If you face a drunk driving, OWI, DWI, DUI, PAC charge in Wisconsin, contact DUI defense attorney Robert T. Ruth at 608-257-2540 for a free consultation.

There are many intricacies to Wisconsin’s drunk driving penalty structure. So, in any particular case, you should contact a qualified defense attorney to advise you of the possible penalties in your case. Also, the penalties for drunk driving regularly change. The information provided below sets forth a basic outline of the drunk driving penalty structure as of May 2008 for individuals 21 years of age or older.

First Offense

   • Forfeiture of $150-300, plus costs and assessments
   • 6-9 month license suspension
   • Mandatory alcohol assessment/driver safety plan
   • Six points assessed against driver’s license
   • Major traffic offense counted against driver’s license
   • Court may order restitution

Second Offense

    • Forfeiture of $350-$1,100, plus costs and assessments
   • Imprisonment for not less than 5 days nor more than 6 months
   • 12-18 month license revocation
   • 60-day to 12 month waiting period to obtain occupational license
   • Mandatory alcohol assessment/driver safety plan
   • Six points assessed against driver’s license
   • Major traffic offense counted against license
    • Court may order restitution

Third Offense

    • Forfeiture of $600-$2,000, plus costs and assessments
   • Imprisonment for not less than 30 days nor more than 1 year
   • 24-36 month license revocation
   • 90-day to 12 month waiting period to obtain occupational license
   • Mandatory alcohol assessment/driver safety plan
   • Six points assessed against driver’s license
   • Major traffic offense counted against license
   • Seizure and forfeiture of vehicle or ignition interlock device
   • Court may order restitution

Fourth Offense

• Forfeiture of $600-$2,000, plus costs and assessments
• Imprisonment for not less than 60 days nor more than 1 year
• 24-36 month license revocation

• 90-day to 12 month waiting period to obtain occupational license
• Mandatory alcohol assessment/driver safety plan
• Six points assessed against driver’s license
• Major traffic offense counted against license
• Mandatory seizure and forfeiture of vehicle

Fifth or Sixth Offense

• Forfeiture of $600-$10,000, plus costs and assessments
• Imprisonment for not less than 6 months nor more than 6 years
• 24-36 month license revocation
• 90-day to 12 month waiting period to obtain occupational license
• Mandatory alcohol assessment/driver safety plan
• Six points assessed against driver’s license
• Major traffic offense counted against license

Robert T. Ruth has defended drunk driving cases in Wisconsin since 1993.   If you face a drunk driving charge in any Wisconsin county, contact attorney Robert T. Ruth at (608)257-2540 for a free consultation.