343.305 AnnotationWhen a defendant consented to a blood draw under this section but later attempted to revoke the consent before the blood sample was tested, a subsequent test of the blood sample did not violate the constitution. State v. Randall, 2019 WI 80, 387 Wis. 2d 744, 930 N.W.2d 223, 17-1518. 343.305 AnnotationFollowing Mitchell, 588 U.S. ___, 139 S. Ct. 2525 (2019), the four factors that the state bears the burden to show that exigent circumstances justified a warrantless blood draw are: 1) law enforcement has probable cause to believe that the driver has committed a “drunk-driving offense”; 2) the driver is, at pertinent times, unconscious or in a stupor; 3) the driver’s unconscious state or stupor requires that the driver be taken to a hospital or similar facility; and 4) the driver is taken to the hospital or similar facility before law enforcement has a “reasonable opportunity” to administer a standard evidentiary breath test. The burden is on the defendant to show that the defendant’s blood would not have been drawn if police had not been seeking blood alcohol concentration information and to show that law enforcement could not have reasonably judged that a warrant application would interfere with other pressing needs or duties. State v. Richards, 2020 WI App 48, 393 Wis. 2d 772, 948 N.W.2d 359, 17-0043. See also State v. Mitchell, 2022 WI App 31, 404 Wis. 2d 103, 978 N.W.2d 231, 19-1942. 343.305 AnnotationBecause the natural dissipation of alcohol over time presents a risk that evidence will be destroyed, the passage of time may help support an exigent circumstances determination in a given case. Here, there had already been a significant delay, which occurred through no fault of the police. An objectively reasonable officer would have been concerned that additional delay to obtain a warrant, beyond the five hours that had already elapsed, would have further undermined the probative value of a test, possibly even rendering it inadmissible if an expert was not able to support its probative value. State v. Dieter, 2020 WI App 49, 393 Wis. 2d 796, 948 N.W.2d 431, 18-2269. 343.305 AnnotationThe informing-the-accused language stating that, if the defendant refused to submit to the requested test, the refusal could be used against the defendant in court did not misrepresent the law. The Birchfield, 579 U.S. 438 (2016), and Dalton, 2018 WI 85, courts clearly acknowledge that civil penalties and evidentiary consequences may lawfully be imposed on defendants who refuse to submit to a blood test. State v. Levanduski, 2020 WI App 53, 393 Wis. 2d 674, 948 N.W.2d 411, 19-1144. 343.305 AnnotationIn this case, the defendant was adequately informed of his rights under the law as required by Smith, 2008 WI 23, when, under suspicion of operating while intoxicated, the defendant was read a form that accurately stated the consequences of refusal to submit to a chemical test of blood for a driver suspected of intoxication, even though the form was inaccurate with respect to a driver who was in a motor vehicle accident but who was not suspected of intoxication. The officer accurately read the form required by statute, and the inaccurate information in the form did not apply to the defendant. State v. Heimbruch, 2020 WI App 68, 394 Wis. 2d 503, 950 N.W.2d 916, 19-1857. 343.305 AnnotationUnder Birchfield, 579 U.S. 438 (2016), and Dalton, 2018 WI 85, Wisconsin’s operating while intoxicated graduated-penalty scheme is unconstitutional to the extent it counts prior revocations for refusing to submit to a warrantless blood draw as offenses for the purpose of increasing the criminal penalty. State v. Forrett, 2022 WI 37, 401 Wis. 2d 678, 974 N.W.2d 422, 19-1850. 343.305 AnnotationWhen a law enforcement officer has reasonable grounds to believe that an unconscious person is guilty of driving while intoxicated, a blood sample may be taken, and the test results are admissible in evidence and may not be excluded by the trial court. 59 Atty. Gen. 183.
343.305 AnnotationDiscussing implied consent. 62 Atty. Gen. 174.
343.305 AnnotationDiscussing the method by which a law enforcement agency may provide two tests for blood alcohol content under sub. (1) [now sub. (2)]. The agency is not required to actually own or physically possess the testing devices. 63 Atty. Gen. 119.
343.305 AnnotationUnder former subs. (1) and (4), 1985 stats., hospital personnel must administer tests and report results at the request of officers, subject to penalty under s. 946.40. 68 Atty. Gen. 209.
343.305 AnnotationFederal law requiring confidentiality of patient records has no application to the taking of a blood sample under this section. 73 Atty. Gen. 45. 343.305 AnnotationA law enforcement officer may use physical restraint, subject to constitutional limitations, in order to draw a legally justified blood sample. Refusal by a health professional to comply with a law enforcement officer’s authorized request to take a blood sample from a person whom the officer has legally restrained by force constitutes refusal to aid an officer under s. 946.40. 74 Atty. Gen. 123. 343.305 AnnotationDiscussing refusal hearings under this section. 77 Atty. Gen. 4. 343.305 AnnotationA Massachusetts implied consent law that mandates suspension of a license for refusal to take a breath-analysis test did not violate the due process clause. Mackey v. Montrym, 443 U.S. 1, 99 S. Ct. 2612, 61 L. Ed. 2d 321 (1979). 343.305 AnnotationThe admission into evidence of a defendant’s refusal to submit to a blood-alcohol test did not deny the right against self-incrimination. South Dakota v. Neville, 459 U.S. 553, 103 S. Ct. 916, 74 L. Ed. 2d 748 (1983). 343.305 AnnotationAn officer may conduct a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) test if the facts of a particular case bring it within the exigent-circumstances exception to the 4th amendment’s general requirement of a warrant. Exigency exists when: 1) BAC evidence is dissipating; and 2) some other factor creates pressing health, safety, or law enforcement needs that would take priority over a warrant application. Both conditions are met when a drunk-driving suspect is unconscious, and so, with such suspects, a warrantless blood draw is lawful. Mitchell v. Wisconsin, 588 U.S. ____, 139 S. Ct. 2525, 204 L. Ed. 2d 1040 (2019). 343.305 AnnotationWisconsin’s New Administrative Suspension Statute: First the Punishment, Then the Trial. Principe. 72 MLR 120 (1988).
343.305 AnnotationThe new OMVWI law: Wisconsin changes its approach to the problem of drinking and driving: Part I. Hammer. WBB Apr. 1982.
343.305 AnnotationThe new OMVWI law: Wisconsin changes its approach to the problem of drinking and driving: Part II. Hammer. WBB May 1982.
343.305 AnnotationTechnical problems corrected: Operating while intoxicated. Hancock & Maassen. WBB Apr. 1987.
343.305 AnnotationWisconsin’s breath testing program: A forensic scientist’s view. Booker. WBB Oct. 1988.
343.305 AnnotationRethinking Refusal: Wisconsin’s Implied Consent Law. Lotke. Wis. Law. July 1993.
343.305 AnnotationUsing Preliminary Breath Test Results in Trials? Don’t Hold Your Breath. Anderegg. Wis. Law. Jan. 2015.
343.305 AnnotationOWI Blood Draws: An Uncertain Road Ahead. Anderegg. Wis. Law. Nov. 2017.
343.305 AnnotationThe Quest for a Warrantless OWI Blood Draw. Anderegg. Wis. Law. Nov. 2019.
343.307343.307 Prior convictions, suspensions or revocations to be counted as offenses. 343.307(1)(a)(a) Convictions for violations under s. 346.63 (1), or a local ordinance in conformity with that section. 343.307(1)(b)(b) Convictions for violations of a law of a federally recognized American Indian tribe or band in this state in conformity with s. 346.63 (1). 343.307(1)(d)(d) Convictions under the law of another jurisdiction that prohibits a person from refusing chemical testing or using a motor vehicle while intoxicated or under the influence of a controlled substance or controlled substance analog, or a combination thereof; with an excess or specified range of alcohol concentration; while under the influence of any drug to a degree that renders the person incapable of safely driving; or while having a detectable amount of a restricted controlled substance in his or her blood, as those or substantially similar terms are used in that jurisdiction’s laws. 343.307(1)(e)(e) Operating privilege suspensions or revocations under the law of another jurisdiction arising out of a refusal to submit to chemical testing. 343.307(2)(2) The court shall count the following to determine the length of a revocation under s. 343.305 (10) and to determine the penalty under s. 346.65 (2j) and to determine the prohibited alcohol concentration under s. 340.01 (46m): 343.307(2)(b)(b) Convictions for violations of a law of a federally recognized American Indian tribe or band in this state in conformity with s. 346.63 (1) or (5). 343.307(2)(d)(d) Convictions under the law of another jurisdiction that is in substantial conformity with 49 CFR 383.51 (b) Table 1, items (1) to (4). 343.307(2)(e)(e) Convictions under the law of another jurisdiction that prohibits a person from refusing chemical testing or using a motor vehicle while intoxicated or under the influence of a controlled substance or controlled substance analog, or a combination thereof; with an excess or specified range of alcohol concentration; while under the influence of any drug to a degree that renders the person incapable of safely driving; or while having a detectable amount of a restricted controlled substance in his or her blood, as those or substantially similar terms are used in that jurisdiction’s laws. 343.307(2)(f)(f) Operating privilege suspensions or revocations under the law of another jurisdiction arising out of a refusal to submit to chemical testing. 343.307(3)(3) If the same elements of the offense must be proven under a local ordinance or under a law of a federally recognized American Indian tribe or band in this state as under s. 346.63 (1) (a), (am), or (b), any combination of s. 346.63 (1) (a), (am), or (b), or s. 346.63 (5), the local ordinance or the law of a federally recognized American Indian tribe or band in this state shall be considered to be in conformity with s. 346.63 (1) (a), (am), or (b), any combination of s. 346.63 (1) (a), (am), or (b), or s. 346.63 (5), for purposes of ss. 343.30 (1q) (b) 1., 343.305 (10) (b) 1. and 346.65 (2) and (2j). 343.307 AnnotationAn Illinois court’s placement of an operating while intoxicated (OWI) offender under court supervision is a conviction that is counted as a prior offense under sub. (1) (d) when charging an OWI suspect in Wisconsin. Placement under court supervision as a result of a determination that the defendant violated or failed to comply with the law in a court of original jurisdiction meets the definition of conviction under s. 340.01 (9r). State v. List, 2004 WI App 230, 277 Wis. 2d 836, 691 N.W.2d 366, 03-3149. 343.307 AnnotationThe final phrase of sub. (1) (d), “as those or substantially similar terms are used in that jurisdiction’s laws,” indicates the broad scope of that provision. When determining a penalty, Wisconsin counts prior offenses committed in states with operating while under the influence statutes that differ significantly from Wisconsin’s. “Substantially similar” simply emphasizes that the out-of-state statute need only prohibit conduct similar to the list of prohibited conduct in sub. (1) (d). State v. Puchacz, 2010 WI App 30, 323 Wis. 2d 741, 780 N.W.2d 536, 09-0840. 343.307 AnnotationThe definition of “conviction” in s. 340.01 (9r) applies to “convictions” in sub. (1) (d). Under sub. (1) (d), the other jurisdiction need only have a law that prohibits conduct specified in sub. (1) (d). The Illinois “zero tolerance” law punishes a person who is less than 21 years of age for refusing to submit to a chemical test, or for using a motor vehicle with an alcohol concentration above 0.00 and thus, in the context of sub. (1) (d), was a conviction under a law of another jurisdiction that prohibits refusal of chemical testing or prohibits using a motor vehicle with an excess or specified range of alcohol concentration. State v. Carter, 2010 WI 132, 330 Wis. 2d 1, 794 N.W.2d 213, 08-3144. 343.307 AnnotationIn sub. (1) (d), the phrase “with an excess or specified range of alcohol concentration” modifies the phrase “using a motor vehicle,” not the phrase “using a motor vehicle while intoxicated or under the influence of a controlled substance or controlled substance analog, or a combination thereof.” Thus, the statute should be read as follows: convictions under the law of another jurisdiction that prohibits a person from using a motor vehicle with an excess or specified range of alcohol concentration. State v. Carter, 2010 WI 132, 330 Wis. 2d 1, 794 N.W.2d 213, 08-3144. 343.307 AnnotationThe elements of an underlying first-offense operating while intoxicated (OWI) need not be proven to a jury beyond a reasonable doubt in a criminal proceeding for a subsequent OWI violation. State v. Verhagen, 2013 WI App 16, 346 Wis. 2d 196, 827 N.W.2d 891, 11-2033. 343.307 AnnotationSub. (1) (d)’s inclusion of out-of-state convictions under a law that prohibits driving “with an excess or specified range of alcohol concentration” does not violate the equal protection clause, even if a consequence is to treat Illinois zero tolerance offenses differently than Wisconsin absolute sobriety offenses. Ease of administration in Wisconsin courts provides a rational basis for a single, straightforward, and broad definition of out-of-state offenses applicable to all other jurisdictions. The definition consistently counts all convictions under out-of-state laws prohibiting driving with an excess or specified range of alcohol concentration regardless of their labels or treatment. State v. Hirsch, 2014 WI App 39, 353 Wis. 2d 453, 847 N.W.2d 192, 13-0427. 343.307 AnnotationEvery term in sub. (1) (d) relates in some way to a person operating a motor vehicle with either drugs or alcohol, or both, in the person’s system. That critical aspect is completely absent from the reckless driving offense of which the defendant was convicted. The initial charge, sanctions, and potential future consequences are of no moment. State v. Jackson, 2014 WI App 50, 354 Wis. 2d 99, 851 N.W.2d 465, 13-1282. 343.307 AnnotationA prior expunged operating while intoxicated (OWI) conviction constitutes a prior conviction under sub. (1) when determining the penalty for OWI-related offenses. The state must prove the prior OWI conviction by a preponderance of the evidence if the prior conviction is not an element of the charged offense. State v. Braunschweig, 2018 WI 113, 384 Wis. 2d 742, 921 N.W.2d 199, 17-1261. 343.307 AnnotationWith an eye toward the fact that the applicable burden of proof of a prior conviction for the purposes of this section is a preponderance of the evidence, a defendant’s admissions, coupled with the Department of Transportation driving record and the references to the defendant’s probation, are sufficient to meet such a burden. The state must demonstrate only that it is more likely than not that the defendant was previously convicted of operating while intoxicated. State v. Loayza, 2021 WI 11, 395 Wis. 2d 521, 954 N.W.2d 358, 18-2066. 343.307 AnnotationFor the purpose of this section, prior convictions may be proven by certified copies of conviction or other competent proof offered by the state before sentencing. Such competent proof must reliably demonstrate, with particularity, the existence of each prior conviction. State v. Loayza, 2021 WI 11, 395 Wis. 2d 521, 954 N.W.2d 358, 18-2066. 343.307 AnnotationUnder Birchfield, 579 U.S. 438 (2016), and Dalton, 2018 WI 85, Wisconsin’s operating while intoxicated graduated-penalty scheme is unconstitutional to the extent it counts prior revocations for refusing to submit to a warrantless blood draw as offenses for the purpose of increasing the criminal penalty. State v. Forrett, 2022 WI 37, 401 Wis. 2d 678, 974 N.W.2d 422, 19-1850. 343.307 AnnotationA conviction that has been collaterally attacked meets the definition of “conviction” under s. 340.01 (9r) because a collateral attack does not overturn or vacate the conviction. Instead, it attempts to avoid the conviction’s force of law in a subsequent criminal proceeding. Thus, as long as the adjudication of guilt is unvacated, the conviction remains on the Department of Transportation’s records and should be counted in determining whether to revoke the offender’s operating privilege. OAG 2-14. 343.31343.31 Revocation or suspension of licenses after certain convictions or declarations. 343.31(1)(1) The department shall revoke a person’s operating privilege upon receiving a record of conviction showing that the person has been convicted of any of the following offenses under a state law or under a local ordinance which is in conformity therewith or under a law of a federally recognized American Indian tribe or band in this state which is in conformity with state law: 343.31(1)(am)(am) Injury by the operation of a vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicant, a controlled substance or a controlled substance analog, or any combination of an intoxicant, a controlled substance and a controlled substance analog, under the influence of any other drug to a degree which renders him or her incapable of safely driving, or under the combined influence of an intoxicant and any other drug to a degree which renders him or her incapable of safely driving or while the person has a detectable amount of a restricted controlled substance in his or her blood or has a prohibited alcohol concentration and which is criminal under s. 346.63 (2). 343.31(1)(ar)(ar) Injury by the operation of a commercial motor vehicle while the person has an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or more but less than 0.08 and which is criminal under s. 346.63 (6). 343.31(1)(b)(b) Upon conviction for operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicant, controlled substance, controlled substance analog or a combination thereof, under the influence of any other drug to a degree which renders him or her incapable of safely driving, or under the combined influence of an intoxicant and any other drug to a degree which renders him or her incapable of safely driving, in accordance with the order of the court. 343.31(1)(c)(c) Any felony in the commission of which a motor vehicle is used. 343.31(1)(d)(d) Failure to stop and render aid as required under the laws of this state in the event of a motor vehicle accident resulting in death of or personal injury to another or in serious property damage. 343.31(1)(g)(g) Operating a motor vehicle without having furnished proof of financial responsibility when proof of financial responsibility is required. 343.31(1m)(a)(a) In this subsection, “qualifying conviction” means any of the following: 343.31(1m)(a)2.2. A conviction for a crime punishable as a felony under chs. 341 to 348 or a felony in the commission of which a motor vehicle is used. 343.31(1m)(b)(b) Upon receiving a record of conviction under s. 940.09 (1) or 940.25 or conviction, suspension, or revocation counted under s. 343.307 (1) that together with other records of the department show that the number of convictions under ss. 940.09 (1) and 940.25 in the person’s lifetime, plus the total number of other convictions, suspensions, and revocations counted under s. 343.307 (1), equals 4 or more, the department shall revoke the person’s operating privilege permanently. This paragraph does not apply if the most recent conviction, suspension, or revocation counted under this paragraph occurred more than 15 years after the next preceding conviction, suspension, or revocation counted under this paragraph. The person is not eligible for an occupational license under s. 343.10. After 10 years of the revocation period have elapsed, the person may apply for reinstatement under s. 343.38. 343.31(1m)(c)(c) Upon receiving a record of conviction under s. 940.09 (1) or 940.25 or conviction, suspension, or revocation counted under s. 343.307 (1) that together with other records of the department show that the number of convictions under ss. 940.09 (1) and 940.25 in the person’s lifetime, plus the total number of other convictions, suspensions, and revocations counted under s. 343.307 (1) within a 25-year period, equals 2 or more, and that the person has 2 or more qualifying convictions, the department shall revoke the person’s operating privilege permanently. The person is not eligible for an occupational license under s. 343.10. After 10 years of the revocation period have elapsed, the person may apply for reinstatement under s. 343.38. 343.31(2)(2) The department shall revoke the operating privilege of any resident upon receiving notice of the conviction of such person in another jurisdiction for an offense therein which, if committed in this state, would have been cause for revocation under this section or for revocation under s. 343.30 (1q). Such offenses shall include violation of any law of another jurisdiction that prohibits a person from using a motor vehicle while intoxicated or under the influence of a controlled substance or controlled substance analog, or a combination thereof; with an excess or specified range of alcohol concentration; while under the influence of any drug to a degree that renders the person incapable of safely driving; or while having a detectable amount of a restricted controlled substance in his or her blood, as those or substantially similar terms are used in that jurisdiction’s laws. Upon receiving similar notice with respect to a nonresident, the department shall revoke the privilege of the nonresident to operate a motor vehicle in this state. Such revocation shall not apply to the operation of a commercial motor vehicle by a nonresident who holds a valid commercial driver license issued by another state. 343.31(2m)(2m) The department may suspend or revoke, respectively, the operating privilege of any resident upon receiving notice of the conviction of that person under a law of another jurisdiction or a federally recognized American Indian tribe or band in this state for an offense which, if the person had committed the offense in this state and been convicted of the offense under the laws of this state, would have permitted suspension or revocation of the person’s operating privilege under s. 343.30 (1d) or (1g). Upon receiving similar notice with respect to a nonresident, the department may suspend or revoke the privilege of the nonresident to operate a motor vehicle in this state. The suspension or revocation shall not apply to the operation of a commercial motor vehicle by a nonresident who holds a valid commercial driver license issued by another state. A suspension or revocation under this subsection shall be for any period not exceeding 6 months. 343.31(2r)(2r) The department shall suspend a person’s operating privilege upon receiving a record of conviction showing that the person has been convicted of perjury or the making of a false affidavit or the making of a false statement or certification to the department under this chapter or any other law relating to the ownership or operation of motor vehicles. 343.31(2s)(2s) The department may suspend a person’s operating privilege for 2 years upon receiving a record of conviction under s. 973.137. If the department receives a record of conviction under s. 973.137 or a notice of suspension under s. 938.34 (14q) for a person whose license or operating privilege is currently suspended or revoked or for a person who does not currently possess a valid operator’s license, the suspension is first effective on the date on which the person is first eligible for issuance, renewal, or reinstatement of an operator’s license. 343.31(2t)(a)(a) The department shall suspend a person’s operating privilege upon receiving a record of conviction for a violation of s. 346.05 (1), 346.06, 346.07 (2) or (3), 346.09, 346.18, 346.23, 346.31, 346.37 (1) (a) 1., (c) 3., or (d) 1., 346.39 (1), 346.46 (1) or (4) (a), 346.47 (1) or (2), or 346.87 or a local ordinance in conformity therewith, resulting in great bodily harm, as defined in s. 939.22 (14), or death, as follows: 343.31(2t)(a)2.2. For a period of 3 months, if the offense resulted in great bodily harm to another but did not result in the death of another. 343.31(2t)(a)3.3. For a period of 9 months, if the offense resulted in the death of another. 343.31(2t)(b)(b) If a person is convicted of violating s. 346.05 (1), 346.06, 346.07 (2) or (3), 346.09, 346.18, 346.23, 346.31, 346.37 (1) (a) 1., (c) 3., or (d) 1., 346.39 (1), 346.46 (1) or (4) (a), 346.47 (1) or (2), or 346.87 or a local ordinance in conformity therewith, in addition to any other penalty provided by law, the department shall order the person to attend a vehicle right-of-way course whose mode of instruction is approved by the secretary and which is conducted by any regularly established safety organization, by the provider of driver education courses approved under s. 38.04 (4) or 115.28 (11), or by a driver school licensed under s. 343.61. The course of instruction shall acquaint the person with vehicle right-of-way rules and provide instruction on motorcycle, pedestrian, and bicycle awareness. If the course is conducted by the provider of approved driver education courses or a driver school, the provider or driver school shall issue to the person a certificate upon successful completion of the course. If a person’s operating privilege has been suspended under par. (a) or (c), the department may not reinstate the person’s operating privilege unless the person has successfully completed the course required under this paragraph. 343.31(2t)(c)(c) If a person is convicted of violating s. 346.05 (1), 346.06, 346.07 (2) or (3), 346.09, 346.18, 346.23, 346.31, 346.37 (1) (a) 1., (c) 3., or (d) 1., 346.39 (1), 346.46 (1) or (4) (a), 346.47 (1) or (2), or 346.87 or a local ordinance in conformity therewith and great bodily harm or death did not result, and the person has not completed the course required under par. (b) within 6 months of the department ordering the person to attend the course, the department shall suspend the person’s operating privilege until the person successfully completes the course. The department may not suspend a person’s operating privilege for more than 5 years under this subsection. 343.31(2u)(2u) The department shall suspend the operating privilege of a person who has been issued an occupational license upon receiving a record of conviction showing that the person has been convicted of any of the following offenses. 343.31(2u)(b)(b) Exceeding by 20 or more miles per hour any lawful or posted maximum speed limit. 343.31(2u)(c)(c) Participating in any race or speed or endurance contest. 343.31(2x)(2x) The department shall suspend a person’s operating privilege upon receiving a record of a declaration under s. 54.25 (2) (c) 1. d. that the person is incompetent to apply for an operator’s license. The department may reinstate the person’s operator’s license upon receiving a record of a declaration that the person is no longer incompetent to apply for an operator’s license under s. 54.25 (2) (c) 1. d., if the person is otherwise qualified under this chapter to obtain an operator’s license.
