WISCONSIN

General Information:

 Following conviction, all offenders receive a mandatory alcohol assessment/evaluation to determine the nature and extent of their alcohol problems. The offender must pay for the assessment.

 The assessment can be conducted at any point in the judicial process. If done before sentencing, the court takes the results of the assessment into consideration in final sentencing.

 Assessments are conducted by a county or private agency at the direction of the court. Review the Wisconsin Directory of Intoxicated Driver Program (IDP) Assessment Facilities.

 Treatment is not mandatory for high BAC or repeat offenders. All offenders are required to attend alcohol education or treatment as recommended by the assessment process which results in an individualized driver safety plan. See the Wisconsin Community Substance Abuse and Mental Health Program Certification Directory.

 Offenders failing to comply with the terms of their plan are not eligible for license reinstatement or a hardship license.

 Wisconsin does not have dedicated detention and treatment facilities that target the hardcore drunk driver.

BEWARE: Completing an alcohol program may not satisfy the DMV. That is just one reason why it is critical that you consult with a lawyer in your area that concentrates on DUI / DWI defense.

Drunk driving defense is a very specialized area of law; if you or someone you care about has is facing a DUI charge, it is important to speak to a lawyer who is skilled in defending drunk driving cases.