THE STANGL LAW BLOG

Driving on a suspended driver’s license is illegal in Wisconsin. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your arrest, you could be facing misdemeanor charges or even felony charges, as well as a wide range of penalties.

It's possible you may face civil forfeitures (a loss of property). In other cases, you may be charged with a crime, carrying fines and possible prison time.

Here are a number of possible penalties for driving on a suspended license in Wisconsin.

Read Also: Reckless Driving in Wisconsin: Penalties and Next Steps

Short answer: Yes. Just like drunk driving, operating a motorized boat is illegal if your blood alcohol concentration is above the legal limit. In Wisconsin, if your BAC is .08 percent or higher, you can be charged with intoxicated boating.

Whether you’re a state resident or a visitor, mixing any kind of motor vehicle activity with our state’s strong drinking culture can turn a fun afternoon out on the water into a dangerous situation both legally and otherwise. 

Wisconsin's waterways are not outside of the law. A relaxed attitude around drinking and boating is exactly what makes intoxicated boaters prime targets for conservation wardens and police patrols who regularly scan the waters for signs of suspicious drivers.

In 2019, 132 boaters were cited for boating under the influence of alcohol in Wisconsin. Law enforcement devoted more hours to boating activities than ATVs and snowmobiles combined.

Below, we've answered the common questions about BUIs in Wisconsin and what to do if you or someone you know is facing charges.

Wisconsin's OWI laws can seem complex and confusing, especially to someone facing charges and looking for a clear and simple guide to the penalties they face and actions they can take to defend themselves.

It's a frightening experience: you're driving along and hear sirens and see flashing lights in your rear view mirror. It's enough to throw anyone off their game and make it difficult to stay focused.

This article offers helpful tips that can help you stay calm and focused in the event you are pulled over by police on suspicion of drunk driving or operating under the influence of an intoxicant or other drug (OWI) in Wisconsin.

When a person hears the word "felony," many different ideas come to mind, and often the assumption is that they have committed, or have been accused of, a very severe crime.

But in Wisconsin, the state legislature has classified nine different classes of felonies, from Class A, the most serious to class I. Depending on what a defendant is convicted of, sentencing for these crimes can be as severe as life imprisonment for a Class A felony to a fine of up to $10,000 for a class I felony and/or up to 3 1/2 years in prison.

When a person hears the word "felony," many different ideas come to mind, and often the assumption is that they have committed, or have been accused of, a very severe crime.

But in Wisconsin, the state legislature has classified nine different classes of felonies, from Class A, the most serious, to class I, which is the least serious.

Depending on what a defendant is convicted of, sentencing for these crimes can be as severe as life imprisonment for a Class A felony to a fine of up to $10,000 for a class I felony and/or up to 3 1/2 years in prison.

Within the broad category of felonies, crimes are further divided into a series of nine classes in order of severity, from A, the most severe, through I.

Class D felonies are moderately severe charges, involving penalties such as prison time and heavy fines.

Read More: Wisconsin Felony Classes: A Quick Guide

In Wisconsin, felonies are divided into nine different classes, from Class A, the most serious, to class I.

Here, we'll focus on Class F felonies in Wisconsin. Specifically, we'll explain what a Class F felony is, common examples of Class F felony charges in Wisconsin, the possible penalties for Class F felonies in Wisconsin, and possible defenses for those charges.

What is a Class E Felony in Wisconsin?

Class E felonies are punishable by up to 15 years in state prison, a maximum fine of $50,000, or both (Wis. Stat. § 939.50.)

As with other felonies, a prior record of felonies or misdemeanors can increase your prison sentence.

What Is the Difference Between a Felony and a Misdemeanor?

According to Wisconsin law, a felony is a crime whose punishment could potentially result in a jail term of one year or longer. Crimes that fall within this category are assigned sentences within the Wisconsin State Prison System rather than in a county jail.

A misdemeanor is any crime not punishable by imprisonment in the Wisconsin State Prison System.

Read more about misdemeanors in Wisconsin »

After this initial classification, offenses are broken down into a number of separate categories based on the nature of the crime itself.

Wisconsin Felony Classes

Within the broad category of felonies, crimes are further divided into a series of nine classes delineated by alphabetical titles, A through I.

Class E felonies are moderately severe charges, involving penalties such as prison time and heavy fines.

Wisconsin's driving under the influence laws (DUI) (or OWI for "operating while intoxicated" as it's more commonly referred to in Wisconsin) can be complicated and confusing, especially under the stress of a recent charge.

To make these laws simple and straightforward, we've broken down the common DUI laws in Wisconsin in plain language below, along with the potential penalties associated with them.