Wisconsin OWI laws carry different fines, penalties, and repercussions depending on whether the crime is classified as a felony vs. misdemeanor OWI. Adding to the confusion, First Offense OWIs are neither. They are typically classified as civil crimes.

Wisconsin juvenile crimes are particularly disturbing. It can be alarming to learn the age of the perpetrator and many people often wonder how the juvenile’s future will play out. They aren’t alone in wondering about this. Doctors, judges, and prosecutors have all wondered how age impacts a juvenile’s actions, particularly now that medical research suggests that the human brain is not fully developed until the age of 25.

Anyone who receives an OWI 2nd offense in Wisconsin can expect harsher fines and penalties than what they received for their first OWI offense. First OWIs are considered a civil offense in the state, but a second OWI is a criminal offense with no exceptions. It is possible to receive up to 6 months of jail time, fines up to $1,100, and the loss of your driver’s license for 12 months.