What Happens if You're Convicted of a First OWI/DUI in Wisconsin

Many people in Wisconsin believe a first offense OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) is “just a ticket” or “not a big deal.” After all, it’s classified as a civil offense, not a crime.

That framing is dangerously misleading.

A first OWI conviction in Wisconsin can affect your license, finances, job, insurance, reputation, and future legal exposure in ways most people don’t fully understand until it’s too late. And once you’re convicted, you can’t undo those consequences.

Here, I quickly walk through—plainly and honestly—what actually happens after a first OWI conviction, both on paper and in real life, and why those realities often justify hiring an experienced OWI defense lawyer.

What a First OWI Is—and Isn’t—in Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, a first-offense OWI is usually handled as a civil forfeiture, not as a criminal misdemeanor. That’s where the “it’s not that serious” myth comes from.

But here’s the reality:

• A civil OWI still goes on your driving record.
• It still triggers mandatory penalties.
• It still counts as prior OWI history for life.
• It can still be used against you later—in court, by employers, and by insurers.

So while you won’t go to jail just for a standard first offense, the consequences are far from minor.

The Tangible Consequences of a First OWI Conviction

Here are all the "direct" ways a first OWI conviction can affect you.

1. License Revocation (You Will Lose Your Driving Privileges)

A first OWI conviction carries a mandatory driver’s license revocation of 6 to 9 months. This is not optional. Judges cannot waive it. You may be eligible for an occupational license, but that comes with limits:

• Restricted hours
• Restricted purposes (work, school, essential errands)
• Additional fees
• Potential installation of an ignition interlock device depending on circumstances

If you rely on driving for work or family responsibilities, this alone can be life-disrupting.

2. Fines, Fees, and Surcharges Add Up Quickly

Most people hear the base forfeiture amount and assume that’s the total cost. It isn’t. A first OWI typically results in:

• A forfeiture of $150 to $300
• Court costs
• OWI surcharges
• License reinstatement fees
• Occupational license fees
• Possible ignition interlock costs

By the time everything is paid, many first-offense drivers spend well over $1,000, often much more.

3. Alcohol Assessment and Mandatory Treatment

A conviction requires you to complete:

• An alcohol assessment
• Education or treatment, as recommended

This can involve:

• Multiple classes
• Counseling sessions
• Time off work
• Additional out-of-pocket expenses

Failure to complete these requirements can delay license reinstatement or create further legal problems.

4. Insurance Consequences That Last for Years

This is one of the most underestimated consequences. After a first OWI:

• Your insurance company may raise your premiums significantly
• You may be required to file an SR-22 (high-risk insurance certification)
• Some insurers may drop you altogether

Higher premiums can last 5 years or more, often costing thousands of dollars over time—far more than the fine itself.

5. Permanent OWI History (Wisconsin Has No Look-Back Period)

Wisconsin does not have a look-back period for OWI offenses. That means:

• A first OWI stays relevant for life
• If you’re arrested again—even decades later—it counts as a prior offense
• Penalties escalate quickly with each subsequent OWI

What seems like a one-time mistake today can dramatically increase punishment in the future.

The Intangible Consequences People Don’t Expect

Beyond the statutory penalties, a first OWI conviction carries real-world effects that aren’t listed on the citation.

1. Employment and Career Impact

Even though a first OWI is civil, employers often see:

• The traffic conviction
• The license revocation
• Gaps or restrictions affecting job performance

For people who, drive for work, hold professional licenses, work in healthcare, education, or government, or are seeking new employment, a first OWI can quietly close doors.

2. Reputation and Personal Stress

An OWI arrest and conviction can bring embarrassment, anxiety, strain on family relationships, and fear about future consequences,

Many clients say the mental toll—uncertainty, shame, and stress—was worse than they expected.

3. Increased Scrutiny in the Legal System

Once you have an OWI on your record:

• Police take notice
• Prosecutors treat future cases differently
• Courts assume a pattern more quickly

That first conviction changes how you are perceived moving forward.

Why Hiring a Lawyer Often Makes Sense—Even for a First Offense

If a first OWI were truly “no big deal,” everyone would plead guilty and move on.

But the reality is that many first-offense OWI cases have defenses, procedural issues, or opportunities for improvement that most people don’t know how to identify or pursue.

An experienced OWI lawyer can evaluate:

• Whether the traffic stop was lawful
• Whether field sobriety tests were properly administered
• Whether breath or blood testing complied with strict rules
• Whether evidence can be suppressed
• Whether penalties can be reduced or avoided

Even when a dismissal isn’t possible, a lawyer can often:

• Shorten license revocation periods
• Avoid ignition interlock requirements
• Reduce overall costs
• Protect your record as much as the law allows
• Help you navigate the process with far less stress

The Real Question Isn’t “Can I Handle This Myself?”

The better question is: What will this conviction cost me over the next 5, 10, or 20 years—and can I afford not to fight it?

For many people, the long-term financial, professional, and personal consequences of a first OWI far exceed the cost of hiring a lawyer.

Talk to a Wisconsin OWI Defense Lawyer Before You Decide

Every OWI case is different. The facts matter. The timeline matters. The evidence matters.

Before you plead guilty or assume there’s nothing you can do, talk to an experienced Wisconsin OWI defense attorney who can explain:

• Your options
• Your risks
• Your best path forward

What to do if You've Been Arrested and Charged with OWI in Wisconsin

If you are facing OWI, DWI, DUI, BAC or PAC charges in Wisconsin, you should contact a skilled criminal defense attorney to assist in your defense as soon as possible.

Attorney Patrick Stangl explains why you should never give up hope when fighting DUI/OWI charges in Wisconsin:

Criminal Defense Lawyer Patrick J. Stangl has been aggressively fighting to protect the rights of drivers accused of OWI and other drunk driving charges for over 30 years. He remains committed to protecting the innocent against OWI charges in Madison, Eau Claire, Hayward and across Wisconsin.

Attorney Stangl’s philosophy regarding the OWI defense is that unless the State offers a plea agreement significantly better than the risk of losing in trial, there is no reason to plead guilty. Because Attorney Stangl believes that—unlike many other charges in State Court—victims of drunk driving (OWI, DUI, DWI, BAC, PAC) charges have little incentive to plead guilty, he prepares all drunk driving cases for trial.

This approach differs greatly from most criminal defense attorneys who assume they cannot win your case and plead guilty. If you’re facing criminal or traffic charges in Wisconsin, schedule a free consultation with us from the Contact Us page right away.

Attorney Stangl has undergone the same NHTSA-sponsored field sobriety test training as law enforcement—something very few OWI attorneys can legitimately claim. This training gives Attorney Stangl unique insight into how these tests are designed, their weaknesses, and where law enforcement often makes mistakes when administering them. Attorney Stangl regularly leverages this expertise to uncover opportunities for defense for his clients and work toward successful outcomes.

Four Consecutive Jury Victories

For the fourth time in a row, a jury has refused to convict Attorney Stangl's client of Operating While Under the Influence of an Intoxicant (OWI). A St. Croix county jury sitting in Hudson, Wisconsin, found Attorney Stangl's client not guilty of OWI. His client was also charged with Operating With a Prohibited Alcohol Concentration (PAC). The above the legal limit or Operating with a Prohibited Alcohol Concentration charge (PAC) was dismissed by the trial court after the conclusion of the State's evidence on Attorney Stangl's motion.

The court agreed there was insufficient evidence to support a conviction on the PAC charge because the State failed to produce expert testimony establishing the relevance of the blood test result, given the fact it had not proven the time of the alleged operating/driving of his client's vehicle. The State's blood test evidence indicated the client's blood alcohol concentration was 3.5 times the legal limit. The jury was then left to decide the criminal OWI charge. After deliberating approximately an hour and 15 minutes, the jury returned a unanimous not guilty verdict.

This case represents the fourth consecutive time Attorney Stangl's clients have been cleared of eight charges, including OWI and PAC, in four consecutive jury trials.

Free 10-Minute Consultation

If you need a Wisconsin OWI lawyer who is committed to fighting for you, request a free 10-minute consultation to discuss your case and explore options for your defense.

Photo Credit: Vladimir Proskurovskiy