Underage drinking is pretty serious – and in Wisconsin, it can result in big fines. So how long do drinking tickets stay on your record in Wisconsin? Here’s what you need to know.
How Long Do Drinking Tickets Stay on Your Record in Wisconsin?
Underage alcohol conviction records of juveniles – people who are under the age of 17 – are usually pretty confidential. The Department of Transportation can’t disclose information about a suspension, revocation or restriction to anyone other than a court, district attorney, municipal prosecuting attorney, law enforcement agency, the underage individual, or the underage individual’s parents or legal guardians. However, you can get an underage drinking ticket if you’re between the age of 17 and 21 – and those aren’t nearly as private.
Underage drinking tickets will show up on your driving record, which can impact your car insurance rates. You might lose scholarships or face other school-related penalties, too. Additionally, your license can be revoked or suspended – especially if you receive more than one of these types of tickets.
Related: What to do if your child is accused of underage drinking in Wisconsin
Fines for Underage Drinking Tickets
If you’re caught drinking before you reach legal age, you face these penalties:
- First offense: Fines between $250 and $500, a suspended driver’s license, community service
- Second offense within 12 months of the first violation: Fines of between $300 and $500, community service, driver’s license suspension
- Third offense within 12 months of the two previous violations: Fines of between $500 and $750, community service, driver’s license suspension
- Fourth or subsequent offense within 12 months of three or more previous violations: Fines of between $750 and $1,000, community service, suspension of driver’s license
Related: Penalties for underage drinking in Wisconsin
What if You’re Accused of Underage Drinking?
If you’ve been accused of underage drinking, your best bet may be to talk to a lawyer who can help you make sense of what you’re facing. Call us at 414-383-6700 now to schedule your free consultation. We’ll talk about how long the ticket will stay on your record and answer your questions, and if we decide to work together, we’ll start developing a strategy that gets you the best possible outcome.
