Why Do You Need a Lawyer for a Drunk Driving Charge?
June 21, 2022
Wisconsin OWI Penalty Chart Used by Judges, Prosecutors and Defense Attorneys
July 12, 2022
“Lifetime” Ignition Interlock Device Requirement
The best way to understand Wisconsin’s IID law is to start with the duration being forever, unless proper steps are taken to shorten the period. For all OWI and refusal convictions (except for first offense with a prohibited alcohol concentration under .15) the Court must order the IID restrictions for a period of 1-3 years. The IID period does not start merely with the installation of an IID. You must obtain a regular or occupational Wisconsin license after conviction to start the IID period. You will need proof that an IID is installed in all vehicles titled, registered or leased in your name except those vehicles for which you have obtained a court exemption. During the IID period you may not operate any motor vehicle unless it is equipped with an IID and your prohibited alcohol concentration limit will be .02. Failure to obtain or update a license after the court conviction will indefinitely delay the commencement of the IID period. Until you successfully complete the IID order you remain under all the restrictions.
The Ignition Interlock Device Dilemma for Out of State Drivers
If you have a license from Illinois or any state other than Wisconsin, a Wisconsin OWI conviction which includes an Ignition Interlock Device order means you will be forever prohibited from legally operating in Wisconsin unless your vehicle has an IID, you obtain a Wisconsin regular or occupational license after court conviction and you gain compliance with the IID order. Getting a Wisconsin regular or occupational license after conviction starts the IID period. If you never get a Wisconsin license you remain under all the restrictions. The only way to terminate the IID order is to comply with Wisconsin law by getting a Wisconsin license and successfully concluding the IID period.
