A first OWI in Wisconsin is generally classified as a CIVIL forfeiture (non-criminal) — unique to Wisconsin.
Jail: none – none (no jail — civil)
Fine: $150–$300 ($150–300 forfeiture plus a large OWI surcharge (~$435) and assessments)
License suspension: 6–9 month revocation – 9 months; hardship: occupational license after 15–30 days
Ignition interlock: Not required at this level — IID mandatory 1 year if BAC 0.15+ (or on refusal); otherwise not required on a bare first offense.
Alternative disposition: Not applicable — it's already civil. Alcohol assessment (IDP) mandatory.
The ONLY US state treating a first OWI as non-criminal (unless a minor passenger or injury is involved, which criminalizes it).
Lookback period: lifetime. Lifetime lookback — every prior OWI counts forever and cannot be expunged. Refusals count as priors. (A first-offense-only exception: the 10-year count matters for whether a 2nd is criminal, but priors never wash out.)
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