OWI Court
The mission of the Walworth County OWI Court (WCOC) is to enhance public safety and reduce the number of alcohol-related traffic deaths and injuries in Walworth County. By effectively partnering with government agencies and community resources, the WCOC will focus on the habitual problem of repeat OWI offenders.
Overview
The WCOC is a four-phase intervention program for adults who have pled guilty to an OWI 3rd or OWI 4th offense and who are having difficulty staying clean and sober. It is a collaborative effort between the:
- Case Management
- Circuit Court
- Community Agencies
- Defense Attorneys
- Police Agencies
- Probation Department
- Treatment Programs
By working together, the team seeks to provide a variety of programs and consistent supervision geared toward supporting and helping you maintain a drug and alcohol-free life.
Expectations
The WCOC involves frequent court appearances, random drug and alcohol testing as well as group and individual counseling. The Court awards incentives for compliant behavior and imposes sanctions for negative behavior. Participants who do not comply with the rules may be placed in short-term custody, have phase advancement delayed or face a variety of other sanctions. They may also be terminated from the program. All of the staff working with the program will assist you to be sure you understand what is expected of you.
The OWI Court Team
The WCOC Judge will make all decisions regarding your participation in the WCOC with input from the WCOC Team. In addition to the Judge, the Team consists of the following members:
- Corrections Representative
- Defense Attorney - Role Is to Protect the Rights of the Defendant
- Higher Education Representative
- Law Enforcement Representative
- Probation Agent - Provides Direct Supervision of Participants
- Treatment Court Coordinator - Conduct Screenings for New Participants
- Treatment Provider - Responsible for Educating the Participants and Helping Them
Incentives
Incentives to participate in the WCOC program include:
- Ability to Complete GED Through Partnership with Gateway Technical College
- Access to Quality Treatment
- Large Support System
- Minimum License Revocation
- Minimum Mandatory Fine
- Minimum Mandatory Jail Sentence
- Monetary Savings
Participants are subject to WCOC guidelines regarding plea and sentencing as enforced by the District Attorney's Office. All participants entering the program are required to sign and abide by the program Participant Agreement and the Consent for Disclosure of Confidential substance abuse information. The participant and representing attorney, if applicable, will sign the agreement at the time of sentence.
Eligibility
- Be an adult, Walworth County resident.
- Be a legal resident of the United States of America as demonstrated by passport, birth certificate, or green card.
- Have been charged with OWI 3rd or higher offense.
- Have no charges relating to a crash involving homicide or serious bodily injury.
- Have a substance use disorder and are at substantial risk for reoffending.
- Have no prior serious violent offenses.
- Have no criminal cases pending in another jurisdiction.
- Apply in writing by completing the program application form.
Additional Information
For more information, please contact your attorney or Sheri Skomski, Treatment Court Coordinator at 262-741-3247. The first step to acceptance into the WCOC is to schedule a screening and determine your eligibility.