2019 is here, and that could mean harsher penalties for drivers convicted of OWI for the first time.
Wisconsin Governor-elect Tony Evers has said he’s open to the stricter penalties, and he has some support from the law enforcement community. Right now, a first-time OWI is considered a civil offense, not a criminal one. It already carries hefty fines and the possibility of losing your license, but leaders hope making the offense criminal could discourage repeat offenders.
