MADISON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – A wrong-way crash that claimed the lives of four siblings in Waupaca County has put the state’s drunk driving laws back in the spotlight.
In Wisconsin, operating a vehicle while intoxicated does not necessarily guarantee time behind bars.
An individual’s first operating while under the influence (OWI) offense requires a fine of up to $300, but a mandatory one-year prison sentence doesn’t come until a person’s fifth offense.
“It kind of depends on each person,” said Jevon Jaconi, a Green Bay attorney who deals with OWI cases. “You know, what we try to avoid is the tragedy which just happened.”
47-year-old Scott Farmer is charged with his 5th OWI in connection to Saturday’s crash in Weyauwega which killed four people, including two children.
“With a vodka bottle sitting by his side, he should’ve had a Bible by his side,” said Kurt Schilling, the stepfather of the four victims, on Monday following Farmer’s initial court appearance.
“The pain does not go away,” said Erin Payton, regional executive director for Mothers Against Drunk Driving. “This isn’t something that, you know, in six months, they just move on with their lives. This is something that lives with them for the rest of their lives.”
Under Wisconsin law, a person’s license is revoked for at least two years after a 4th OWI conviction. In Saturday’s crash, Farmer was not driving with a valid license.
“I think that is, that’s a great law,” said Payton. “Unfortunately, it does not stop people from driving.”
Neither Payton nor Jaconi would comment on if they believe prison should be mandatory earlier than a fifth offense. However, Jaconi said he would agree Wisconsin is more lenient than other states when it comes to drunk driving laws.
“As a rule, yes,” said Jaconi.
