Doyle, lawmakers want tougher OWI penalties
By The Associated Press

MILWAUKEE — Gov. Jim Doyle says a third conviction for intoxicated use of vehicle should be made a felony, carrying prison time, as a way to protect the public from those who repeatedly drive under the influence.

A former surgeon with three past OWI convictions faces three counts of homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle in a crash April 25 that killed an Oconomowoc school administrator, her fetus and her 10-year-old daughter.
Doyle says he’s pushed for tough drunken driving penalties since his days as a prosecutor.

Several legislators called Wednesday for tougher penalties. Democratic Rep. Bob Ziegelbauer of Manitowoc says he and three other lawmakers are pushing for a third conviction to mean revocation of driving privileges and confiscation of vehicles.

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