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A Mequon driver convicted of a first OWI can face penalties including fines ranging from $150-300 (in addition to a $435 surcharge), 6-9 months license revocation, and a fine of up to $1,100 if a minor 16 years old or younger was in the vehicle.
In Ozaukee County, 266 people were arrested for OWI in 2020. OWI arrests with a BAC of .15% or higher required the installation of an ignition interlock device (IID).
Penalties for a first OWI offense in Mequon include fines of amounts from $150-$350, 6 to 9 months without a driver’s license, and an assessment of alcohol and other drug abuse. Fines do not include court costs, surcharges, potential blood draw fees, or other costs. People often see fines totaling $900 to $1,000 for their first OWI offense.
Some extenuating circumstances can lead to extra fines and penalties. A minor in your car makes the OWI a criminal offense. If the minor is younger than 16, your penalties could be the same as a second offense OWI. You can face jail ranging from 5 days to 6 months (or more). Fines can add up to $1100, not including extra surcharges and fees. An ignition interlock device (IID) will likely be installed in your vehicle (at your expense), and your license will be revoked for 12-18 months. Increase car insurance, extra expenses, and penalties can lead to $20,000 - $30,000 in expenses over your lifetime. After even your first OWI, you will have trouble with international travel. Canada will refuse entry to anyone who’s been convicted of an OWI.
If you’ve been drinking and driving and an officer smells alcohol on your breath, the police will initiate an OWI investigation - this generally involves performing a field sobriety test. During a standard OWI investigation 3 different standardized field sobriety tests are performed:
A first OWI, though serious, is not considered a criminal offense, unless you have a minor in the vehicle while driving or there was an injury. If arrested, the police will likely take you to the police station to have you take a breath or blood test. The breath test will be taken on an Intoximeter. The police may also take you to a hospital for a blood draw. If you are under the age of 21 (the legal drinking age), absolute sobriety is required to legally operate a vehicle. Refusing to give a breath or blood sample can lead to worse penalties for your OWI. If convicted of refusing these tests, you can face a 12-month revocation of your driver’s license, 12-month IID order, and additional surcharges and fees.
A first OWI offense will remain on your record for your entire life in Wisconsin, even though it is not a criminal offense. Your penalties will eventually expire, though the OWI will never be removed from your record. If you get another OWI, even decades after the first, you can face criminal charges.
Even though your first OWI offense is not criminal, don’t leave your case to a fee to plea attorney. Make certain your lawyer is a well-trained, aggressive, and motivated Mequon attorney who will investigate all the factors of your OWI case. We review every aspect of our client’s case. You are only guilty if you are convicted.
