A recent study found that Wisconsin has the most lenient drunken driving laws in the country. However, a bill introduced by Madison state Rep. Terese Berceau could change that.
Berceau’s bill would criminalize first-time drunken driving offenses by increasing the current fine of $300 to $500 and imposing up to 30 days in jail. It’s not the first time lawmakers have tried to crack down on first-time drunken drivers, but past efforts have stalled because of concerns the cost of sending more people to jail.
Berceau said Tuesday those cost estimates have been unrealistically high.
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“They also have not taken into account that we do have alcohol drug courts in some parts of the state. There are alternatives other than confinement, and those are lower-cost,” she said.
The bill already has cosponsors from both sides of the aisle. Berceau said support is growing for holding first-time drunken drivers more accountable for their actions.
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