Drunken driver from Madison faces further imprisonment in Rock County for his seventh DUI offense
In a case that highlights the severity of repeat drunk driving offenses, Ronald L. Williamson, 45, was found guilty of a 7th Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) offense, obstructing, and three counts of felony bail jumping in Rock County court.
The incident occurred on July 4, 2024, in downtown Janesville, Wisconsin. According to Rock County District Attorney Jason Sanders, Williamson was so intoxicated that he stopped in the lane for oncoming traffic. Upon being pulled over, Williamson was observed switching places with his girlfriend in the car by the responding officer, according to the Janesville Police Department.
This conviction marks a significant milestone in Williamson's history of drunk driving offenses. At the time of his 7th OWI arrest, Williamson was on extended supervision for his 5th OWI. Wisconsin law mandates a minimum sentence of three years imprisonment for a 7th OWI offense before being eligible for extended supervision.
The penalty for a 7th OWI offense in Wisconsin is a minimum mandatory prison sentence of 3 years. This is classified as a felony conviction due to the severity of being a seventh or higher offense. Along with prison time, fines (at least $600 for 5th and 6th offenses) may apply, but for 7th and above, the emphasis is on incarceration with at least 3 years mandatory imprisonment.
Other penalties for OWI offenses in Wisconsin usually include license revocation for extended periods, mandatory ignition interlock devices (IIDs), alcohol assessments, and potential treatment programs. For a 7th OWI conviction, these penalties are expected to be severe and restrictive given the felony status.
Assistant District Attorney Gerald Urbik pointed out inconsistencies in Williamson and his girlfriend's stories, which led to the jury convicting him on all counts. Rock County Judge Jeffrey Kuglitsch will hand down Williamson's sentencing on November 19.
Williamson faces a maximum sentence of more than 30 years in prison. Sanders commends the responding officer and the Janesville Police Department for preventing a potential tragedy. He also appreciates the efforts of prosecutors like Jerry Urbik who take repeat drunk driving seriously.
This case serves as a reminder of the consequences of repeat drunk driving offenses and the importance of enforcing strict penalties to ensure public safety. The copyright for this news article belongs to our website in 2025.
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