Options After a Third or Fourth Wisconsin OWI: Alcohol Treatment Court

 Posted on May 15, 2019 in DUI/OWI

Wisconsin is the only state in the country that does not treat a first offense of operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI) as a criminal offense. Currently, it treats a first-time OWI as a traffic violation, although some lawmakers and citizens are currently trying to change that. 

With multiple OWIs, you can face harsh penalties, such as incarceration, long-term driver’s license suspension, and heavy fines. One option available to third- or fourth-time OWI offenders is Wisconsin’s Alcohol Treatment Court.

What is Alcohol Treatment Court?

This program is similar to drug court programs in that it aims to break the cycle of drinking and driving and help offenders improve their chances at a sober and healthy life. The program lasts for a minimum of one year, but it often exceeds that depending on the person’s needs. The program consists of four phases that involve elements such as:

• Frequent and random drug and alcohol testing;
• The use of Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitoring (SCRAM);
• Substance abuse treatment;
• Regular hearings in front of the alcohol court judge, to check on your progress;
• Required attendance at self-help meetings;
• Frequent case management meetings; and
• Attendance at a Victim Impact Panel.

Rules of Alcohol Treatment Court

As an option to have your jail time reduced or eliminated, there are certain rules you must obey in exchange. These include:

• Not possessing or consuming any alcohol or drugs, including food that has been cooked with alcohol and “non-alcoholic” beer;
• Not entering any retail establishment whose primary focus is alcohol, such as taverns, bars, or liquor stores;
• Not using any medications that contain alcohol, such as Nyquil or cough medication;
• Not leaving the state unless approved by the Alcohol Treatment Court Team; and
• Staying current with costs associated with your OWI, such as program participation fees, SCRAM fees, and the OWI fine repayment plan.

Contact a Knowledgeable Waukesha County OWI Defense Attorney

If you have been charged with your third or fourth Wisconsin OWI offense, you need an attorney who can help you attain the best possible outcome in your case. If you are wondering whether the Wisconsin Alcohol Treatment Court is a good option for you, a Delafield, WI OWI defense lawyer from the Bucher Law Group, LLC can help. Call our office today at 262-303-4916 to schedule a free consultation.

Sources:

https://wiscs.org/hold/2017%20Waukesha%20Alcohol%20Treatment%20Court%20brochure.pdf

https://www.waukeshacounty.gov/globalassets/district-attorney/waukatchandbook-may20163rds.pdf

https://cjcc.doj.wi.gov/county/waukesha-county/owi-treatment-court