Wisconsin DUI Laws
Wisconsin DUI Defense
What you're facing, what the deadlines are, and the questions your attorney needs to answer — specific to Wisconsin (WI) law.
BAC Limit
0.08
Enhanced BAC
0.20
Higher penalties above this
Lookback Period
Lifetime
Prior offenses count within
10 days-Day DMV Hearing Deadline
In Wisconsin, you have 10 days days from your arrest to request an administrative DMV hearing. Miss this deadline and your license suspension goes into effect automatically — even if the criminal case is later dismissed.
First Offense Penalties in Wisconsin
Implied Consent & Test Refusal
Like all 50 states, Wisconsin has an implied consent law — by driving on Wisconsin roads, you've already agreed to submit to a chemical test (breath, blood, or urine) if an officer has probable cause to believe you're impaired.
Refusal Penalty
1-year license revocation
Wisconsin-Specific Detail
Wisconsin is the only state where a first-offense DUI is a civil forfeiture (traffic ticket) rather than a criminal offense. There is no possibility of jail time for a first offense. However, a second offense is a criminal misdemeanor, and Wisconsin uses a lifetime lookback.
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Important: This page provides general legal information about Wisconsin DUI laws as of the date of publication. Laws change frequently. This is not legal advice. Consult a Wisconsin-licensed attorney for guidance specific to your case.