God love ya Harry, did I mention the wonderful tattoo's you will be able to show off to your new found friends in the joint..God love you too Jane theres help out there for you too princess, I just don't know whether it would be AA or Alanon, but there is a start.

And people want us to drive smaller cars that save gas......pfffffft....yeah RIGHT,so we can get murdered by one of these characters because the state won't do anything to stop them.

ljs64 What if the fines were so great they had to sell their car, house and so on to pay for their OWN treatment and jail time? You have a problem, A BIG PROBLEM, in your head if you think things should stay the way they are. What, are you worried if the laws change and stiffer punishment follows you'll loose everything you have due to taxes or your own fines for being a drunk? I wonder what song you'd be singing if one of your family members was killed by a drunk on their 5,6,7,8 DUI.

ljs64 - so if someone is in jail for 3-5 years for DUI you think there gonna drink? What is your problem with stiffer sentences and heavier fines?

ljs64: we heard you the first time... I can't speak for the other 56 comments on here, but I for one have not said Wisconsin's lax DUI laws are the fault of the police who get these idiots off the roads.
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Signed,
A K-Mart do-gooder Lawyer
(kidding...I'm not a lawyer, but I play one on TV).

Treatment, longer jail sentences, loss of license, blah, blah, blah. If a person wants to drink and drive, they will find a way to drink and drive. Wake up people. You do gooders and K-Mart lawyers don't have a clue. You will be the same whiners that will complain when your taxes go up because of longer jail sentences, in patient treatment etc. because who will pay for that? YOU and ME.
Haven't you figured it out by now? Punishment is NOT a deterent for multiple offenders of any law. Whine to your law makers not the law enforcement officers or judges who simply enforce the laws not make them.

I'm not saying that if you have a DUI conviction you should not be able to buy alcohol ever. I'm saying that if you are currently revoked (which probably means you have more than one conviction, didn't pay your fine, go to AODA counseling and treatment, etc) then you should not be able to buy or consume alcohol. They usually do this for folks "on paper" (probation) even if they are on probation for nothing related to a DUI.
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Fines, schmines. As whybesad said, an alcoholic will find a way. If it comes down to it, they will buy their booze before they pay their fine.
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They already have the devices on ignitions for some with DUI convictions. My neighbor had one once. He found a way around it: drive a different car or get one of his kids to blow in it.
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I think StaceyU2 has the best idea yet: FELONY. A mistake can happen easily enough. One DUI, while still serious, isn't the real issue here. To me, the issue is the serial DUI idiots.
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There is NO reason someone with more than 3 DUIs should still be walking the streets free let alone some inconsiderate so* with 8!!!!!

after all the riderick here, You all have missed the issue...It is not the laws we have want to have.. it's the laws we have.. 3,4,5,6,or even 7 DUI's, Fred Lasse (of Green Bay) has the best one yet to go to the state, He wants a 3rd conviction to be a FELONY, but I think it should go one step further, hit them were it hurts the most,, the wallet!, if they are convicted of a DUI (no matter which one) make if difficult for them to buy ANY alcohol.. stiffer fines and jail tie, So what about the Jobs, and family, they honestly don't care when they drink... And why should we.. as family member was arrested for DWI 2 yrs ago, his fines were over 1200 dollars for the first offense, he had to pay all of his own fines, (i don't know if it was just us, but we did not help him .....at all,, he had to pay his own way.. to this day he has not driven a car or attempted to drive one... The point I am trying to make is .. if they have to pay for what they did (money iuse) ,, they (hopefully) will understand the power of the dollar and respect it more with what they have to buy besides) alcohol.. these little tricks with the engine cut offs are a joke...all they have to do is transfer the title to some one else and WHA LA>> they can drive AGAIN... MAKE THEM PAY OUTLANDISH FINES (with no plea bargaining) and if they get a high price d lawyer, make them pay more...
stop the issue before it becomes a problem

Where do our state Legislature stand on alcohol-related issues?

The Journal Sentinel this fall sent an online questionnaire to members of the Wisconsin State Legislature to see where they stand on alcohol-related issues. Up at the top pick senate or assembly responses.
http://data.jsonline.com/news/capitolcon...
Mike Sheridan did not respond. Maybe he could do this now that he is done running against nobody for his seat?

So your saying if a person has an OWI they should never be able to buy alcohol until you think they learned their lesson? I'm all against a person driving under the influence of alcohol. But, banning them from buying alcohol is pretty extreme. I would support putting a tag on their license plate that tells other drivers that the person has had a OWI or DWI. Plus, it would be really difficult to enforce. Underage kids aren't suppose to buy alcohol but, they get it and they drive. A alcoholic will find a way to get alcohol even if they can't but it themselves. You pretty much would have to ban alcohol for everyone to be able to enforce it. And we tried that before. I would also support those devices in cars that detect if a person is over the limit and if they are then the car won't start.

lulu- I would vote for both! Give the sober drivers tanks, and the drunks tin cans!! I'd feel ALOT safer

whybesad...

YES it should exclude you from buying alcohol! If you have a DUI, it means that you abused your privileges of having said alcohol and you shouldn't have anymore until you learn your lesson!
I also think that people charged with DUI's should have to drive tiny cars, like geo metros. that way if they drink and drive, they don't seriously injure anyone but themselves!

Just because you have a DUI shouldn't exclude you from buying alcohol.

I think that establishments who serve or sell alcohol, should have a card reader (like that for credit cards). ALL Wisconsin driver's licenses have swipeable strips on the back (one place I worked at swiped them instead of manualing punching them in for checks). If a person is currently revoked due to DUI, then no service for them.
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While it is sad that many of the breweries in Milwaukee and throughout Wisconsin are moving out of state and abroad, maybe without their strong presence in the form of lobbyists in Madison, WE can get the DUI laws changed and stiffened!!!!
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I mean, seriously, only in Wisconsin would the AG get picked up for DUI with a STATE vehicle and STILL have a job. Sure, she lost in the next election. But, we are far too tolerant of a state when it comes to DUI. If the firemen's union president resigns because of the heat he is getting for using a racial slur, then shouldn't that same heat have been applied to an elected GOVERNMENT official who risked the lives of the innocent??
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I think to some of these bozos, it's a badge of "honor" and game.

janesvillemom - I think ljs64 is one of those that drink and drive on a regular basis and that's why he/she calls all us who don't and want change 'whiners'. ljs64 doesn't want change cuz they will more than likely be put in jail for a long time.

I was looking at more info on the website I linked and wanted to say that I am not selling the product advertised there! LOL! I liked the chart, but didn't realize it was part of a sales pitch. Although, I do think it's a good idea for every bar to have a breathalyzer by the door so people aren't allowed to drive away if they fail it!

http://www.alcoholalert.com/drunk-drivin...
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Look at the state chart in the above link. Notice that Wisconsin has THE HIGHEST percentage of fatalities that are alcohol related in the ENTIRE country! This is why WE need to do something about the drunk driving problem HERE. I have lived in other states and this state is the worst for this problem. So I don't think ljs64 gets it when he/she calls those of us who want solutions "whiners". Must be a lifetime resident who doesn't know that thing CAN be different!

This just irks me! I was getting my hair done last week when I over heard another lady say her brother had just gotten arrested for his 5th DUI. She went on to say that she hired him a lawyer and had choice words with this lawyer and told him that she EXPECTED him to keep her brother out of prison: that's his job. Ah, no. It's your brother's job and it starts with him not drinking and driving atleast 5 times (I mean, really, who knows how many times this baffoon has drank and drove--he just happened to get caught 5 times). THEN...the best part came when she said that he "blew a .081" so he wasn't REALLY drunk when you consider that the legal limit use to be .1 and that was why SHE felt sorry for HIM.
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By the time my hair was done, my tongue hurt very bad from biting it so hard and for so long :)

Treatment, longer jail sentences, loss of license, blah, blah, blah. If a person wants to drink and drive, they will find a way to drink and drive. Wake up people. You do gooders and K-Mart lawyers don't have a clue. You will be the same whiners that will complain when your taxes go up because of longer jail sentences, in patient treatment etc. because who will pay for that? YOU and ME.

30 days is not long enough for treatment. it needs to be at least 90-120

I like this idea!

"What we really need is 30 day inpatient drug and alcohol treatment.
There is no money for that. Why not offer self pay treatment instead of fining them. Then they would have incentive to complete it. It is not perfect but there is a chance for recovery."

Cel fone use while driving is more dangerous-where`s the outrage?

And another county resident with a problem:

http://www.wkowtv.com/global/story.asp?s...

Judge Fitzpatrick declared Hutchins will be subject to the following penalties: a fine of not less than Six Hundred Dollars ($600) nor more than Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000); Imprisonment for not less than thirty (30) days nor more than one year in the county jail; Hutchins' operating privilege shall be revoked for not less than twenty four (24) months nor more than thirty six (36) months; Hutchins shall be required to submit to alcohol assessment and if necessary, to comply with treatment as a condition of reinstatement; and Hutchins' vehicle may be seized or ordered to be equipped with an ignition interlock device or immobilized for a period not to exceed one (1) year beyond the driver's revocation period.

Maximum sentences-how often are they handed down?
The minimums in this case as compared to the maximums that could be handed down:

http://www.wkowtv.com/global/story.asp?s...

Judge Bates ruled that Holmes will be subject to the following penalties: a fine of not less than Two Thousand and Four Hundred Dollars ($2,400) nor more than Forty Thousand Dollars ($40,000); Imprisonment for not less than six (6) months nor more than six (6) years in prison; Holmes' operating privilege shall be revoked for not less than twenty-four (24) months nor more than thirty-six (36) months; Holmes shall be required to submit to alcohol assessment and if necessary, to comply with treatment as a condition of reinstatement; and Holmes' vehicle may be seized or ordered to be equipped with an ignition interlock device or immobilized for a period not to exceed one (1) year beyond the driver's revocation period.

I know drunk driving goes on everywhere, but honestly in the time I lived on the east coast, I never heard of anyone w/ more than 3 or 4 offenses even having a license anymore...they were taking public transportation or walking! Wisconsin is a great place, but it needs to get a clue when it comes to this problem.

Cardtrader- I agree with you, however most confirmed alcoholics drink alone for the most part.. Once the alcohol is in their system their thought process changes. I don`t believe that there is a person alive who sets out to drink and then drive..They tell themselves "I`ll just have a couple, then go home". I believe as a former bartender, that bartenders should be able to be held liable for over-serving patrons. I have been out plenty of times and seen the new kid on the block (just turning 21) trying to get 21 shots.. How insane- but yank the license of the idiot bartender serving them. You can easily see when a person is impaired.. Its a bigger picture/problem here.. But if bartenders were held liable, it would greatly reduce some of this. I had patrons come in blitzed, served them plain soda for hours that they thought was the mixed drink they ordered. Charged them NOTHING, they think they are special, I was trying to sober them up. I have also stolen their keys called them a cab, and the next day they return to only thank me and try to pay up for the cab.. Its a much bigger picture here- much.

Badgerlvr
"Cemeteries are filled with people who were put there by drunk drivers. Maybe we should create a cemetery for those who have been convicted of DUI after...say two."
I tend to agree with your thinking. I say three strikes and you are out permanently.

The only way this kind of thing is going to stop is by people taking responsibility for there own actions. The bar tender refusing to serve, the friends that dont let friends drive. And the Judicial System keep working on a solution for these problems. People how many times have you been somewhere and seen someone smashed and not said anything? or just commented to a friend wow that guy is wasted! I think we are all guilty of that. We have to quit pointing the fingers and take alook at ourselves and what we can do to help.

GX- user, I read that article and was completely blown away. I have bartended on and off here in Wisconsin for about 15 years on the side of my regular job. NEVER did I ever serve a minor (to my knowledge). Infact it is the bartenders "right" and bar establishments right "to refuse service to anyone". Its called common sense. It is also legal for a man or woman married to a minor to bring them in and serve drinks to them.(Again I refused-my right to refusal). That bar owner is beyond ignorant to even begin to think that this is ok. All he is doing is enabling future generations into becoming what obviously their parents already may be -alcoholics.. I also would refuse to serve a pregnant woman, yep it made people mad, but in the long run I slept at night.
But honestly folks, having seen first-hand what alcoholism really is- its generally NOT your bum off the streets. It is your average woman/man, (whether they are blue collar/suit), hard working, functional people. Jail nor prison is the answer here. It is ridiculous to put alcoholics behind bars (unless of course they have caused bodily injury).People like this need help. We need programs that will not only allow help, but also that enforce them to stay sober such as jail. Maybe ankle monitors etc.. What good does it do to send them off to jail, to lose their jobs families etc..Think about a family member of yours who has this problem, then being put in jail/prison with hardcore rapists, murderers etc... Its not making sense what is happening.
Do I believe that this man should be punished? You bet, just not in this fashion. If there were tuff help programs that needed to be followed just as if you were in jail, then maybe we wouldnt see multiple offenses.

Janesville has always been known for 2 things...automobiles and alcoholics.

Cemeteries are filled with people who were put there by drunk drivers. Maybe we should create a cemetery for those who have been convicted of DUI after...say two.

Once he gets out of prison (assuming he actually goes), his license should be revoked PERMENANTLY. Hell after the 3rd one it should be a lifetime revocation.

I'm really suprised he gets to see the light of day.

this not including the bulldog down in rockford did for me he got a case completely droped.

I got my first in 83 my second in 85 then a new wave of problems happened then 94 then97 then2000 then the best day of my new recovery my birthday May 27th 2007.

AA Anyone?

I'm not sure if anyone else saw this article in the friggin' NY Times recently about WI and alcohol, but it's worth the read.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/16/us/16w...

(Some jag bartender in Edgerton is really making us look like a million bucks)

You wonder why innocent people who actually care about life are getting crashed into and killed by these drunks all the time? Kids losing their parents who were just trying to get to work instead of to the bar at 9am? It's because our system is a effing joke, and these wastes of space are not scared enough to stop driving around tanked. FIVE drunk drivings are needed before a felony is handed out in WI. FIVE. Am I nuts or does anyone else feel alarmed and ashamed by that?

HA! I love that Ohio law about crushing the car! BUT, I just don't see why they let them get away with it 3 times before that. I understand 1 time, teach people "woops, pushed my luck on that one," then make the SECOND offense so scary that nobody would even think about getting caught a second time! That's how it SHOULD be. 8th time, tsk tsk... *shakes head*

PS: I'll be waiting to see what his conviction is. I hope it isn't plea bargained away...

I know a man in Illinois who went to prison for 3 years after his 4th. What is wrong with the laws in Wisconsin? Last year they put a man's picture on the front page for his eleventh drunk driving. This is really crazy. Why are stiffer laws not being passed like other states. Is it because Wi is the beer drinking capitol of the USA? Come on. We can do better than this. Call you legislatures and representatives to complain about this. Maybe we can make a difference.

What we really need is 30 day inpatient drug and alcohol treatment.
There is no money for that. Why not offer self pay treatment instead of fining them. Then they would have incentive to complete it. It is not perfect but there is a chance for recovery.

Well Metro, I think that is what needs to happen! I am sickened by all these stories about drunken drivers!

Curlysue.....the "3 times and your out" applies only to those drivers with a C.D.L......

IF the rules for the C.D.L. were extended to the 4 wheel world, you would see alot of people taking the bus or buying new walking shoes......

Well he will probably only serve three years.

Wow... One would think that a 45 year old man would have learned by now!

6 years is a joke, he should get 2 years for every DUI.... jmo

in ohio, after the third dui, they crush the car you are driving if you get caught in your fourth. doesn't make any difference if it is your car or not. keeps you from loaning your car to someone who lost his or her license and is not supposed to drive.

This state really needs to have some stricter laws on drunk driving. It is ridiculous how many drunk drivers there are, and especially the repeat offenders like this guy!

curlysue my coment was stupid , but there were a few that got the jist of my comment , after all we all know that cigaretts cost thousands of lives while driving let the booze hound alone .

They need to take advantage of the 6 year sentence term. That would mean he would at least not be driving for 6 years. He might dry out and change his ways while he is in prison.

Now if he hit a wolf, the fine could be $140,000.

I do agree the tax should be the same. They are both 'legal' drugs, only people don't kill others while driving with nicotine in their system

klick - how does smoking cause people to drive drunk? I think booze is how people drive drunk. I smoke and SURPRIZE never been arrested for DUI, I think the connecters in your brain are not working.

Cigarette smoking is the cause of drunk drivers , maybe GUV Ryan should double the price of booze and chase everyone to IL /MN /OH
so that we can lose millions of dollars in tax money like cig tax . BTW i thought poker machines were against the law in Wi .

WOW! Do you know HOW drunk .297 is? Holy crap! He wasn't just a "tad" over the limit, he was nearly unconscious!!! This is simply out of control!

He needs to be locked up for a VERY long time. Its obvious he doesn't care!

This is insane!! What happened to 3 strikes your out?

eight is bush league. http://www.madison.com/tct/news/stories/...

crazy drunk drivers

EIGHT TIMES!!!!!!!!!!!! I was visiting another state and the entire conversation with the locals was about the lenient penalties in wisconsin.....after all the input I finally told them I lived in that pathetic state of drunks..nevertheless worked with them too. yeah I got wise and got away from the TAXES and the drunk drivers! the taxes alone will break a income down in that state. saw recently my boss received his third and THEN THEY HAD TO GO TO GET HIM AT HIS HOUSE BECAUSE HE NEVER SHOWED UP FOR COURT!!!!!!!!!

So, 8 time losers don't get plea bargains. Now if only 7 time losers were so harshly dealt with, or even 6 time losers. I'm such an unrealistic idealist.