In the state of Wisconsin, getting an OWI is a severe offense, which can lead to significant jail time depending on how many times a person has been convicted. Wisconsin courts are able to send those convicted to a program specifically directed toward those who have received an OWI. This helps target the reason that they received the charge, namely drinking too much and then choosing to get behind the wheel.
Because of this, it’s important for those who have received an OWI in Wisconsin to get proper treatment so that they can make better choices in regards to drinking and driving in the future. Throughout the state, each judicial court is different, so sentences vary. While some might commit similar offenses, their outcomes will be different depending on the judge and the county of the court. Visit the Wisconsin DOT for more information on OWIs.
Alcohol assessment
Anyone in Wisconsin who is convicted of an OWI offense is required to complete an alcohol assessment with a certified abuse assessor for Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (AODA). This consists of an interview with the driver and the assessor in order to identify the driver’s alcohol use and brainstorm ways for the driver to get treatment.
A driver convicted of an OWI is required to contact a verified assessor within 72 hours of conviction in order to start the process quickly. Depending on the offense number, the driver might need to complete the assessment sooner. For second and subsequent offenses, the assessment is a requirement in order to gain the occupational license.
Treatment programs
Once an assessment is complete, the assessor recommends the driver safety plan, which can include therapy and other treatment depending on the severity of the case as well as all other information that the assessor has taken into consideration.
Options for treatment include outpatient counseling, outpatient treatment programs, inpatient treatment, and some include traffic school and other education in order to teach a driver more about safely operating a vehicle and making sound decisions when choosing to consume alcohol.
For severe cases when a driver has been deemed chemically dependent, inpatient treatment is necessary. Wisconsin offers many programs throughout the state to make treatment easily accessible based on location.
Residential programs
Residential programs across the state give a driver the opportunity to live within a home and seek treatment through different types of therapy. The goal is to keep a driver sober as well as educate them on making better decisions.
Residential short-term rehab is considered 30 days or less, and long-term is any lengthier stay.
Outpatient therapy
This type of treatment is done within the normal lifestyle of the convicted driver. The driver agrees to complete a certain number of counseling sessions as well as other measures to get his or her life back on track. Programs offer safe environments for the convicted driver to share their story and become healthier. Whether an alcoholic or just a repeat offender, drivers can benefit from the help that they receive from these programs.
For more information on beginning your alcohol assessment, the Wisconsin Department of Health has compiled a list of Intoxicated Driver Programs within the state to get you back on the road faster.