Recently, Gov. Jim Doyle and legislators have voiced support for stricter laws for repeat drunk driving offenses. This was in reaction to a fatal accident involving a third-offense drunk driver who killed a 39-year-old mother, her unborn child, and her 10-year-old daughter. I believe we have not gone far enough and I am welcoming the renewed discussion of tougher drunk driving laws.
Gov. Doyle has stated he supports a change that would make third conviction for intoxicated use of a vehicle a felony. In addition, a bipartisan group of legislators have called for the revocation of privileges, confiscation of vehicles, and mandatory jail time for third-offense drunk driving. I will support a further crackdown on drunk driving, and am hopeful a special session will be called to make the necessary changes yet this year.
Under current law, a first offense is a municipal citation, and second through fourth offenses are criminal misdemeanors that result in time in the county jail. Ten years ago, Wisconsin law was changed to make a fifth conviction for drunk driving a felony that carries a prison sentence.
Compared to other states, Wisconsin's penalties are quite weak when it comes to driving under the influence. In fact, a majority of states treat drunk driving as a felony after a third or fourth offense. I believe a law change is long overdue and I am encouraged that significant progress is being made on an issue that is so important to our safety.
I want to hear from you, so please feel welcome to express your thoughts or let me know if I can be helpful to you in any way by calling (888) 534-0080, e-mailing me at Rep.Davis@legis.wi.gov or by writing or stopping by 308 North, State Capitol, Madison, WI 53708.
- Wisconsin State Rep. Brett Davis, R-Oregon, serves the 80th Assembly District, which includes all of Green County and portions of Rock, Dane and Lafayette counties.
Gov. Doyle has stated he supports a change that would make third conviction for intoxicated use of a vehicle a felony. In addition, a bipartisan group of legislators have called for the revocation of privileges, confiscation of vehicles, and mandatory jail time for third-offense drunk driving. I will support a further crackdown on drunk driving, and am hopeful a special session will be called to make the necessary changes yet this year.
Under current law, a first offense is a municipal citation, and second through fourth offenses are criminal misdemeanors that result in time in the county jail. Ten years ago, Wisconsin law was changed to make a fifth conviction for drunk driving a felony that carries a prison sentence.
Compared to other states, Wisconsin's penalties are quite weak when it comes to driving under the influence. In fact, a majority of states treat drunk driving as a felony after a third or fourth offense. I believe a law change is long overdue and I am encouraged that significant progress is being made on an issue that is so important to our safety.
I want to hear from you, so please feel welcome to express your thoughts or let me know if I can be helpful to you in any way by calling (888) 534-0080, e-mailing me at Rep.Davis@legis.wi.gov or by writing or stopping by 308 North, State Capitol, Madison, WI 53708.
- Wisconsin State Rep. Brett Davis, R-Oregon, serves the 80th Assembly District, which includes all of Green County and portions of Rock, Dane and Lafayette counties.
