What is DUI and DWI?
You probably have heard about DWI and DUI, but many people forget what it truly means. There is usually a confusion about the difference between the two which could be enhanced on the variations between its differing jurisdictions.
Understanding DUI
DUI means Driving Under the Influence, which is associated with people driving while they are drunk, but this could also be applied for those who are under the influence of medications or drugs. You also will find some states that provides a first offense first, which means that those who commits the crime of DUI while they drive a motor vehicle at a highway with blood-alcohol concentration of .08%, regardless whether they are visibly impaired.
There are actually some states to where the defendant should be driving a vehicle in order to be convicted to driving drunk, but this now changes. There are in fact a lot of states that uses phrases like “operating a vehicle” or “being in physical control of the vehicle” for them to broaden the situation to where one will be convicted of DUI like sitting in the driver’s seat and having the keys in its ignition even when the car is not moving.
Understanding DWI
DWI is mostly state-specific. For some states, DWI actually means “driving while intoxicated” and is in fact a synonym for DUI. There are instances sometimes with where DWI means “driving while impaired” where any kind of impairment could become the reason for such criminal charge, which in fact includes the case of driving while physically incapable to controlling the vehicle in a safe manner and driving while falling asleep. To put it simple, the elements are just the same as DUI, but alcohol or drugs should not be involved.
Either a DUI or a DWI means that the arresting officer has a reason to think that the driver is so impaired to be able to drive. When you are impaired or you are not capable of travelling, it is best that you search for other ways on how you can cancel the trip until you are not impaired.
If ever you were criminally charged with DUI or DWI or have fears of being liable for your actions while you are impaired, it is best that you contact an attorney who can help you on the case you are facing. If ever you have been injured by another person who is considered to be a suspect of being impaired, you should consider calling the local law enforcement to be able to pursue a claim against the driver for the damages as well as injuries that you have obtained.
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