Wisconsin DUI Laws

Looking at OWI Charges in Wisconsin? Get Answers to your questions today!

A Wisconsin DUI case can be extremely serious business. The state's OWI, operating while intoxicated, statutes include additional fines for all drunk driving convictions.

You may have a family lawyer you rely on for business matters, wills, real estate transactions and even traffic tickets. When it comes to DUI charges you can't afford to rely on a lawyer who may not be well versed in the OWI laws in Wisconsin.

The choices you make in the wake of DUI charges can make a huge impact on your future. You need information early in the process. Speaking with a Wisconsin OWI lawyer will allow you to get answers to questions you might have about your case.

To arrange a consultation with a DUI lawyer near you today, simply fill out the free case evaluation form on this page or call toll-free 877-349-1311.

The penalties for OWI in Wisconsin, even if this is your first OWI charge, are serious. Refusing a breath test in Wisconsin means you could lose your driver’s license for one year.

Wisconsin Penalties for DUI and OWI

First DUI/OWI conviction

  • $150-300 in fines, plus $355 OWI surcharge
  • 6-9 months suspended license

Second DUI/OWI conviction (within 10 years)

  • Minimum five days in jail, with a maximum six month sentence
  • $350-1,100 in fines, plus $355 OWI surcharge
  • 12-18 months suspended license
  • If second DUI in five years, installation of ignition interlock device

Third DUI/OWI conviction (anytime)

  • Minimum 30 days in jail, with a maximum sentence of one year 
  • $600-2,000 in fines, plus OWI surcharge of $355
  • Installation of ignition interlock device
  • 2-3 years suspended license

Fourth DUI/OWI conviction (anytime)

  • Minimum 60 days in jail, with a maximum sentence of one year
  • $600-2,000 in fines, plus OWI surcharge of $355
  • Installation of ignition interlock device
  • Potential vehicle seizure
  • 2-3 years suspended license

Fifth DUI/OWI conviction (anytime)

  • Minimum six months in jail, with a maximum sentence of five years
  • $600-2,000 in fines, plus OWI surcharge of $355
  • Installation of ignition interlock device
  • Potential vehicle seizure
  • 2-3 years suspended license

* Per se BAC lowers to .02 after 3rd DUI conviction.

Breath Test Refusal Penalties
  • First refusal: One-year suspension of driver's license
  • Second refusal: Two-year license suspension
  • Third refusal: Three-year license suspension

A local DUI lawyer can answer questions you might have about the laws in Wisconsin or your specific DUI case. To speak with a DUI lawyer near you today, fill out the free case evaluation form on this page or call us, toll free, at 877-349-1311.

Note: Laws may have changed since our last update. For the latest information on these DUI laws, speak to a local DUI lawyer in the state.

The Wisconsin DUI penalty list is by no means all-inclusive. DUI penalties may vary based on a variety of factors, including your prior driving record.