Plug Time

Check out BadgerBlogger's ongoing discussion of the Mark Bensen OWI-Homicide charges, including a topic on proposals to seize the vehicles driven by repeat drunk drivers.

There is a possibility of vehicle seizure on 3rd and subsequent OWIs now, but it's rarely used. For one, there's often a lien on the vehicle, making seizure and title transfer difficult (Is Milwaukee County going to pay off liens to have a clear title for a seizure?); also, where would the county/city/town place the seized mid-80's Cutlass Classics taken from drunks?

I think they're on the right track about increasing the penalties; the real solution, however, may be to sentence people to closer to the maximum. Minimum sentences did nothing to stem the flow of drugs through our communities, and were eventually replaced; similarly, pedophiles don't stop their behavior because there's a 25 (or 5) year mandatory minimum for what they're about to do.

There must be a massive public relations blitz too. People don't watch the news, and they don't read newspapers. Making people know that penalties are going up BEFORE they get caught is going to be more difficult than proponents think -- and the goal is obviously to change behavior before crimes are committed.

Most counties in the state have their local court rules published online, through the Wisconsin State Bar website. It's interesting and often depressing to see what the guidelines are for OWI in many counties. Makes for educational reading, though.