Operating a motor vehicle while drunk is illegal per Wisconsin’s texting law. If you are using a vehicle with an underage person in your car, it could result in OWI charges. Driving while intoxicated with minors becomes an aggravated OWI- minor passenger offense. What are the penalties for OWI with a minor passenger in Wisconsin?
Fine and Possible License Suspension
Drivers may be guilty of this charge after they have a blood alcohol level of 0.05 or above in a driving while intoxicated test and their minor passenger is present. If a child is under the legal drinking age in the car at the time of arrest, drivers will face additional penalties and an enhanced OWI-minor passenger charge. OWI lawyer in West Allis can discuss these penalties in more detail.
Driver’s License Revocation
WI drivers who receive an OWI charge and have suspended their license may be disqualified from driving for at least two years. Drivers who are charged with a second OWI crime or have previous convictions will be disqualified from driving for at least five years.
Enhanced Penalty
Suppose drivers are convicted of a third OWI with a minor passenger. In that case, they may be guilty of an enhanced penalty. If convicted of a fourth OWI offense with a little passenger, they can be guilty of an enhanced sentence as well if convicted of an augmented sentence OWI-minor passenger charge.
Felony
Driving while intoxicated with minors is a felony and can lead to up to 9 years in prison, depending on the circumstances of the case. OWI Lawyer in West Allis can help you fight your OWI charges and protect your legal rights.
What are the penalties for OWI with a minor passenger in Wisconsin is a complex issue that can be very confusing. OWI charges can come with severe penalties, such as fines and prison time.
Contact The Law Office of Michael Hayes, LLC to learn more about fighting your OWI charges.
