2011 Wisconsin Act 113 replaces the previous penalties for operating with a suspended license (OWS), operating after the revocation of a driver’s license (OAR), or operating without a driver’s license (OWL). It further distinguishes between operating under these conditions and knowingly operating under these conditions, and prescribes harsher penalties for operating knowingly under these conditions when such operation results in the great bodily harm or death of another person.
Under this act, a person who commits an OWS, OAR, or OWL violation that results in the great bodily harm of another is subject to a $5,000 - $7,500 fine. When such operation results in the death of another, the penalty is a $7,500 - $10,000 fine, and in both of these situations, the law recommends the revocation of driving privileges for 6 months. When a person knowingly commits such a violation that causes great bodily harm to another, the penalty becomes a Class I Felony (fine up to $10,000 and imprisonment for up to 3.5 years), and should it cause the death of another, the penalty becomes a Class H Felony (fine of up to $10,000 and imprisonment for up to 6 years. A knowing violation also carries a revocation of driving privileges for 6 months).
