As of 2018, a 4th OWI/DUI offense in Wisconsin is classified as an automatic class H felony.
Here's how OWIs are classified in Wisconsin:
- A 1st offense OWI: Civil offense
- A 2nd offense OWI: Misdemeanor
- A 3rd offense OWI: Misdemeanor
- A 4th offense OWI and above: felony
A conviction can bring severe penalties:
- 60 days to 6 years in jail
- Up to $10,000 in fines
- 2-3 years driver’s license revocation
- 1-3 years required ignition interlock device in vehicle
- Absolute sobriety required for occupational license
- Travel ban to Canada and problems traveling within the EU
- Other indirect penalties can include surcharges, an alcohol assessment, high-risk insurance requirements, etc.
This means it's absolutely imperative to contact an experienced Wisconsin OWI attorney as soon as possible to avoid conviction and face serious penalties (described below).