Wisconsin DUI
Driving under the influence (DUI), whether it be of alcohol or drugs, is considered a serious offense in the state of Wisconsin. An offender will be charged criminally by the state, and the Department of Transportation will also file an administrative civil case. A person can be charged with DUI if he or she does not pass the legal limit of blood alcohol concentration, which is .08, and other tests that will be conducted.
That is the case for drivers of legal age, which is 21 years and above. Wisconsin also has zero tolerance laws on minors who drink and drive, which can impose penalties in the form of fines, imprisonment, community service, or prohibition of vehicle use.
Penalties for legal-age drivers
On the first offense, DUI drivers are fined $150 to$ 300 and are suspended or revoked of their license for six to nine months. This is not yet a criminal offense, but rather a civil infraction. On the second, third, and fourth offenses, the conviction is already a misdemeanor. Fines are also upped to any amount between $600 to $10,000, and jail time can reach from six to 12 years. There's also the issue of interlock devices and vehicle forfeiture.
Then there's the fifth offense—and the possible offenses after that. If a driver reaches this point, it is already considered a felony. He or she will have to serve a mandatory jail sentence and community service, as well as undergo alcohol or drug rehabilitation and pay fines.
There's also the possibility of causing vehicular injury or homicide. Such incidents can earn a driver up to 25 years in prison and a fine of $100,000.
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