Wisconsin’s Lifetime Revocation Law for OWI: What You Need to Know
People charged with a fourth or subsequent OWI/DUI in the State of Wisconsin could lose their driving privileges permanently.
A lifetime revocation can affect your life and livelihood in numerous ways. As Wisconsin’s only board-certified drunk driving defense specialists , we have worked with many clients facing these dire consequences.
Here is what you need to know about lifetime revocations, the potential for license reinstatement, and how we can help. If your driving privileges are in jeopardy, I urge you to request a free case evaluation from our law firm as soon as possible.
When Does Someone Receive a Lifetime Revocation?
The State of Wisconsin permanently will permanently revoke the driving privileges of a person in two circumstances:
- A person is convicted of a fourth or subsequent OWI/DUI. You will suffer a lifetime revocation if you have four or more OWI/DUI convictions (drug or alcohol-related) and the fourth conviction occurs within 15 years of the previous conviction.
- A person has two OWI/DUI convictions as well as two qualifying felony convictions. That is, you will suffer a lifetime revocation if you have two OWI/DUI convictions (drug or alcohol-related) within a 25-year period AND two qualifying convictions. Qualifying convictions include second-degree reckless homicide; homicide by intoxicated use of a motor vehicle; homicide by negligent operation of a motor vehicle; and commission of a felony involving a motor vehicle.
Lifetime Revocation Means You Cannot Have an Occupational Permit for at Least Ten Years
If your driver’s license is permanently revoked by the State of Wisconsin, you will be ineligible to apply for an occupational permit for a minimum of ten years, possibly longer. That means you cannot legally drive yourself to and from work and must find another means of transportation just to go to your job.
Is It Possible to Reinstate My Driving Privileges After a Lifetime Revocation?
Yes, it is possible.
Even after a lifetime revocation, the State of Wisconsin will allow people to apply for reinstatement of their driving privileges after ten years, if they meet certain requirements.
Qualifying for Potential License Reinstatement
To apply for driver’s license reinstatement, the following requirements must be met:
10 Years Have Passed Since the Lifetime Revocation
You can only apply for license reinstatement once 10 years have elapsed since the lifetime revocation.
You Are Free of Vehicle-Related Felonies and Misdemeanors
During the 10 years that have elapsed, your record must be free from any felonies or misdemeanors related to the operation of a motor vehicle.
Compliance With an Approved Alcohol or Drug Assessment
No more than 45 days before applying for license reinstatement, you must submit to and comply with a drug or alcohol assessment from an approved public treatment facility.
Your Revocation Could Be Permanent Despite Meeting Reinstatement Qualifications
Even though you can apply to reinstate your driving privileges, there is no guarantee that your driver’s license will get reinstated. 2017 Wisconsin Act 172 is a relatively new law. No person has yet been reinstated under it, and the law may change before any person becomes eligible for reinstatement. We have seen such things happen before.
We Can Help You Avoid Permanent or Prolonged Revocation
If there is a way to avoid the lifetime revocation, we will find it. Whether it is challenging your prior record, challenging the lawfulness of the initial stop or arrest, or fighting the blood test results, we are one of America’s leading law firms. As Wisconsin’s only officially accredited OWI/DUI defense specialists, we have the expertise and experience to tell your story and present the strongest possible defense.
We Know the Law and Understand the Science Behind OWI Testing
Lauren Stuckert and I have spent decades focusing on OWI/DUI cases and the science of sobriety tests, breath analysis, and blood tests. I'm considered one of America’s top handful of OWI/DUI lawyers. I even wrote the book on OWI/DUI defense in Wisconsin – literally. Wisconsin OWI Defense: The Law & Practice is the book that defense lawyers in the state read, reference, and study. I am not only the first board-certified OWI/DUI specialist, but in 2022-2023 I was the President of that board, the National College for DUI Defense. As Wisconsin’s only true specialists, Ms. Stuckert and I are sought-after speakers and trial advocacy teachers around the country.
We Center the Defense on Your Life and Your Story
As trial advocates, we understand just how important storytelling is in crafting a successful legal defense. A good story can humanize you and make the jury consider your fate instead of just looking at the charges against you. Crafting a powerful narrative allows us to make complicated information about forensic mistakes and procedural errors relevant and meaningful to members of the jury.
As part of the process, we want to hear about your life, your family, your hopes, and your dreams. Getting to know who you are will help us identify the most compelling and persuasive way to present your story in court.
We Are Not Afraid to Go to Trial and Fight for You
With a lifetime revocation, potential prison sentence, and mandatory jail, your entire future is on the line. We know what’s at stake. No one wants to go to trial unnecessarily. Yet when it is necessary, we are Wisconsin most experienced OWI/DUI defense lawyers. We know when and how to fight, and we know how to win.
Tell Us Your Story:
Contact Our Law Offices Today
Most of the time in these cases, there are very strict time limits that could expire as quickly as ten days from your arrest. So, if you have been arrested for an OWI/DUI, you need to speak with a defense lawyer as soon as possible.
To request a free consultation, contact our Wisconsin drunk driving defense law firm. We have offices located in Milwaukee, Oshkosh, Waukesha, and West Bend.
About Andrew Mishlove
A board-certified OWI defense specialist, Andrew Mishlove has practiced law in Wisconsin since 1981. He is a nationally recognized figure when it comes to drunk and intoxicated driving defense. Mr. Mishlove is the author of Wisconsin OWI Defense: The Law and Practice and is on the Board of Regents of the National College for DUI Defense (NCDD).