A third-offense OWI in Wisconsin is a criminal charge with severe penalties if convicted. As of 2023, third-offense OWI penalties and fines include:
- 45 days to 1 year in jail
- $600-$2000 in fines + $435 ‘driver improvement’ surcharge
- Driver’s license revoked 2-3 years
- 1-3 years required ignition interlock device (IID)
- Required absolute sobriety for an occupational license
- Legal BAC limit of .02 for the rest of your life
- Travel ban to Canada and problems traveling abroad in European Union
As a repeat offender, your third OWI conviction includes all prior OWI offenses no matter how long ago they happened.
If your BAC is .17 or higher at the time of your third OWI arrest, penalties escalate.
Blood Alcohol Content |
Penalties |
Incarceration |
Max. Fine |
---|---|---|---|
.17 - .199 | Double | 90 days - 2 years | $4,000 |
.20 - .2499 | Triple | 135 days - 3 years | $6,000 |
.25 or greater | Quadruple | 180 days - 4 years | $8,000 |
A third offense OWI with a minor under 16 in the car increases the penalties:
- Your 3rd OWI charge is now a felony rather than a misdemeanor
- Up to 2 years in jail
- Up to $4000 in fines
- Driver’s license revoked 4-6 years
- 4-6 years required ignition interlock device (IID)
- Absolute sobriety required for occupational license
A third offense OWI causing injury is a Class H felony charge with additional penalties:
- Up to 6 years in prison
- Up to $10,000 in fines
- Penalties double if the injured person was under 16 years old
A conviction for third OWI causing great bodily harm is a Class F felony with even harsher penalties:
- Up to 12.5 years in prison
- Up to $25,000 in fines
- Penalties increase if a pregnant woman (unborn child) was in the vehicle
A third offense OWI conviction for Homicide While OWI is a Class C felony with the following penalties:
- Up to 40 years in prison
- Up to $100,000 in fines
- Penalties increase if a pregnant woman (unborn child) was in the vehicle