A first OWI charge can feel like a single bad night that should soon be behind someone. Wisconsin law, however, treats a first offense as more than a traffic matter. Even without jail time, a conviction can affect driving privileges, finances and daily routines.
Understanding what the charge may involve can help put the situation in perspective. Here are three things to know about a first offense OWI:
1. The first offense still carries consequences
Wisconsin sets a $150 to $300 forfeiture for a first offense, along with an OWI surcharge. A conviction can also take away regular driving privileges for six to nine months.
Losing the ability to drive can create practical problems, particularly for people who rely on a vehicle for work, school or family responsibilities. Depending on the circumstances, an occupational license may provide limited driving privileges for certain necessary trips.
2. Certain circumstances can change the outcome
Not every case follows the same path. Factors such as the driver’s alcohol concentration or a refusal to provide a requested chemical sample can bring additional consequences.
For example, Wisconsin may require an ignition interlock device when a driver’s blood alcohol concentration reaches 0.15 or higher. The device can restrict when and how the person drives after the conviction.
Refusing a chemical test can also result in a separate driver’s license revocation under Wisconsin’s implied consent law. That consequence operates separately from the underlying OWI case.
3. Some requirements continue after the case
The consequences do not necessarily end when the court proceedings conclude. Wisconsin requires people with OWI convictions to complete an alcohol or drug assessment and follow a Driver Safety Plan.
Those requirements can affect a person’s schedule and responsibilities well beyond the initial traffic stop. Completing them may also play a role in restoring driving privileges.
A first offense can have lasting effects
A first offense may not carry the same consequences as a repeat violation, but the charge still deserves careful attention. The circumstances surrounding the traffic stop, chemical testing and alleged offense can all affect what happens next.
Taking the situation seriously does not mean assuming the worst. It means understanding the potential consequences and addressing the case based on its specific facts. Anyone facing an OWI charge in Wisconsin should consider speaking with an attorney who can review the circumstances and explain the legal options available.