Laws are stricter for both commercial vehicle drivers and minors. Commercial vehicle drivers need only have a BAC level of .04 percent on their first DUI offense to be arrested for driving under the influence. For minors, Wisconsin has a Zero Tolerance law in place which states that any person under the age of 21 will be arrested if they are found to have consumed any amount of alcohol or drugs.
Although BAC level is the main form of evidence used against a motorist who is suspected of DUI, an arresting officer in Wisconsin doesn’t actually need to see signs of possible intoxication before stopping someone who they suspect is driving under the influence. If a motorist is sitting in a vehicle in the park position or with keys in the ignition, this is enough to merit a DUI charge.
Penalties for Wisconsin DUI Offenders
The following penalties may be incurred by motorists found guilty of DUI in Wisconsin:
1st DUI Conviction
• Fine from $150-$300
• Driver’s license suspended from 6-9 months
• May be eligible for occupational license
• SR22 Insurance is required
• Mandatory alcohol assessment
2nd DUI Conviction
• Imprisonment from 5 days – 6 months
• Fine from $150-$300
• Driver’s license suspended from 12-18 months
• May be eligible for occupational license after 60 days
o After 12 months if current DUI is within 5 years of the last
• SR22 Insurance is required
• Mandatory alcohol assessment
• Vehicle may be immobilized
• Ignition interlock device may be required
3rd DUI Conviction
• Imprisonment from 30 days-1 year
• Fine from $600-$2,000
• Driver’s license suspended from 2 to 3 years
• May be eligible for occupational license after 90 days
o After 12 months if current DUI is within 5 years of the last
• SR22 Insurance is required
• Mandatory alcohol assessment
• Vehicle may be immobilized/seized
• Ignition interlock device may be required
4th DUI Conviction
• Imprisonment from 60 days-1 year
• Fine from $600-$2,000
• Driver’s license suspended from 2 to 3 years
• May be eligible for occupational license after 90 days
o After 12 months if current DUI is within 5 years of the last
• SR22 Insurance is required
• Mandatory alcohol assessment
• Vehicle may be immobilized/seized
• Ignition interlock device may be required
5th and subsequent DUI Convictions
• Imprisonment from 6 months-6 years
• Fine from $600-$10,000
• Driver’s license suspended from 2 to 3 years
• May be eligible for occupational license after 90 days
o After 12 months if current DUI is within 5 years of the last
• SR22 Insurance is required
• Mandatory alcohol assessment
• Vehicle may be immobilized/seized
• Ignition interlock device may be required
BAC Level Fines
In Wisconsin, fines are increased significantly depending on the DUI offender’s BAC at the time of arrest. The following are the penalties imposed on DUI convicts based on BAC level:
• BAC from .17 – .199 – double fine ($1,200 – $4,000)
• BAC from .20 – .249 – triple fine ($1,800 – $6,000)
• BAC from .25 and higher – quadruple fine ($2,400 – $8,000)
Wisconsin’s Implied Consent Law
Wisconsin’s implied consent law states that any motorist driving on the roadways of Wisconsin automatically agrees to a chemical test of their blood, urine or breath to determine whether or not they are intoxicated by alcohol or drugs. If a motorist refuses to submit to testing, they will have their driver’s license revoked for 1 year for the first refusal. Subsequent refusals will garnish stricter penalties similar to those of actual DUI offenses.
Getting Legal Help
DUI charges can affect a person negatively for the rest of their life. If you have been charged with DUI in Wisconsin, hire a top DUI lawyer right away to help you fight your charges. Wisconsin DUI attorneys fight for your rights to ensure that your charges are either significantly reduced or wiped away altogether.
DUI lawyers ensure the best possible outcome for your case. They will investigate the incident and uncover any evidence in your favor to use in court. Rest assured that if you were unfairly charged with DUI, your paralegal will get your case dismissed.
Speak to an elite DUI attorney in Wisconsin today to get started on your case.
