NORTHEAST WIS. – Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) offenses reached an all-time high in Wisconsin in 2024 and remained elevated in 2025, according to a recent Wisconsin Policy Forum study.
Utilizing data from the Wisconsin Department of Corrections, the forum found that 667 people were serving OWI convictions in 2000. However, that quadrupled to 2,899 in 2024 and remained similar at 2,750 people in 2025, not including OWI arrests at local jails.
“This increase far outpaces the modest growth of the state’s population over this period,” the forum stated.
This growth can also be seen at the county levels. Oconto County saw an increase in OWI admission rates from 24 individuals in 2000 to 51 in 2024. Marinette County experienced an increase from 58 people in 2000 to 116 in 2024.
These individuals reflect more than arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol, but under the influence of any intoxicant, controlled substance, drug or combination “to a degree which renders him or her incapable of safely driving,” according to Wis. Stat. section 346.63.
An OWI charge can not only cover a variety of substances, but also result in a variety of penalties.
The Wisconsin Policy Forum explained, “Wisconsin’s penalties are generally less severe than those in neighboring states for initial OWI convictions, but among the most severe for the most serious convictions. The state stands out for treating first OWI offenses as civil rather than criminal offenses, while a number of state policy changes since 2000 have largely resulted in increased penalties for fourth and subsequent convictions and aggravated offenses.”
Those who are charged with an OWI may be fined, have their license revoked for a set or indefinite period of time, have an Ignition Interlock Device installed, be sentenced to confinement and/or be required to enroll in the Intoxicated Drive Program (IDP).
“Anyone convicted of an [OWI] offense is required to contact the approved IDP assessment facility for their county of residence within 72 hours after conviction,” the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) website explains.
In Marinette County, the IDP is operated through the Marinette County Health and Human Services ADAPT Clinic, a publicly-funded and operated outpatient clinic.
Community Services Supervisor Jessica Mosey explained that once convicted of an OWI, the person must schedule their assessment — which is $300 and not covered by insurance — and complete the non-diagnostic test developed by the DOT.
“The substance abuse counselor then puts the information into the system and an outcome is determined. What [the outcome] looks like is based on various factors, it’s kind of complex in that way,” Mosey said.
Based on these factors, drivers are categorized into specific programs, including:
People are typically referred to programs in Marinette or Green Bay, but may find other suitable options.
“The key part to this is that they have up to one year to complete the services. So, if there’s a cancellation or no show, things like that can obviously extend out the time period for completing it. One year is generally more than enough time,” she explained.
If the IDP or other required program is not completed within the timeframe, the person may be placed into noncompliance and have their license become inactive. Additionally, not scheduling an assessment, not paying fees or being arrested for another OWI may lead to an inactive license.
The completed IDP assessments in Marinette County were: 2020 — 114; 2021 — 142; 2022 — 121; 2023 — 128; 2024 — 125; and 2025 — 114, closely reflecting the rates of OWI admissions.
Although each person and situation is unique, Oginski shared one situation he has been encountering all too often.
“One of the common themes that we see with marijuana users is the majority of them are speeding. The reason they’re speeding is because they feel like everything else is just slowed down around them. So, they want to drive faster.”
When considering the overall rise, the Wisconsin Policy Forum recommended a variety of strategies for municipalities through state agencies, including: Improving alternative transportation options, expanding alcohol age compliance checks and improving access to substance use programs.
Locally, the Marinette County Sheriff’s Office collaborates with high schools on the DARE program as a proactive step against drug usage and conducts officer training. Marinette County Health and Human Services hosts the Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (AODA) Family Education Series focused on prevention, intervention and treatment.
When it comes to the financial and personal impacts of operating under the influence, Oginski said, “It’s one of those things that people think ‘It won’t happen to me.’ But, the very harsh reality of it is that it can happen to you. The majority of car crashes that we’ve had — especially car crashes this past year — were alcohol involved. Unfortunately, it’s a common theme of speeding and failure to negotiate curves.”
“The big thing is making wise choices and not putting other folks at risk when you’re using any kind of alcohol or other substances that may be legal in other states.”
For more information about proactive steps anyone can take, contact the Marinette County Health and Human Services ADAPT Clinic at (715) 732-7760.
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