| Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) is a criminal charge | | | | For first-time offenders, the charges for OWI include |
| that can be applied to any person who is operating a | | | | fines and license suspension, but no jail time. Typically, |
| motor vehicle with alcohol in their blood system. Most | | | | the fine ranges from $150-$300 and the operator's |
| states term this offense either as DUI (driving under | | | | license is suspended for 6-9 months. Second time |
| the influence) or DWI (driving while intoxicated), where | | | | offenders often see a significant increase in the |
| DUI is considered a lesser offense than DWI. Typically, | | | | monetary fine - they may have to pay up to $1100. |
| the blood level content of an individual suspected for | | | | They also face jail time ranging from 5 days to 6 |
| DUI is lower than one who is suspected for DWI. | | | | months, as well as a longer license revocation. As the |
| However, in Wisconsin, there is only one charge for | | | | number of offenses goes up, the penalties also |
| operating a vehicle while intoxicated. | | | | increase in severity. |
| How much is too much? | | | | If an individual's OWI act results in injury or death of |
| A person may be charged with OWI if his or her blood | | | | another person, he or she faces grave consequence - |
| alcohol content (BAC) level is 0.08 or greater for his or | | | | no matter how many, if any, prior offenses he or she |
| her first, second, and third offenses. Any subsequent | | | | has committed. Homicide as a result of OWI can result |
| violations are considered as such is the BAC of the | | | | in up to $100,000 in fines and 40 years in prison. |
| offender is 0.02 or higher. | | | | Why have the 0.08 BAC law? |
| These numbers might not mean too much to an | | | | In 2001, prior to the institution of the 0.08 BAC law, |
| individual who has never before taken a breathalyzer | | | | there were 304 OWI-related deaths in Wisconsin. |
| test. Because the DMV of Wisconsin recognizes this, | | | | Statistics have shown that with the implementation of |
| they have posted on their website charts that apply to | | | | the 0.08 law, 8% of these incidents could have been |
| the average individual, providing information on how to | | | | prevented. |
| accurately calculate your BAC based on how many | | | | The hope with the 0.08 BAC law is that not only will it |
| alcoholic beverages you have imbibed in a certain | | | | allow officers to remove those incapable of properly |
| period of time. | | | | and safely operating a motorized vehicle from the |
| What are the penalties associated with being arrested | | | | roads, but it will also encourage people to rethink their |
| for OWI? | | | | decisions to drink and drive. |