| The use of two different terms leads many people to | | | | intoxication. |
| wonder, "What is the difference between DUI and | | | | If you live in a state that makes a distinction between |
| DWI?" Are they two different terms referring to the | | | | DWI and DUI and you are facing the more severe |
| same thing, or are they separate and distinct crimes? | | | | charge, finding a good DUI attorney could help you get |
| The terms both refer to the same crime: operating a | | | | the charge reduced to a DUI. This is especially |
| vehicle while intoxicated or under the influence of | | | | important if you have a previous drink driving |
| drugs or alcohol. DUI stands for Driving Under the | | | | conviction, because the sentence handed down to you |
| Influence. DWI stands for Driving While Intoxicated or | | | | will be affected by your previous driving records. |
| Driving While Impaired. Note that these terms don't | | | | When you ask yourself, "What is the difference |
| refer simply to driving while drunk - they also cover | | | | between a DUI and a DWI?" the answer may be jail |
| operating a vehicle after using illegal drugs. | | | | time depending on your previous convictions. |
| However, some states to make a distinction between | | | | There is also another acronym sometimes used to |
| the severity of the crimes. In some parts of the US a | | | | describe the same crime: OVI. This stands for |
| DUI is considered less serious than a DWI - the | | | | Operating a Vehicle while Intoxicated. Again, it refers to |
| reasoning being that there is a distinction between | | | | the same thing. Another related acronym you may |
| being simply "under the influence" and actually being | | | | have heard is BAC, which stands for Blood Alcohol |
| "intoxicated." It implies a difference in the level of | | | | Concentration. This is the measure police use to |
| impairment caused by the drugs or alcohol on your | | | | determine whether you are over the legal limit. In most |
| coordination and motor skills. | | | | states, the limit is.08 BAC. In some states, you can be |
| Other states treat both DUI and DWI exactly the | | | | under the legal limit but still arrested for DUI if you fail a |
| same way. There is a legal limit for intoxication and | | | | Field Sobriety Test given to you by a police officer. In |
| anyone caught driving over that limit will be treated in | | | | other words, if you are not over the legal limit, you can |
| the same way - however, the punishment dealt out by | | | | still be charged with a DUI offense if you are |
| a judge may still be influenced by the level of | | | | demonstrably impaired by alcohol or drugs. |