It’s about time! Two proposed bills to make drunk driving violations more strict. Currently, the first time offense is considered a municipal citation.
Bills being proposed:
1.) From Rep. Mark Gundrum, where an OWI at .20 ( two and half times above the legal limit) will be considered a felony. If convicted, violators will serve a minimum sentencing from five days to six months in jail, including a fine.
2.) From Rep. Peggy Krusick, where an OWI at .08 or above it will be considered a felony. Although, the bill is still under construction, Krusick said that an immediate jail-time sentencing will be present.
Gundrum insists that his bill is likely to be passed, because of the reasonable middle ground it displays, which sadly I can see being the case as well. From that, you can see my view is first time offense needs to be felony at .08 or above. Your first time drinking and driving can be someone’s last breath. So, what do you think? Should the charges should stay the same, do you agree with Grundrum versus Krusick’s proposal, or do you have your own opinions?
** On a personal note, I'd like to give a great thanks to Officer Chris Marks of the Summit/Oconomowoc area - he literally saved my life last night and deserves public recognition for being not only a great officer, but a great citizen. THANK YOU!