge. 
  • Anyone with two or more suspensions, revocations or convictions counted under must complete assessment and be in compliance with a driver safety plan and submit proof of the IID installed to be eligible for an occupational license.

How Long Do You Have to Wait to Get an Occupational License in Wisconsin?

If you have an OWI criminal conviction in the state of Wisconsin, except for a 1st offense or 2nd offense after 10 years, there is a waiting period before you can get an occupational driver’s license. This time period can range from 45 – 120 days depending on the offense.

How Long Does a DUI Affect Your Insurance?

Along with fines and suspensions, a DUI can also affect your insurance rates. Depending on how far back your insurance company looks, you could see an increase in your policy. Typically, after an OWI a driver will need to have an SR22 certificate filed with the state DMV from your car insurance provider. This is often needed to get a license reinstated and will be required for 3 years, which means your insurance rates could be affected for 3 or more years.

Start your defense with our DUI/OWI penalties lawyer in Milwaukee!  

Unlike the first OWI offense in Wisconsin, if you have a second offense within ten years of your first offense, it will be charged as a crime. Wisconsin increases the penalties for anyone caught transporting a minor under 16 while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

Call Bayer Law Offices today at (414)-939-9650 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our DUI/OWI penalties attorney in Milwaukee! 

What are the Penalties for an OWI in Wisconsin?

In Wisconsin, OWI stands for Operating While Intoxicated, the legal term for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The penalties for an OWI conviction in Wisconsin vary depending on the number of prior offenses and other factors. Here is an overview of the penalties:

1st Offense OWI – (Noncriminal)

  • Fine: $150-$300 (plus $435 OWI surcharge)
  • Confinement: None
  • Driving Consequences: 6-9 month revocation, IID only for >.15
  • Can apply immediately for occupational license

2nd Offense OWI (No Prior OWI Within 10 Years) – (Noncriminal)

  • Fine - $150-$300 (plus $435 OWI surcharge)
  • Confinement - None
  • Driving Consequences - 6-9 month revocation
  • Can apply immediately for occupational license

2nd Offense OWI (OWI Within 10 Years) – (Misdemeanor)

  • Fine - $350-$1,100 (plus $435 OWI surcharge)
  • Confinement - 5 days to 6 months confinement
  • Driving Consequences - 12 – 18+ month revocation
  • Can apply for occupational license after 45 days

3rd Offense OWI – (Misdemeanor)

  • Fine - $600-$2,000 (plus $435 OWI surcharge)
  • Confinement - 45 days to 1 year confinement
  • Driving Consequences - 2 -3 plus years revocation
  • Can apply for occupational license after 45 days

4th Offense OWI – (Felony)

  • Fine - $600-$10,000 (plus $435 OWI surcharge)
  • Confinement - Class H Felony, 6 months to 6 years
  • Driving Consequences - Lifetime revocation
  • Can apply for occupational license after 45 days

5th and up are Felony charges with harsher penalties than a 4 offense OWI.

ADDITIONAL OWI PENALTIES IN WISCONSIN

What are the Penalties for DUI With a Child Passenger?

Penalties are often doubled if a minor under the age of 16 was in the vehicle at the time of the offense. 

The Penalties May Include: 

  • For a first and second DUI offense with no prior offenses in the preceding ten years, fines are more than doubled, jail time is added, and revocation penalties are doubled.
  • For a second OWI offense (with prior convictions within ten years) of offense as well as third or greater OWI offenses and causing injury while intoxicated offenses, fines/forfeitures, jail time, and suspensions/revocations penalties are doubled.
  • For causing great bodily harm or homicide while intoxicated offenses and chemical test refusals, the revocation penalties are doubled. 

Penalties and revocation are also doubled for causing great bodily harm or homicide by intoxicated use if an unborn child is in the vehicle at the time of the offense.

What Happens if You Get a Second OWI 10 Years After the First in Wisconsin?

If you have received a second offense OWI 10 years after your first offense in Wisconsin it will be a traffic ticket and not a criminal case. This means you will not face jail time. 

Penalties for a Second Offense After 10 Years:

You can apply immediately for an occupational driver’s license.

OWI Causing Injury

If you were charged with an OWI causing injury it will increase the severity of the penalties for your DWI. A number of variables will determine the charges.

Causing Injury While OWI (No Prior OWI Offense)

  • Fine: $300-$2,000 (plus $435 OWI surcharge)
  • Confinement: 30 days-1 year
  • Driving Consequences: 1- 2 years plus revocation. Can apply for occupational license after 60 days.

Causing Injury While OWI (With Prior OWI Offense)

  • Fine: Up to $10,000
  • Confinement: Class H Felony, Up to 6 years confinement
  • Driving consequences: 1-2+ years plus revocation. Can apply for occupational license after 60 days, except if 2 or more offenses within 5 years can apply after 1 year

Causing Great Bodily Harm by OWI

  • Fine: Up to $25,000
  • Confinement: Class F Felony up to 12.5 years confinement
  • Driving Consequences: 2 year+ revocation. Can apply after 120 days, except if 2 or more offenses within 5 years can apply after 1 year.

Homicide With OWI

  • Fine: Up to $100,000
  • Confinement: Class D Felony, up to 25 years confinement
  • Driving Consequences: 5 year plus confinement. Can apply after 120 days, except if 2 or more offenses within 5 years can apply after 1 year.

Contact Bayer Law Offices today to schedule a FREE consultation with our Milwaukee criminal defense attorney

How Does Huber Work in Wisconsin?

Huber is a privilege that allows an inmate to go to work while they are incarcerated. The judge must grant Huber and then the jail will verify the employment and determine whether all requirements are met. If your OWI case requires a confinement sentence the Milwaukee OWI attorney at Bayer Law Firm will help you get Huber work release if you are eligible for it. 

How Do I Get House Arrest in Wisconsin?

In some cases, for an OWI confinement the county jail will allow electronic monitoring, or a house arrest. In order to determine if you are eligible for electronic monitoring they will look at the level of the offense and your personal situation. 

Bayer Law Firm in Milwaukee is committed to assisting you with all incarceration issues including electronic monitoring.

Is Ignition Interlock Mandatory in Wisconsin?

If you are convicted of a criminal OWI charge you will be subject to putting an IID in your vehicle(s). This is the breathalyzer device that requires you to blow into it in order to drive.

It’s Important to Understand That:

  • The court will order an IID on any repeat offender (2nd offense and up), any first offender with a BAC of 0.15 or more and any person who refuses a chemical test.
  • A driver subject to an IID order will have his/her Class D operating privileges restricted for a minimum of 1 year to a maximum period equal to the length of the driver’s revocation (which includes extensions for confinement and for having a minor under 16 or an unborn child in the vehicle at the time of the offense).
  • The IID restriction will begin on the date the driver obtains any license (including occupational license) in Wisconsin.
  • The IID order also requires the installation of IIDs on every vehicle titled or registered in the driver’s name, unless undue financial hardship would result.
  • Courts can require the vehicle order to begin immediately. Courts will charge a $50 IID Surcharge when issuing IID orders.
  • A 24/7 sobriety program may be substituted for IID participation, if court approved.

How to Get an Occupational License Following a DUI

Anyone whose operating privileges have been suspended or revoked may apply for an occupational license to drive between home and work or school. 

  • It will require payment of $240 ($50 reinstatement fee + $140 OWI-related fee + $40 occupational fee license + $10 license issuance fee). 
  • No occupational license may be issued to an offender who fails to pay $50 IID surcharge. 
  • Anyone with two or more suspensions, revocations or convictions counted under must complete assessment and be in compliance with a driver safety plan and submit proof of the IID installed to be eligible for an occupational license.

How Long Do You Have to Wait to Get an Occupational License in Wisconsin?

If you have an OWI criminal conviction in the state of Wisconsin, except for a 1st offense or 2nd offense after 10 years, there is a waiting period before you can get an occupational driver’s license. This time period can range from 45 – 120 days depending on the offense.

How Long Does a DUI Affect Your Insurance?

Along with fines and suspensions, a DUI can also affect your insurance rates. Depending on how far back your insurance company looks, you could see an increase in your policy. Typically, after an OWI a driver will need to have an SR22 certificate filed with the state DMV from your car insurance provider. This is often needed to get a license reinstated and will be required for 3 years, which means your insurance rates could be affected for 3 or more years.

Start your defense with our DUI/OWI penalties lawyer in Milwaukee!  

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