Penalties for a First Offense Wisconsin OWI
After an arrest for a First Offense Wisconsin OWI, many people have questions about their own futures. They wonder whether they will be able to drive, if they will have to spend time in jail, and how a first offense Wisconsin OWI may affect them personally, professionally, and financially.
Wisconsin OWI First Offense Jail Time


Operating and driving your vehicle after a Wisconsin OWI arrest will be more difficult. A first offense Wisconsin OWI suspends or revokes your driver’s license for a period of 6-9 months. During this time you may apply for a Wisconsin Occupational License. The occupational driver’s license allows a person to drive and operate their vehicle during specific hours of the day in order to get to and from work, attend activities for children, and daily living necessities, such as grocery shopping, etc. In the event a Wisconsin driver is arrested for a Wisconsin OWI and has a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) over .15, then an Ignition Interlock Device must be installed.
Not every job will be affected by a person receiving a Wisconsin OWI first offense. However, jobs for which drivers hold a Commercial Driver’s License are more likely to be harshly affected by receiving a first offense Wisconsin OWI. Some jobs, such as nursing and law enforcement, may be affected. Last, some graduate degrees may not be obtained with a Wisconsin OWI on your record.
Wisconsin residents have the ability to apply for an Occupational License. This process is simple and is not lengthy. Illinois residents may be eligible for a Restricted Driver’s Permit (RDP). This is a program which is time consuming, involving counseling and assessments, and formal hearings. Receiving a RDP is at the discretion of the state.
It is important to hire Wisconsin OWI Defense Attorney Nathan J. Dineen Attorney At Law for a first offense Wisconsin OWI. He is a Certified Field Sobriety Test Instructor and Drug Recognition Evaluator (DRE). Attorney Dineen understands the effects of a Wisconsin OWI and will aggressively defend you against your first offense Wisconsin OWI. Call Wisconsin OWI Defense Attorney Nathan J. Dineen at 877-384-6800 for a Call to Contact us.
