A Republican lawmaker from Fond du Lac says a bill that would allow some first time drunken drivers to ask judges to erase their record is about having compassion. State representative Jeremy Thiesfeldt says the bill would allow first timers to petition for expungement if they didn’t cause an injury and their blood alcohol content was less than.15 percent. “We certainly need everbody we can to get into the workforce and when you’ve got a drunk driving conviction that can possibly cost you improving your family’s situation and getting a job,” Thiesfeldt told WFDL news. “If we can wipe that off the record, somebody that has clearly changed their ways moving ahead, that would be a positive thing.” Thiesfeldt says they would have to drive with an ignition interlock device for six months or wear a device monitoring alcohol consumption for six months. Thiesfeldt says the proposal reflects the fact that in Wisconsin a first time OWI offense is a civil offense and not a crime.
