The number of people in Wisconsin prisons for OWIs has more than quadrupled since 2000

The number of Wisconsin prisoners convicted of Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) has skyrocketed from 667 in 2000 to a staggering 2,899 in 2024, reflecting a more than fourfold increase. Despite a slight dip last year to 2,750 inmates, the overall trend underscores the state's escalating challenges with alcohol-related offenses. This surge highlights the need for more effective prevention and rehabilitation strategies, as well as potential reforms in the criminal justice system to address the underlying issues driving these convictions.