MADISON, Wis. (WRN) — Wisconsin prisons have seen a dramatic increase in inmates serving time for OWI.
That’s another finding from Wisconsin Policy Forum’s comprehensive review of the state’s criminal justice system. Research Director Joe Peterangelo says in 2000 fewer than 650 adults were incarcerated on a drunk driving charge, compared to more than 2700 in 2023.
“Penalties have gotten harsher in Wisconsin for repeat offenses, but there also have been more admissions for these offenses,” said Peterangelo.
The Policy Forum is also preparing a more detailed study on the issue.
“Looking at who is being arrested and incarcerated for these offenses, again, by race, age, gender. We’re going to be looking at Wisconsin’s laws, how they compare with other states, drunk driving crashes and fatalities,” Peterangelo said.