Tony Romo — the former Cowboys quarterback and lead CBS NFL analyst — was arrested in Milwaukee on Thursday night, and the charge on the booking sheet is sending people to Google: “OWI 1st.” Here is what happened, and what that term actually means in Wisconsin — because it is not what most of the country assumes.

What Happened

Per the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office, Romo was stopped Thursday night, July 23, while driving on southbound I-43 on the high-rise bridge. He performed poorly on standardized field sobriety tests, was arrested for OWI, first offense, then booked and released. His court date is set for September 21.

Romo — a Burlington, Wisconsin native — was in his home state to play in the annual Wisconsin State Amateur golf championship. He remains accused, not convicted; the citation will be resolved in court.

“OWI 1st”: Wisconsin’s One-of-a-Kind Law

OWI is Wisconsin’s term for impaired driving — Operating While Intoxicated — what most states call DUI or DWI. The number matters more than the letters: “1st” means first offense, and Wisconsin treats it unlike anywhere else in America.

Wisconsin is the only US state where a first-offense OWI is not a criminal charge. It is a civil citation — closer to a very serious traffic ticket — typically carrying a $150 to $300 forfeiture, along with license consequences. Criminal penalties in Wisconsin begin with repeat offenses or aggravating factors.

What Happens Next

  • September 21: the court date where the citation is addressed.
  • Typical first-offense outcome in Wisconsin: the civil forfeiture, license action, and alcohol assessment — not jail.
  • His broadcasting role: Romo is CBS’s lead NFL game analyst; initial reports did not include a statement from the network.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What was Tony Romo arrested for?

OWI, first offense — stopped on I-43 in Milwaukee on July 23, booked and released, per the county sheriff. Court date: September 21.

What does OWI 1st mean?

Operating While Intoxicated, first offense — which in Wisconsin, uniquely, is a civil citation, not a crime.

Will Romo go to jail?

A Wisconsin first-offense OWI typically means a $150-$300 fine and license consequences, not jail. He is accused, not convicted.

Why was Romo in Wisconsin?

He grew up in Burlington, WI and was playing the State Amateur golf championship.

OWI vs DUI — what is the difference?

Same conduct, different state terminology — Wisconsin says OWI; most states say DUI/DWI. Wisconsin alone treats the first offense as civil.

Arrest details per the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office as reported by FOX6 Milwaukee, WPR and NBC Sports, July 24, 2026; Wisconsin OWI law characteristics per state legal guidance. Romo is accused, not convicted; this article is informational, not legal advice. Photo: Tony Romo by Keith Allison, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.