Wisconsin lawmakers are currently considering a bill that would require state officials to revoke repeat OWI offenders’ drivers’ licenses for at least a decade.
Rep. Eric Genrich from Green Bay recently told the State Assembly’s judiciary committee that the bill wouldn’t be a “cure-all” for drunk driving, but would at least attempt to address the problems posed by habitual offenders.
What happens if the bill goes into law?
- Under the bill in it’s current state, the Department of Transportation would be required to permanently revoke the license of anyone convicted of OWI five or more times.
- The DOT would also have to permanently revoke the license of anyone with three or more OWIs who had committed a homicide or another serious crime involving a vehicle.
- Offenders would not be eligible for an occupational license, but could apply for their drivers’ license after ten years.
Other OWI bills currently being considered in Wisconsin
- Restricted license type for Wisconsin OWI offenders
Rep. David Heaton and Sen. Van Wanggaard authored a new policy that if enacted, would create a new restricted license type for those convicted of OWI in Wisconsin.
The policy would close a loophole in the current law by connecting ignition interlock devices to a driver’s license rather than a specific vehicle.
- 30-day jail sentence for OWI causing injury
Mequon Republican Jim Ott proposed a bill that would require at least a 30-day jail sentence for OWI offenders that cause injury while driving drunk.
- Mandatory court appearances for Wisconsin OWI
Rep. Jim Ott’s other proposed bill would require everyone arrested for OWI to make at least one court appearance. Since first-time drunk driving offenses are civil and not criminal offenses, in Wisconsin, court appearances for first time offenders aren’t currently required.
If you’ve been arrested or charged with OWI in Wisconsin, it’s crucial you contact an experienced Madison OWI lawyer today. Contact Attorney Patrick Stangl for a free consultation.
