(Press Release) -- Repeat drunken drivers will face tougher penalties in Wisconsin starting with the new year.
Gov. Scott Walker signed a law in April that makes a fourth drunken driving offense a felony regardless of when it’s committed. Currently a fourth offense is a felony only if committed within five years of a third offense.
The law also increases the maximum sentence for fifth and sixth offenses from three years to five. Maximum sentences for seventh, eighth and ninth offenses will increase from five years to seven and a half. The maximum sentence for a 10th or subsequent offense will move from seven and a half years to a decade behind bars.
The measure goes into effect Jan. 1.
Wisconsin remains the only the state that doesn’t criminalize the first offense, however.
Sheriff Dryden
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Governor Walker Signs Bill to Crack Down on Repeat Drunk Drivers
Legislation signed on the anniversary of the tragic loss of three young lives
Governor Scott Walker signed a bill into law making the 4th drunk driving offense a felony regardless of when it was committed and increasing penalties for repeat drunk drivers. Senate Bill 455, now Act 371, was authored by Senator Alberta Darling (R – River Hills) and Representative Jim Ott (R – Mequon).
“This law is being signed to honor the lives of Jennifer, Courtney, and Sophia,” Governor Walker said. “Eight years ago today, the lives of their families changed forever when a repeat drunk driver decided to get behind the wheel.”
More than 200 people are killed each year on Wisconsin’s roads and, prior to 1990’s, operating while intoxicated (OWI) convictions were based on the number of times the offender had been convicted in the five year period preceding arrest. The new law eliminates the 4th offense look back period and increases penalties for repeat drunk driving offenders.
“Penalties in Wisconsin for repeat drunk drivers are less severe than neighboring states,” added Governor Walker. “It is time to match the severity of our penalties to this crime, regardless of when it occurs.”
Last Update: Dec 28, 2016 3:47 pm CST
