| How is DUI or "Driving Under the Influence" different | | | | program. If caught again for the same violation, a |
| from DWI or "Driving while Intoxicated or Impaired?" It | | | | higher fine with imprisonment is most likely the |
| may be difficult to differentiate one from the other. But | | | | punishment. |
| while both refer to maneuvering a motor vehicle while | | | | On the other hand, DWI also known as Operating |
| under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol, the two | | | | While Impaired or OWI is considered a greater |
| vary in degree and details. It is noteworthy that | | | | offense. Like in DUI, the case can either be civil or |
| different states in the U.S. treat DUI or DWI cases in | | | | criminal. A civil case implies that the offender is below |
| different ways. Interestingly there are states that do | | | | the age of 21 and has tested above the legal limit of |
| not make a distinction between the two i.e. New | | | | 0.10% or 0.8% BAC when subjected to a breathalyzer |
| Jersey and Virginia. Having the knowledge about DUI | | | | or blood test. Note that the legal alcohol limit varies |
| or DWI is essential in case you get charged for any of | | | | depending on the state where the offense took place. |
| these offenses. | | | | In Arizona, for example, 0.8% BAC is the limit. A civil |
| DUI is categorized as a misdemeanor and is in general | | | | case of DWI can still be charged albeit the person's |
| considered less serious as it pertains to a lesser | | | | refusal to go through sobriety test. If proven guilty, the |
| degree of intoxication. Thus penalties are lesser in | | | | offender will be fined a maximum of $5000, |
| severity. DUI can either be a criminal case or a civil | | | | suspension of the offender's driver's license and |
| case depending on the circumstances. It is considered | | | | imprisonment for a time depending on the number of |
| a civil case if the offender is below 21 years of age. | | | | violations the person had. |
| Otherwise, it is considered criminal. If the breathalyzer | | | | A criminal case of DWI is the most complex of all. This |
| or blood test result is found to be under the legal | | | | case involves someone above 21 years of age, has |
| alcohol limit, it is a civil case. | | | | undergone sobriety test and found to have a BAC |
| As for the punishments, someone arrested due to DUI | | | | over the legal limit. Classified as a higher class of |
| for the first time will be fined a maximum of $5000 | | | | misdemeanor, someone proven guilty of a criminal |
| with no imprisonment. At the same time, the offender | | | | case of DWI will be fined a minimum of $2000 plus |
| will have to undergo a minimum of 30 hours of | | | | imprisonment for at least 3 days. Alcohol awareness |
| community service as well as an alcohol awareness | | | | training may also be required. |