Wisconsin 1st DUI Still Just A Traffic Ticket

Bravo to the legislators in Wisconsin for treating 1st time DUI offenders fairly and not bowing to pressure from organizations such as MADD.

Wisc. drunk drivers to get ticket on first offense

MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin lawmakers have passed tougher drunk driving laws but even under the new rules, a first-time drunken driving offense will still mean a mere traffic ticket.

A bill passed unanimously by the state Assembly earlier this month strengthens other parts of the law, like making driving drunk a felony on a fourth offense instead of a fifth in some cases. But a first offense would be a crime only if someone under 16 is in the car. It usually means a fine of up to $300 and maybe a lecture from a judge.

“We want to see people deterred from driving drunk,” said Paul Jenkins of Mequon, whose pregnant stepdaughter and her 10-year-old daughter were killed last year by a repeat drunken driver. “This bill doesn’t do that.”

Suggesting that stiffer penalties deter people from committing crimes just doesn’t fly. And what about other activities that are scientifically proven to be FAR more dangerous than drinking and driving , like texting and driving (TWI)? Where’s the outcry for jail time for people caught TWI?

We’re not suggesting repeat offenders shouldn’t be punished accordingly, our problem is that when it comes to Drunk Driving offenses, MADD wants everyone locked up – 1st time or 5th time. Let’s have the punishment fit the crime. From our Chicago DUI Lawyers – nice job Wisconsin.