What is Wisconsin OWI Lifetime Revocation Law

You may wonder what is Wisconsin OWI Lifetime Revocation Law and how it affects you. In 2018, Wisconsin enacted law under Wisconsin Act 172, allowing the permanent revocation of driving privileges for any driver convicted of a Fourth OWI-related offense, so long as the 4th offense occurs within 15 years of the person’s prior eligible offense. To be considered eligible for a lifetime revocation, the following must have occurred:

1.     The prior offense(s) must fall under the definitions of a prior OWI-related offense, as defined in Wis. Stat. 343.307(1);

2.     The newest OWI-related offense must have occurred on or after December 1, 2018. (the date of the offense, not the date of the conviction, is the key date to consider); and

3.     The most recent OWI-related offense must have occurred within 15 years of the previous offense.

Prior Suspensions and Revocations can be Prior Eligible Offenses: 

The Wisconsin OWI Lifetime Revocation Law states, a prior eligible offense is not limited to a conviction for the OWI charge.  Rather, prior OWI-related revocations and suspensions are considered prior offenses, under Wis. Stat. 343.307(1).   For instance, even if a judge or a jury found a driver not guilty of the OWI citation or charge, a driver could still have a revocation from that incident if, for instance, the driver was revoked for refusing a chemical test.  In that scenario, the refusal revocation would still count as a prior eligible offense, even though the driver “beat” the OWI charge.

Wisconsin’s law considers many other offenses as “qualifying”, therefore, if you have been charged with an OWI-related offense, including refusing a chemical test, it is imperative that you understand your driving history by consulting with a lawyer experienced in Wisconsin OWI law.

Lifetime Revocation Penalty with Wisconsin OWI Lifetime Revocation Law:

Although the revocation is considered permanent with Wisconsin OWI Lifetime Revocation Law, a driver can eventually apply for reinstatement, but only after the following conditions have been met:

1.)   The revocation period has lasted for at least 10 years;

2.)   The driver has not been convicted of specific crimes related to motor vehicle operation during the 10 year revocation;

3.)   Within 45 days of applying for reinstatement, the driver submits to an alcohol or drug assessment (AODA) and complies with the Assessment’s treatment recommendations.

Wyosnick Legal, LLC is a Wisconsin based law firm experienced and trained in representing persons accused of OWI-related offenses and alcohol-related offenses.  We are very familiar with the details of Wisconsin OWI Lifetime Revocation Law and can best serve those in need of assistance.

Our firm has extensive experience with both Wisconsin and Illinois law, allowing our lawyers unique insight into how to defend drivers from both states. Regardless of the state in which you are licensed, if you have been charged with an OWI in Wisconsin or Illinois, please call us for a free consultation. 

Explore all of the areas we are able to assist in criminal defense cases for residents of Wisconsin or Illinois in our ‘Practice Areas‘ section of the website.

We are here to help you understand your case and your rights. We can be reached at 608.230.2413.  Or visit WyosnickLegal.com for more information about our law firm.

Disclaimer: above descriptions of the law is in no way legal advice from Wyosnick Legal, LLC, nor should be considered as forming an attorney-client relationship.