346.63 Annotation
Intent to drive or move a motor vehicle is not required to find an accused guilty of operating the vehicle while under influence of intoxicant. Milwaukee County v. Proegler,
95 Wis. 2d 614,
291 N.W.2d 608 (Ct. App. 1980).
346.63 Annotation
The court properly instructed the jury that it could infer from a subsequent breathalyzer reading of .13% that the defendant was intoxicated at the time of the stop. Alcohol absorption is discussed. State v. Vick,
104 Wis. 2d 678,
312 N.W.2d 489 (1981).
346.63 Annotation
A previous conviction for operating while intoxicated is a penalty enhancer, not an element of the crime. State v. McAllister,
107 Wis. 2d 532,
319 N.W.2d 865 (1982). But see the note to State v. Ludeking,
195 Wis. 2d 132,
536 N.W.2d 392 (Ct. App. 1995) as to operating with a prohibited blood alcohol count.
346.63 Annotation
Videotapes of sobriety tests were properly admitted to show the physical manifestation of the defendant driver's intoxication. State v. Haefer,
110 Wis. 2d 381,
328 N.W.2d 894 (Ct. App. 1982).
346.63 Annotation
The trial court abused its discretion by excluding from evidence a blood alcohol chart produced by the department of transportation showing the amount of alcohol burned up over time. State v. Hinz,
121 Wis. 2d 282,
360 N.W.2d 56 (Ct. App. 1984).
346.63 Annotation
The definitions of "under the influence" in this section and in s. 939.22 are equivalent. State v. Waalen,
130 Wis. 2d 18,
386 N.W.2d 47 (1986).
346.63 Annotation
Sub. (1) (b) establishes a per se rule that it is a violation to operate a motor vehicle with a specified breath alcohol content, regardless of the individual's "partition ratio". The provision is constitutional. State v. McManus,
152 Wis. 2d 113,
447 N.W.2d 654 (1989).
346.63 Annotation
First offender OMVWI prosecution is a civil offense, and jeopardy does not attach to prevent a subsequent criminal prosecution. State v. Lawton,
167 Wis. 2d 461,
482 N.W.2d 142 (Ct. App. 1992).
346.63 Annotation
Because there is no privilege under s. 904.05 (4) (f) for chemical tests for intoxication, results of a test taken for diagnostic purposes are admissible in an OMVWI trial without patient approval. City of Muskego v. Godec,
167 Wis. 2d 536,
482 N.W.2d 79 (1992).
346.63 Annotation
Dissipation of alcohol in the bloodstream constitutes a sufficient exigency to justify a warrantless blood draw when when it is drawn incident to a lawful arrest and there is a clear indication that evidence of intoxication will be found. State v. Bohling,
173 Wis. 2d 529,
494 N.W.2d 399 (1993).
346.63 Annotation
When a municipal court found the defendant guilty of OWI and dismissed a blood alcohol count charge without finding guilt, the defendant's appeal of the OWI conviction under s. 800.14 (1) did not give the circuit court jurisdiction to here the BAC charge absent an appeal of the dismissal. Town of Menasha v. Bastian,
178 Wis. 2d 191,
503 N.W.2d 382 (Ct. App. 1993).
346.63 Annotation
Prior convictions are an element of sub. (1) (b) and evidence of the convictions is required regardless of potential prejudice. State v. Ludeking,
195 Wis. 2d 132,
536 N.W.2d 392 (Ct. App. 1995).
346.63 Annotation
Failure to timely notify a person of the right to an alternative blood alcohol test does not affect the presumption of the validity of a properly given blood test and is not grounds for suppressing the test results. County of Dane v. Granum,
203 Wis. 2d 252,
551 N.W.2d 859 (Ct. App. 1996).
346.63 Annotation
A request to perform field sobriety tests does not convert an otherwise lawful investigatory stop into an arrest requiring probable cause. County of Dane v. Campshure,
204 Wis. 2d 27,
552 N.W.2d 876 (Ct. App. 1996)
346.63 Annotation
Immobility of a vehicle does not preclude a finding that the vehicle was being operated. Movement is not necessary for operation. State v. Modory,
204 Wis. 2d 538,
555 N.W.2d 399 (Ct. App. 1996).
346.63 Annotation
Criminal prosecution for operating a motor vehicle with a prohibited blood alcohol content subsequent to administrative suspension of a driver's operating privileges does not constitute multiple punishment and double jeopardy. State v. McMaster,
206 Wis. 2d 30,
556 N.W.2d 673 (1996).
346.63 Annotation
Evidence of a refusal that follows an inadequate warning under s. 343.305 (4) violates due process, but admission is subject to harmless error analysis. State v. Schirmang,
210 Wis. 2d 325,
565 N.W.2d 225 (Ct. App. 1997).
346.63 Annotation
A defendant's refusal to submit to a field sobriety test is not protected by the right against self-incrimination and is admissible as evidence. State v. Mallick,
210 Wis. 2d 428,
565 N.W.2d 245 (Ct. App. 1997).
346.63 Annotation
While prior convictions are an element of a violation of sub. (1) (b), admitting evidence of that element may not be proper. Admitting any evidence of prior convictions and submitting the element of the defendant's status as a prior offender to the jury when the defendant admitted to the element was an erroneous exercise of discretion. State v. Alexander,
214 Wis. 2d 627,
571 N.W.2d 662 (1997).
346.63 Annotation
First offense violations of sub. (1) (a) are assimilated under federal Assimilative Crimes Act when committed on federal enclave. U.S. v. Manning, 700 F Supp. 1001 (W.D. Wis. 1988).
346.63 Annotation
Offense definition in Wisconsin's impaired driving statutes. Hammer. 69 MLR 165 (1986).
346.63 Annotation
Alcohol and other drugs in Wisconsin drivers: The laboratory perspective. Field. 69 MLR 235 (1986).
346.63 Annotation
Effective use of expert testimony in the defense of drunk driving cases. Olson, WBB December 1981.
346.63 Annotation
The new OMVWI law: Wisconsin changes its approach to the problem of drinking and driving. Hammer, WBB April, May 1982.
346.63 Annotation
Double Jeopardy: A New Tool in the Arsenal of Drunk Driving Defenses. Sines & Ekman. Wis. Law. Dec. 1995.
346.635
346.635
Report arrest or out-of-service order to department. Whenever a law enforcement officer arrests a person for a violation of
s. 346.63 (1),
(5) or
(7), or a local ordinance in conformity therewith, or
s. 346.63 (2) or
(6) or
940.25, or
s. 940.09 where the offense involved the use of a vehicle, the officer shall notify the department of the arrest and of issuance of an out-of-service order under
s. 343.305 (7) (b) or
(9) (am) as soon as practicable.
346.635 History
History: 1981 c. 20;
1989 a. 105.
346.637
346.637
Driver awareness program. The department shall conduct a campaign to educate drivers in this state concerning:
346.637(1)
(1) The laws relating to operating a motor vehicle and drinking alcohol, using controlled substances or controlled substance analogs, or using any combination of alcohol, controlled substances and controlled substance analogs.
346.637(2)
(2) The effects of alcohol, controlled substances or controlled substance analogs, or the use of them in any combination, on a person's ability to operate a motor vehicle.
346.637 History
History: 1981 c. 20;
1995 a. 448.
346.64
346.64
Employment of drunken operators. 346.64(1)
(1) No person who owns or has direct control of a commercial motor vehicle or any vehicle operated upon a highway for the conveyance of passengers for hire shall employ as an operator of such vehicle and retain in the person's employment any person who is addicted to the excessive use of intoxicating liquor or to the use of a controlled substance or controlled substance analog under
ch. 961. In addition to being subject to fine or imprisonment as prescribed by law, such person shall forfeit $5 for each day such operator is retained in the person's employ.
346.64(2)
(2) Upon conviction of an operator of a commercial motor vehicle or any vehicle operated for the conveyance of passengers for hire, for driving or operating such vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicant, the owner or person having direct control of such vehicle shall discharge such operator from such employment. No person shall employ or retain in employment as an operator of a commercial motor vehicle or a vehicle operated upon a highway for the conveyance of passengers for hire any person who has been so convicted within the preceding 6-month period or any person during a period of disqualification under
s. 343.315, unless
s. 343.055 (2) applies. In addition to being subject to fine or imprisonment as prescribed by law, such person shall forfeit $5 for each day such operator is retained in the person's employ contrary to the provisions of this subsection.
346.65
346.65
Penalty for violating sections 346.62 to 346.64. 346.65(1)(a)
(a) May be required to forfeit not less than $25 nor more than $200, except as provided in
par. (b).
346.65(1)(b)
(b) May be fined not less than $50 nor more than $500 or imprisoned for not more than one year in the county jail or both if the total of convictions under
s. 346.62 (2) or a local ordinance in conformity therewith or a law of a federally recognized American Indian tribe or band in this state in conformity with
s. 346.62 (2) equals 2 or more in a 4-year period. The 4-year period shall be measured from the dates of the violations which resulted in the convictions.
346.65(2)(a)
(a) Shall forfeit not less than $150 nor more than $300, except as provided in
pars. (b) to
(f).
346.65(2)(b)
(b) Except as provided in
par. (f), shall be fined not less than $350 nor more than $1,100 and imprisoned for not less than 5 days nor more than 6 months if the number of convictions under
ss. 940.09 (1) and
940.25 in the person's lifetime, plus the total number of suspensions, revocations and other convictions counted under
s. 343.307 (1) within a 10-year period, equals 2, except that suspensions, revocations or convictions arising out of the same incident or occurrence shall be counted as one.
346.65(2)(c)
(c) Except as provided in
pars. (f) and
(g), shall be fined not less than $600 nor more than $2,000 and imprisoned for not less than 30 days nor more than one year in the county jail if the number of convictions under
ss. 940.09 (1) and
940.25 in the person's lifetime, plus the total number of suspensions, revocations and other convictions counted under
s. 343.307 (1), equals 3, except that suspensions, revocations or convictions arising out of the same incident or occurrence shall be counted as one.
346.65(2)(d)
(d) Except as provided in
pars. (f) and
(g), shall be fined not less than $600 nor more than $2,000 and imprisoned for not less than 60 days nor more than one year in the county jail if the number of convictions under
ss. 940.09 (1) and
940.25 in the person's lifetime, plus the total number of suspensions, revocations and other convictions counted under
s. 343.307 (1), equals 4, except that suspensions, revocations or convictions arising out of the same incident or occurrence shall be counted as one.
346.65(2)(e)
(e) Except as provided in
pars. (f) and
(g), shall be fined not less than $600 nor more than $2,000 and imprisoned for not less than 6 months nor more than 5 years if the number of convictions under
ss. 940.09 (1) and
940.25 in the person's lifetime, plus the total number of suspensions, revocations and other convictions counted under
s. 343.307 (1), equals 5 or more, except that suspensions, revocations or convictions arising out of the same incident or occurrence shall be counted as one.
346.65(2)(f)
(f) If there was a minor passenger under 16 years of age in the motor vehicle at the time of the violation that gave rise to the conviction under
s. 346.63 (1), the applicable minimum and maximum forfeitures, fines or imprisonment under
par. (a),
(b),
(c),
(d) or
(e) for the conviction are doubled. An offense under
s. 346.63 (1) that subjects a person to a penalty under
par. (c),
(d) or
(e) when there is a minor passenger under 16 years of age in the motor vehicle is a felony and the place of imprisonment shall be determined under
s. 973.02.
346.65(2)(g)1.1. If a person convicted had an alcohol concentration of 0.17 to 0.199, the applicable minimum and maximum fines under
pars. (c) to
(e) are doubled.
346.65(2)(g)2.
2. If a person convicted had an alcohol concentration of 0.20 to 0.249, the applicable minimum and maximum fines under
pars. (c) to
(e) are tripled.
346.65(2)(g)3.
3. If a person convicted had an alcohol concentration of 0.25 or above, the applicable minimum and maximum fines under
pars. (c) to
(e) are quadrupled.
346.65(2c)
(2c) In
sub. (2) (b) to
(e), the time period shall be measured from the dates of the refusals or violations that resulted in the revocation or convictions. If a person has a suspension, revocation or conviction for any offense under a local ordinance or a state statute of another state that would be counted under
s. 343.307 (1), that suspension, revocation or conviction shall count as a prior suspension, revocation or conviction under
sub. (2) (b) to
(e).
346.65(2e)
(2e) If the court determines that a person does not have the ability to pay the costs and fine or forfeiture imposed under
sub. (2) (a),
(b),
(c),
(d),
(e),
(f) or
(g), the court may reduce the costs, fine and forfeiture imposed and order the person to pay, toward the cost of the assessment and driver safety plan imposed under
s. 343.30 (1q) (c), the difference between the amount of the reduced costs and fine or forfeiture and the amount of costs and fine or forfeiture imposed under
sub. (2) (a),
(b),
(c),
(d),
(e),
(f) or
(g).
346.65(2g)(a)(a) In addition to the authority of the court under
s. 973.05 (3) (a) to provide that a defendant perform community service work for a public agency or a nonprofit charitable organization in lieu of part or all of a fine imposed under
sub. (2) (b) to
(g) and except as provided in
par. (ag), the court may provide that a defendant perform community service work for a public agency or a nonprofit charitable organization in lieu of part or all of a forfeiture under
sub. (2) (a) or may require a person who is subject to
sub. (2) to perform community service work for a public agency or a nonprofit charitable organization in addition to the penalties specified under
sub. (2).
346.65(2g)(ag)
(ag) If the court determines that a person does not have the ability to pay a fine imposed under
sub. (2) (b) to
(g), the court shall require the defendant to perform community service work for a public agency or a nonprofit charitable organization in lieu of paying the fine imposed or, if the amount of the fine was reduced under
sub. (2e), in lieu of paying the remaining amount of the fine. Each hour of community service performed in compliance with an order under this paragraph shall reduce the amount of the fine owed by an amount determined by the court.
346.65(2g)(am)
(am) Notwithstanding
s. 973.05 (3) (b), an order under
par. (a) or
(ag) may only apply if agreed to by the organization or agency. The court shall ensure that the defendant is provided a written statement of the terms of the community service order and that the community service order is monitored. Any organization or agency acting in good faith to which a defendant is assigned pursuant to an order under this subsection has immunity from any civil liability in excess of $25,000 for acts or omissions by or impacting on the defendant. The issuance or possibility of the issuance of a community service order under this subsection does not entitle an indigent defendant who is subject to
sub. (2) (a) to representation by counsel under
ch. 977.
346.65(2g)(b)
(b) The court may require a person ordered to perform community service work under
par. (a) or
(ag), or under
s. 973.05 (3) (a) if that person's fine resulted from violating
s. 346.63 (2),
940.09 (1) or
940.25, to participate in community service work that demonstrates the adverse effects of substance abuse or of operating a vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicant or other drug, including working at an alcoholism treatment facility approved under
s. 51.45, an emergency room of a general hospital or a driver awareness program under
s. 346.637. The court may order the person to pay a reasonable fee, based on the person's ability to pay, to offset the cost of establishing, maintaining and monitoring the community service work ordered under this paragraph. If the opportunities available to perform community service work are fewer in number than the number of defendants eligible under this subsection, the court shall, when making an order under this paragraph, give preference to defendants who were under 21 years of age at the time of the offense. All provisions of
par. (am) apply to any community service work ordered under this paragraph.
346.65(2g)(c)
(c) If there was a minor passenger under 16 years of age in the motor vehicle or commercial motor vehicle at the time of the violation that gave rise to the conviction, the court may require a person ordered to perform community service work under
par. (a) or
(ag), or under
s. 973.05 (3) (a) if that person's fine resulted from violating
s. 346.63 (2),
(5) (a) or
(6) (a),
940.09 (1) or
940.25, to participate in community service work that benefits children or that demonstrates the adverse effects on children of substance abuse or of operating a vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicant or other drug. The court may order the person to pay a reasonable fee, based on the person's ability to pay, to offset the cost of establishing, maintaining and monitoring the community service work ordered under this paragraph.
346.65(2i)
(2i) In addition to the authority of the court under
sub. (2g) and
s. 973.05 (3) (a), the court may order a defendant subject to
sub. (2), or a defendant subject to
s. 973.05 (3) (a) who violated
s. 346.63 (2),
940.09 (1) or
940.25, to visit a site that demonstrates the adverse effects of substance abuse or of operating a vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicant or other drug, including an alcoholism treatment facility approved under
s. 51.45 or an emergency room of a general hospital in lieu of part or all of any forfeiture imposed or in addition to any penalty imposed. The court may order the defendant to pay a reasonable fee, based on the person's ability to pay, to offset the costs of establishing, maintaining and monitoring the visits ordered under this subsection. The court may order a visit to the site only if agreed to by the person responsible for the site. If the opportunities available to visit sites under this subsection are fewer than the number of defendants eligible for a visit, the court shall, when making an order under this subsection, give preference to defendants who were under 21 years of age at the time of the offense. The court shall ensure that the visit is monitored. A visit to a site may be ordered for a specific time and a specific day to allow the defendant to observe victims of vehicle accidents involving intoxicated drivers. If it appears to the court that the defendant has not complied with the court order to visit a site or to pay a reasonable fee, the court may order the defendant to show cause why he or she should not be held in contempt of court. Any organization or agency acting in good faith to which a defendant is assigned pursuant to an order under this subsection has immunity from any civil liability in excess of $25,000 for acts or omissions by or impacting on the defendant. The issuance or possibility of the issuance of an order under this subsection does not entitle an indigent defendant who is subject to
sub. (2) (a) to representation by counsel under
ch. 977.
346.65(2j)(a)
(a) Shall forfeit not less than $150 nor more than $300 except as provided in
par. (b),
(c) or
(d).
346.65(2j)(b)
(b) Except as provided in
par. (d), shall be fined not less than $300 nor more than $1,000 and imprisoned for not less than 5 days nor more than 6 months if the number of prior convictions under
ss. 940.09 (1) and
940.25 in the person's lifetime, plus the total number of other convictions, suspension and revocations counted under
s. 343.307 (2) within a 10-year period, equals 2.
346.65(2j)(c)
(c) Except as provided in
par. (d), shall be fined not less than $600 nor more than $2,000 and imprisoned for not less than 30 days nor more than one year in the county jail if the number of convictions under
ss. 940.09 (1) and
940.25 in the person's lifetime, plus the total number of other convictions, suspensions and revocations counted under
s. 343.307 (2), equals 3 or more.
346.65(2j)(d)
(d) If there was a minor passenger under 16 years of age in the commercial motor vehicle at the time of the violation that gave rise to the conviction under
s. 346.63 (5), the applicable minimum and maximum forfeitures, fines or imprisonment under
par. (a),
(b) or
(c) for the conviction are doubled. An offense under
s. 346.63 (5) that subjects a person to a penalty under
par. (c) when there is a minor passenger under 16 years of age in the commercial motor vehicle is a felony and the place of imprisonment shall be determined under
s. 973.02.
346.65(2m)(a)(a) In imposing a sentence under
sub. (2) for a violation of
s. 346.63 (1) (b) or
(5) or a local ordinance in conformity therewith, the court shall review the record and consider the aggravating and mitigating factors in the matter. If the level of the person's blood alcohol level is known, the court shall consider that level as a factor in sentencing. The chief judge of each judicial administrative district shall adopt guidelines, under the chief judge's authority to adopt local rules under
SCR 70.34, for the consideration of aggravating and mitigating factors.
346.65(2q)
(2q) Any person violating
s. 346.63 (2m) shall forfeit $10. If there was a minor passenger under 16 years of age in the motor vehicle at the time of the violation that gave rise to the conviction under 346.63 (2m), the forfeiture is $20.
346.65(2r)(a)(a) In addition to the other penalties provided for violation of
s. 346.63, a judge may order a defendant to pay restitution under
s. 973.20.
346.65(2r)(b)
(b) This subsection is applicable in actions concerning violations of local ordinances in conformity with
s. 346.63.
346.65(2u)(c)
(c) If a person arrested for a violation of
s. 346.63 (7) refuses to take a test under
s. 343.305, the refusal is a separate violation and the person is subject to revocation of the person's operating privilege under
s. 343.305 (10) (em).
346.65(2w)
(2w) In determining the number of prior convictions for purposes of
sub. (2j), the court shall count convictions under
ss. 940.09 (1) and
940.25 in the person's lifetime, plus other suspensions, revocations and convictions counted under
s. 343.307 (2). Revocations, suspensions and convictions arising out of the same incident or occurrence shall be counted as one. The time period shall be measured from the dates of the refusals or violations which resulted in the revocation, suspension or convictions. If a person has a conviction under
s. 940.09 (1) or
940.25 in the person's lifetime, or another suspension, revocation or conviction for any offense that is counted under
s. 343.307 (2), that suspension, revocation or conviction shall count as a prior suspension, revocation or conviction under this section.
346.65(3)
(3) Except as provided in
sub. (5m), any person violating
s. 346.62 (3) shall be fined not less than $300 nor more than $2,000 and may be imprisoned for not less than 30 days nor more than one year in the county jail.
346.65(3m)
(3m) Any person violating
s. 346.63 (2) or
(6) shall be fined not less than $300 nor more than $2,000 and may be imprisoned for not less than 30 days nor more than one year in the county jail. If there was a minor passenger under 16 years of age in the motor vehicle at the time of the violation that gave rise to the conviction under
s. 346.63 (2) or
(6), the offense is a felony, the applicable minimum and maximum fines or periods of imprisonment for the conviction are doubled and the place of imprisonment shall be determined under
s. 973.02.
346.65(4)
(4) Any person violating
s. 346.64 may be fined not less than $50 nor more than $500 or imprisoned not more than 6 months or both.
346.65(4m)
(4m) Except as provided in
sub. (5m), any person violating
s. 346.62 (2m) shall forfeit not less than $300 nor more than $1,000.
346.65(4r)(a)(a) If a court imposes a forfeiture under
sub. (4m) for a violation of
s. 346.62 (2m), the court shall also impose a railroad crossing improvement assessment equal to 50% of the amount of the forfeiture.
346.65(4r)(b)
(b) If a forfeiture is suspended in whole or in part, the railroad crossing improvement assessment shall be reduced in proportion to the suspension.
346.65(4r)(c)
(c) If any deposit is made for an offense to which this subsection applies, the person making the deposit shall also deposit a sufficient amount to include the railroad crossing improvement assessment under this subsection. If the deposit is forfeited, the amount of the railroad crossing improvement assessment shall be transmitted to the state treasurer under
par. (d). If the deposit is returned, the amount of the railroad crossing improvement assessment shall also be returned.
346.65(4r)(d)
(d) The clerk of the circuit court shall collect and transmit to the county treasurer the railroad crossing improvement assessment as required under
s. 59.40 (2) (m). The county treasurer shall then pay the state treasurer as provided in
s. 59.25 (3) (f) 2. The state treasurer shall deposit all amounts received under this paragraph in the transportation fund to be appropriated under
s. 20.395 (2) (gj).
346.65(5)
(5) Except as provided in
sub. (5m), any person violating
s. 346.62 (4) shall be fined not less than $600 nor more than $2,000 and may be imprisoned for not less than 90 days nor more than 2 years and 3 months.
346.65(5m)
(5m) If an operator of a vehicle violates
s. 346.62 (2) to
(4) where persons engaged in work in a highway maintenance or construction area or in a utility work area are at risk from traffic, any applicable minimum and maximum forfeiture or fine specified in
sub. (1),
(3),
(4m) or
(5) for the violation shall be doubled.
