Amber Harry arrested for DUI on Highway 41 in Marinette County: Driver Charged with 4th Offense, Child Endangerment

Modified Date: 
Sat, 01/11/2025 - 8:08am
Accident Date: 
Monday, January 6, 2025

Appleton woman arrested for 4th OWI offense; child was inside the vehicle

Amber Harry, 43, of Appleton, was stopped by the Wisconsin State Patrol for a speed violation at approximately 12:45 p.m. on Highway 41, near Rodney Lane.

In a concerning incident highlighting the ongoing challenges of impaired driving in Wisconsin, 43-year-old Amber Harry of Appleton was arrested on Monday afternoon for allegedly operating a vehicle while intoxicated with a minor passenger. The arrest occurred at approximately 12:45 p.m. on Highway 41 near Rodney Lane in Marinette County, when a Wisconsin State Patrol trooper initially stopped Harry's vehicle for a speed violation. Upon interaction with the driver, the trooper noticed signs of impairment and conducted standardized field sobriety tests. Following the failed sobriety assessment, Harry was arrested and taken to a local hospital for a blood draw before being transported to the Marinette County Jail. This incident marks Harry's fourth OWI offense, with the presence of a child under 16 in the vehicle adding to the severity of the charges pending referral to the Marinette County District Attorney's Office.

Location and Infrastructure - Highway 41 in Marinette County serves as a crucial north-south corridor connecting Green Bay to Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The area near Rodney Lane, where the arrest occurred, is characterized by rural highway conditions with a posted speed limit of 65 mph. This stretch of highway experiences significant commercial and tourist traffic, particularly during peak travel seasons. The roadway features standard highway safety infrastructure including rumble strips, reflective markers, and clear zone areas. The intersection with Rodney Lane is controlled by standard traffic signs and marks a transition zone between higher-speed highway segments.

Legal Rights and Considerations - Under Wisconsin law, a fourth OWI offense is classified as a Class H felony, carrying potential penalties of up to 6 years imprisonment and fines up to $10,000. The presence of a minor passenger under 16 years old triggers additional penalties under Wisconsin Statute 346.65(2)(f)2, potentially doubling the minimum confinement period. Victims of impaired driving incidents may be entitled to compensation through multiple channels, including the at-fault driver's insurance, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and victim compensation programs. Wisconsin maintains a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, though criminal proceedings operate under separate timelines. An experienced Marinette DUI accident lawyer will handle all aspects of the legal claim.

Related Resources:

  • Marinette County Sheriff's Department: Emergency Response and Investigation
  • Wisconsin State Patrol - Northeast Region
  • Marinette County Victim/Witness Services
  • Wisconsin Department of Transportation - OWI Laws and Penalties
  • MADD Wisconsin Chapter - Victim Support Services
  • Wisconsin Highway Safety Improvement Program
  • Marinette County District Attorney's Office
  • Wisconsin Department of Justice - Crime Victim Services
People Involved: 
Amber Harry
Roadway: 
Highway 41