There are several factors that are taken into consideration in order to determine the level of Wisconsin drunk driving penalties to be awarded to a dui convict. The following is a general overview on what kind of punishments one can expect when convicted under dui charges in the state pf Wisconsin. However, an experienced Wisconsin dui attorney must be consulted for a clearer picture on which levels of penalties are applicable to your specific dui case.
First Dui Conviction In Wisconsin
The following Wisconsin drunk driving penalties are awarded to the first-time dui convict.
- You will have to complete an alcohol assessment program
- Driving license will be suspended for a period of six to nine months
- The court may allow you an option to apply for an occupational restricted license, but for that, you will be required to obtain SR22 insurance coverage.
- You will also be fined within the range of $150 – $300.
- There are no provisions for jail term for the first time dui conviction in the state of Wisconsin.
Second Dui Conviction In Wisconsin
The level of Wisconsin drunk driving penalties increases when you get convicted for the second time.
- You will have to attend a drug and alcohol assessment program
- This time, your vehicle is also very much likely (not mandatory) to be immobilized.
- Driving license is revoked for a period of 12-18 months
- You can qualify for an occupational restricted license after two months from the date of the suspension. However, it is important to note that if the second conviction occurs within five years of the first dui offence, you will have to wait for at least a year before you can apply for a restricted occupational license.
- In order to qualify for the restricted occupational license, you are first required to obtain SR22 insurance coverage.
- You will be fined within the range of $300 to $1000
- This time, the jail term is mandatory for at least five days; the maximum imprisonment period can be as long as six months.
Third Dui Conviction In Wisconsin
The severity of the Wisconsin drunk driving penalties further increases with the third time conviction in a dui case.
- Completing an alcohol or drug assessment program at your own expense
- Your vehicle is also very much likely to be seized or it will at least be immobilized
- Suspension of driving license for a period of 2-3 years
- You can apply for a restricted license after three months from the date of the suspension, but the wait period is at least one year if you were earlier convicted in two dui offences within the last five years.
- Restricted license is not issued unless you have obtained SR22 insurance coverage
- You are also charged a monetary fine of up to $2000; minimum $600 is mandatory
- Up to twelve months in jail imprisonment; minimum 30-day jail term is mandatory
Fourth Dui Conviction In Wisconsin
The following Wisconsin drunk driving penalties are imposed for a fourth time conviction.
- Alcohol assessment program
- Your vehicle will either be seized or immobilized
- License will remain suspended for a period of two to three years
- You will have to wait for at least ninety days before you can apply for a restricted occupational license. If you have already been convicted two times within the last five years, you will have to wait for at least one year.
- In order to qualify for the restricted license, SR22 insurance will again be required
- Up to $2000 of monetary fine; minimum $600 is mandatory
- Up to twelve months in jail imprisonment; at least 60-day jail term is mandatory
Fifth And Subsequent Dui Conviction In Wisconsin
For the 5th and any subsequent conviction, the Wisconsin drunk driving penalties remain the same as in the third conviction with these two exceptions.
- The monetary fine can be enhanced to $10000
- You will be sent to jail for up to six years, out of which 6-month jail term is mandatory
Increased Monetary Fine If Aggravating Factors Are Involved
If certain aggravating factors are involved, such as a very high BAC level, you will have to pay a larger sum of money as monetary fine. The increase fines however are applicable for third and subsequent convictions.
- 4 times the basic fine if BAC is 0.25 and above
- 3 times the basic fine if BAC is between 0.20 and 0.249
- 2 times the basic fine if BAC is between 0.17 and 0.199
There are a few other things as well that you need to keep in mind regarding Wisconsin drunk driving penalties. For example, the monetary fine also gets doubled if there was a minor passenger in the vehicle. You also need to pay $300 as dui surcharge for the first conviction. For the second and subsequent conviction, the dui surcharge amounts to $355.