Effective today, the consequences for driving while intoxicated have changed. Probably the most significant of all the legal changes is that if someone is arrested for a 4th offense OWI, it’s now a felony if the driver’s previous offense is within the last five years.
The penalties are also stronger for people who are under the influence with a passenger under the age of 16. This is now a misdemeanor criminal offense. Also a misdemeanor, is having a PAC of .02 or higher if you are required to use an Ignition Interlock Device (IID), or if you are found to be in non-compliance or having tampered with an IID. An Underage Absolute Sobriety violation is considered criminal if a passenger is under 16 years old.
Whether these legal changes will bring about a change in driver behavior is yet to be seen. In the meantime, the Dane County Sheriff’s Office will continue to make OWI enforcement and education a high priority.
On Wednesday night, June 30th, a Dane County Sheriff’s Deputy arrested Bryan J. Slack, age 32 of Madison, for OWI – 5th Offense. Slack crashed his vehicle into a power pole on Bailey Road at Bird Street in the town of Sun Prairie at approximately 11:48 pm. Slack was also cited for Operating After Revocation, Failure to Maintain Control, Failure to Stop at Stop Sign, No Insurance, and Failure to Have Interlock Device. After being taken to Meriter Hospital he was booked into the Dane County Jail.
On Friday July 2nd, a special deployment of six additional deputies will be patrolling Dane County to take drunk drivers off the road.
So far in 2010, fourteen people have died on Dane County roads, and for at least five of those fatalities, alcohol was a significant contributing factor. The 4th of July weekend will allow many travelers an extra day for celebrating the holiday with family and friends. Make it a safe celebration and stay sober or designate a driver before going out.
ADA