►level from .10 to .08◄

I never understood this change past MADD emotionally lobbying the gov. and the need for more fine revenue/pressure on highway funds.

@Steve....There was two standards, .08 and .10, and some states were at the lower limit. The feds decided to adopt a nationwide standard, but it is a standard set by the states. They tied the new regulations to highway funds to get the states to adopt the new lower standard.

Lyle, I would just add an assessment requirement in addition to an education requirement. Most assessments tend to rely on self-reporting, but some are better than others. If it's determined that the person exhibits signs of chronic drug/alcohol abuse (or has a record of other types of offenses leading to that conclusion) I'd go beyond education to some sort of mandatory treatment program. Particularly in the case of multiple offenders, I'd include, where applicable, the use of Antabuse therapy as well.

@Lyle Ruble... Is this zero tolerance, 'First OWI under 0.15 BAC' as it sounds like ANY alcohol gets one a DWI conviction?

I'm in general agreement with a significantly increased penalty for OVER .15 and subsequent(2nd...3rd...) or repeated offenders.

How about this as an addition

Fourth OWI
•Class F felony (as in you're *ucked)
•Forced to listen to Lyle speak for 40 hours in a locked room
•Fine up to $1 billion dollars
•Jail would calculated as your BAC x your age (24 years old, .18 BAC = 4.32 years in jail)
•License revocation – lifetime mandatory and all of your descendants also can never drive
•Take out Kidneys and Liver.
•Loss of the ability to purchase a vehicle or watch NASCAR, Indy 500, etc.
•Loss of the ability to purchase and posses a firearm, fireworks, or play firestorm on the XBOX.

What has any of this got to do with owning a gun or concealed carry? Why not include taking away the ability to purchase a knife, a club or using your hands?

Start by "enforcing" the laws on the book. When it comes to drunk driving, take away the ability of the offender from buying themselves out of the original conviction. No bargaining down the original offense.

Why is there even a 2nd or 3rd offense if drunk driving is such a bad violation of the law? And what about drugs and driving?

Make it mandatory that a breathalyzer be installed in all automobiles. No one can start the vehicle until they have passed the breath test.

one of the key issues is the occupational license which are issued to almost anyone regardless of their having a job. the OL is being misused by many offenders and it is not being uniformly enforced. it is too easy to get and DOT does not monitor the use of it. there is also an issue of shopping for groceries, medical care and child care. also, the jails are overcrowded. the penalties are ok but the enforcement of them is not ok. Wisconsin has no Dram Shop Act where the bartender and/or bar owner/establishment are liable for civil damages in case of injury or death from drinking in excess. there is not one legislator willing to introduce a Dram Shop law because of the tavern lobby.

@Lyle I do think that your schedule is way over the top too soon. As you mentioned it is fairly recently that the BAC went down to .08. The first BAC law in Indiana was .15, and it seems to be that in IL it use to be .12, and then like you said the Feds forced them all down to .08.

In comparison, it has been said that talking on a cell phone, with or without handsfree is comparable to .12.

I am not advocating that the BAC level be raised over .08, but I think penalties need to be graduated according to the level of BAC and past history.

All the talk about penalties is well and good, but there are many things I think we can do to lessen drunken driving accidents that have nothing to do with getting caught.

1) We restrict the sales of liquor from a store after 9:00 PM --- so after 9:00 PM if some folks want a drink and they have none at home, they are encouraged to drive to a tavern,consume the alcohol and then drive again. Liquor sales at stores should be till 1:00 AM

2) If someone is driving and realizes that they had too much to drink and they pull over to take a nap and sleep it off --- they are ticketed for drunken driving !!!! HOW STUPID ... the law Encourages them to continue driving to home, drunk or not.

3) The Milwaukee area has the Worst Transportation System of any area its size !!

4) Cabs are virtually non-existent -- guess you have to drive.

5) Taverns should be responsible for getting you home if you had too much to drink.

Hey fellas.... akaholl dont kill....its people that kill. Dont regulate drinking or the amounts you can conceal and carry..... Come on. Its just that some folks cant handle it right? And if you restrict akaholl only criminals will be drunk.... Am I raht or am I raht?

Lyle,

I think you are certainly going in the right direction, but your jail times seem harsh. I thought liberals were trying to empty the jails.

Another no cost recommendation is to eliminate bar closing times. Just think, every Saturday and Sunday morning at 2:30AM, we flood the streets with people who have been drinking. It is too much for the cops to handle.

BTW, it's not just Wisconsin. Here is a New York story about an accident where everyone was drunk, as well as a bizarre twist.

http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/queens/motorcyclists_fighting_for_lives_6dNpoBmLgyrqc3mxKWJk8J

Unfortunately those who control such things don't really care. Funding for treatment, assessment and education has been gutted. There are literally zero credible treatment programs left in Wisconsin. Until a prominent politician has a close family member hurt by a drunk driver, they will continue to bow to the special interests.

Actually, the laws on the books, although not perfect are pretty strong. The problem I see is between the charging, the plea process, the sentancing recomendation, and the actuall sentancing everything gets watered down. Every judge seems to have their soft spot. Some let women off the hook who drown their own children. Others early release violent criminals who commit another crime. The offenders know which judge to appear in front of. It's the system, stupid.

I agree that our OWI stats are an embarrassment. I don't however think that creating stiffer penalties right now will change that culture. I agree with a previous responder that we need to start with enforcing the laws that we currently have, increasing accountability of all involved in the process, offenders, law enforcement, beverage servers etc. In addition, we need to start to change the drinking culture in our state. Tall order I know. Never starting a particular behavior is easier than changing one. By working with our youth to ingrain a different relationship with alcohol is our best chance at changing the culture. Modeling these behaviors by parents is very powerful. Little things like letting your kids see you socialize with friends without alcohol. Never glamorize intoxication. Refrain from saying things in front of your children like "I had a hard day, I need a drink" Alcohol should not be taught as a coping skill. Believe me your kids are watching and listening, even if you don't think so, and your behaviors do shape their character. Changing a culture takes a while but it is more sustainable than reactive or punitive methods. There are organizations that work hard to help change the drinking culture, donate your time to their efforts. But most importantly be a good example.

My nephew's wife refused a breathalyzer on her 3rd owi stop. After legal fees and several trial dates, she ended up spending 2 months in jail because the required ankle bracelet (in her sentencing) was too expensive. She is now in AA.

Punishment for violation of alcohol consumption and driving doesn't make people intelligent. The "real" problem is the mindset. The challenge to be solved is this: How do we wean a large portion of society off alcohol and drugs? First question: why do so many desire to alter their frame of mind, whether its 1, 3, 6, 12 or more drinks (same holds true for legal & illegal pills etc..).

You said it Lyle: "I think we have been much too accommodating to the prevalent alcohol culture." Keywords: Alcohol Culture. How do you reverse that? Who built that culture? Maybe we should FINE them?

My one idea on these OWI laws is that any offense over the first time, your car can be seized. Then the courts can decide to junk it, sell it, or return it to the lien holder. No car = no driving. Suspending licenses and revoking them does nothing to deter most people from still driving.
Plus no dealership ever checks to see if the person they are selling a car to, or even allowing to test drive a car has a valid license. I know, I got hit by a revoked driver test driving a new cadillac with the salesman in the car with him..... Would have made a great lawsuit had there been any injuries.
The culture fosters this problem, laws are weak, punishments are not severe enough. Time to really focus on the issue from all angles to try to reduce the amount of people who are driving impaired.

What begins in the home all too often turns into rebellion, as the bombardment from outside influence(s) portrays a carefree glorious life of fun, wealth & utopian style living. It's unfortunately True, society, marketing and lack of regulation plays a Huge role in all the evil and ugly that plagues the world. Yes, there are other challenges to be addressed as well, but there is no denying these are big. We allow False (or rare) representation(s) of life to alter the mindset of citizens. The "Joe Camel" issue comes to mind for one.

The question is: Is there any punishment that currently is EnForced that truly makes the vast majority of people not only think twice, but actually deters them from driving? I don't believe there is. There may be a penalty on the books in many states (if not all), but the EnForcement rarely if ever takes place. We as a society overall, believe it is more humane to lock someone in cage for life and provide Free Room & Board and all the other amenities of life off the back of the taxpayer. Our kindness has been proven to be inefficient as a deterrent and has only dragged our society down overall.

In some ways I agree with the poster. After his 3rd OWI and time spent in jail, my ex-husband, who is so ill that his mother and my son control his finances and have medical POA, received reinstatement of his license from the state. He still drinks, it interacts with his meds and we recently had contact from MPD about an incident where we found him incoherent and in need of hospitalization. Imagine if he had access to a car? He doesn't because our son won't release any money for him to
buy one. He doesn't want to be responsible for his father hurting or killing someone. The state apparently doesn't care. I'm proud of my son because he does.

Since when did we adpot the "whoever imprisons the most people wins" mentality? Our goal should be to discourage people from driving drunk, provide safe alternatives, and find treatment for those who drink too much.

Prison is not the end all solution to all of society's problems. If it were we would have the lowest worldwide crime rate, as result of our already having the highest per capita incarceration rate of any industrialized country.

My ex-husband had ample opportunity to get education/help for his drinking problem. He won't. He's signed himself out of inpatient treatment, attended AA and accepted monitoring only as long as it was a condition of his release and lies, promises, wheedles whatever it takes to get access to cash to buy alcohol. Some will always be resistant to accepting help or admitting that they have a problem. Some can be helped and I would think that one brush with the law for OWI would be enough to motivate them to get help/stop. Harsher penalties are needed for those who refuse to accept responsibility for their actions. Tears don't help, I know because I shed enough of them. Ultimatums don't work, I know because I issued the. Apparently even punishment doesn't work for some and that's when more is needed. I'm proud of my son and my daughter who have both chosen to limit alcohol, work hard, be caring about others and take responsibility. If their father had anything to do with it it was by setting a very bad example. He deserves to be punished.

I sympathize with you Kate and everyone that deals with this Huge Societal Issue.
Been on both sides of these troubled waters. I know the heartbreak, I've experienced the destruction first hand, many times. I am one of the Lucky Ones; I escaped alive, with mind still intact and injuring no-one physically. It's near impossible to not affect others psychologically, even if only resulting in hurt emotions; but it likely goes deeper. This may also be where deeper understanding needs searching, when it comes to those who abuse substances. Why are they doing it? Honesty to SELF, the TRUE desire to have a Happy Life and the Realization that All WE Have is NOW, might help some to discover that which will Aid in their recovery and change of life. The hardest part is dealing with all the pain, sadness, shame, anger, guilt and possibly Hate we have been harboring; for some it may be just the lack of compassion, love, respect when it was needed, wanted and or expected. There is Always Hope, as long as we are still breathing, but breathing is not the same as living. And Living inside a bottle of any kind, alcohol, scripts, or illegal drugs is not the same as Being ALIVE.

I think most of you are off the wall. Incarceration and tagging a person with a felony isn't working. Try thinking out of the box. Count One, assessment, education, one year license revocation and immediately allow them an occupational with a monitor for work only. Take the car they are driving away. I don't care if it's theirs or dads or the neighbors give it to the state and let the state sell the cars and use the money for roads. Take the license, the ability to register, buy and own away for five years on any futures and no occupationals. We have enough criminals and shouldn't be classifying drunks as felons. One Major contributing factor here in WI is lack of public transportation. I weigh 130 lbs. How many Old Fashions can I drink before I'd be considered drunk? I don't see the logic of taking away gun ownership rights. Current conceal carry allows one to enter a bar that is not posted with a gun. GUNS AND ALCOHOL? What were the legislatures and governor drinking when they created this law?

why doesnt anyone ever mention imposing fines on the businesses that supply alcohol? obviously its the person who consumed too much who is at fault... but it's also the bartender who over served the person who got behind the wheel... as well as the fact that there is too few taxis in the state.

To Neil A and all of the others that think this is a BIG JOKE. Well it is not and you are invited to my house to view my son who since 1983 when he was in a vehicle that was hit by a drunk driver. He is still unable to see, eat, talk, walk or do anything else. Instead of a fine, jail or whatever, you might just want to come to help with his cares,, etc. and you mihgt want to pick up the tab that has reached 4-5 million dollars...I believe I have lost count after all of this time. As a past president of MADD SE Wisconsin I had the opportunty to meet some of the worst people in the world such as those of you who simply don't give a dam about your fellow human beings and only about yourself. I wish you luck on your drunken escapades.

Since I don't partake of the vile fermented liquids I say throw the book at the drunks.

First Offense: 1 year in jail mandatory, While in jail get psychiatric help for their need to get tanked up. Driver's license revoked for 3 years.

Second Offense: 5 years in jail mandatory. While in jail intensive psychiatric re-programming to make them hate alcohol. Driver's license revoked for life. They can hitch a ride or ride a bicycle.

Third Offense: 25 years in prison.

Fourth Offense: Life in prison.

These wretched tasting fermented grains, and fruits are not necessary. Just eat the grains, and fruits. Stop pretending you're cool or tanking up to improve your pathetic personality.

So let's get this straight; you suggest a YEAR incarceration for driving while under the influence 1st offense? That is for someone not involved in an accident, just over the limit while driving? Better start building more prisons and raise taxes to cover all this expense.

It is steeped in the culture of Wisconsin. 3.5 years ago I was at a dinner with some people while I was in Michigan. There were 6 of us from across the country. I ordered a beer with my dinner. No big deal right? They all looked at me in shock. 3 of them made comments about the time of day it was. I wasn't driving, didn't order hard alcohol...just a single beer with my wings. The guy from NY stated: "He's from Wisconsin, my wife is from there, beer is mother's milk to them". I hadn't realized how different it can be elsewhere for some.

It wasn't long after that that I committed to a healthy lifestyle. I quit smoking cigarettes, I quit drinking, and I stopped eating terrible food. I also got a gym membership.

I have watched 5 friends get OWI's,despite my repeated offers none called for a ride.

It is a problem. It is acceptable in our culture to have an OWI, whereas in other states it can make you a social pariah. It is almost a prideful slant. The other problem is there is next to zero useful transportation. The last time I called for a cab I waited an hour, paid 40 dollars for a 15 minute ride,and this was on a Thursday.

Cab companies would be a very VERY welcomed business in this state, and surrounding area. There simply aren't enough of them.

Why not offer some low interest (SBA style, or city backed) business loans to privately create a better transportation system. Less drunks driving, and more jobs for people. Win-win to me.

It's not just WI culture, it's a way of life that was heavily marketed for many decades, like cigarettes; but cigarette marketing has been stopped in some forms and heavily curtailed in other aspects, alcohol has barely been touched. I would be interested in knowing the approximate age group(s) of the people in shock, it also tells part of the story.

@ Mike Knight " If the police really wanted to arrest half the populace all they'd have to do is wait outside taverns, and pull everyone over the minute they drive away."

So why don't they do this? Random police parking lot blockades. Rather than arrest them, they fine them say $100 for every .01 over the limit of .08. Take away their keys and call a cab or provide a bus ride home (at their own expense). To get their keys back, they must go to the police department no sooner than 12 hours (sobering up time). Cars left at the place of infraction would be booted, so they could not be removed from the establishment with a second set of keys. There of course would be stiffer penalties for repeat offenders and those with unusually high BAC levels. If we as a nation wanted to truly put the brakes on runaway alcohol and drug problems, it could be done. How far do we want to go into invasion of freedom and rights?

Wisconsin residents convicted of OWI are required to obtain an assessment as part of the process to regain their driver's license. IMPACT, a non-profit organization that has been helping people with alcohol and drug issues for over 50 years, is the largest provider of assessment and referral services in the state. Of the approximately 4,000 Milwaukee County residents that IMPACT assesses each year for an OWI, about half are referred to an education program and the other half are referred to a treatment program based on their assessment findings.

Milwaukee OWI clients have one of the lowest re-offense rates in all Wisconsin counties, still, IMPACT contends that reducing recidivism and promoting designated drivers addresses only part of a broader issue.

The goal of IMPACT’s *stop drinking [SO MUCH] milwaukee* campaign is to help people connect the dots between their risky drinking behaviors and any problems they're having in life. Risky drinkers are more likely to land in the hospital, encounter financial and legal problems, and experience personal crises such as unemployment or divorce.

Many people drink beyond what is safe without even realizing it. We want them to get educated about risky drinking limits; to be able to identify a problem before it reaches a crisis; and to know that IMPACT is a reliable resource for information and assistance. To learn more, go to http://www.impactinc.org/impact-awareness/stop-drinking-so-much-mke/