Governor Scott Walker recently signed a bill that will now make a 4th offense Operating a Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated (OWI) offense in Wisconsin a felony offense. Until the signing of this bill, an OWI – 4th offense only became a felony if it occurred within 5 years of your previous offense. However, that will no longer be the case and in the future any 4th offense OWI will be charged as a felony. A felony conviction means possibly years in prison, the loss of an individual’s right to vote, and the right to own or possess firearms, even for personal protection. Included in that bill was legislation that will also increase the penalties for an OWI – 5th offense and above.
What this all means for Wisconsin drivers is that the legislature is getting more strict when it comes to our State’s drunk driving laws and how individuals who are convicted of Operating While Intoxicated are punished.
Our law firm will continue to monitor lobbying movements and the legislature regarding any future proposals for enhanced and tougher drunk driving penalties.
