Third-Offense Drunk Driving Could be Felony With Mandatory Jail Time

It may get tougher for repeat drunk driving offenders, if Rep. Jim Ott has his way. 

The state legislator—a Republican from Mequon who also represents parts of the North Shore—plans to introduce six bills in the Assembly aimed at levying stiffer penalties against people who drink and drive. 

According to his website, the bills will make it so:

A person convicted of homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle would have to serve at least 10 years in prison.

A person convicted of a third or higher drunken driving offense may have their vehicle seized. https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2013/related/proposals/sb61

First-offense drunk driving convictions would be misdemeanors that come with at least five days in jail. A second-offense drunk driving conviction would come with at least 10 days in jail.

A third-offense drunk driving charge would be a felony instead of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction would face $600 in fines and at least 60 days imprisonment. This bill also would increase the penalties for higher offenses, up to at least four years for a 10th or greater drunk driving offense.

People cited for drunk driving-related traffic violations must appear in court to enter a plea to the charge.

Someone convicted of causing injury while driving drunk must serve at least six months in jail. Minimum sentences increase with more severe injuries, up to three years in prison if the person caused great bodily harm.

Yet, WISN12 reports, the efforts aren't getting much support in Madison. Watch the video for more details from Mike Gousha's Up Front interview with Ott.