Wisconsin DUI Penalties: Wisconsin OWI Punishments

There are two aspects to an OWI offense in Wisconsin. Criminal charges will be filed by the state, and an administrative civil case will also be filed through the Department of Transportation. The penalties listed below are a general guide of what to expect upon a criminal OWI conviction in Wisconsin. Court costs and other processing fees will also apply in addition to the fines listed below. Wisconsin DUI penalties are subject to enhancements in cases involving high BAC levels (see below). For more information on the penalties that may also apply as a result of an administrative civil case, click on the Wisconsin Driving tab. 


FIRST OFFENSE WI OWI - FINES: $150 - $300; LICENSE SUSPENSION: 6-9 month suspension; OTHER: possible community service, alcohol/drug treatment

SECOND OFFENSE WI OWI (WITHIN 10 YEARS) - FINES: $350 - $1,100; JAIL: 5 days - 6 months; LICENSE SUSPENSION: 12 - 18 month suspension; OTHER: possible Vehicle forfeiture/immobilization, ignition interlock device, community service and alcohol/drug treatment

THIRD OFFENSE WI OWI - FINES: $600 - $2,000; JAIL: 30 days - 1 year; LICENSE SUSPENSION: 24 - 36 month suspension; OTHER: possible Vehicle forfeiture/immobilization, ignition interlock device, community service and alcohol/drug treatment

FOURTH OR SUBSEQUENT WI OWI - FINES: $600 - $2,000; JAIL: 60 days - 5 years; LICENSE SUSPENSION: 24 - 36 month suspension; OTHER: possible Vehicle forfeiture/immobilization, ignition interlock device, community service and alcohol/drug treatment

Wisconsin DUI/OWI sentence enhancements for high alcohol levels

BLOOD ALCOHOL CONTENT (BAC) 0.17 to 0.199 - minimum and maximum fines are doubled.

BLOOD ALCOHOL CONTENT (BAC) 0.20 to 0.249 - minimum and maximum fines are tripled.

BLOOD ALCOHOL CONTENT (BAC) 0.25 or above - minimum and maximum fines are quadrupled.