The use of two different terms leads many people to wonder, “What is the difference between DUI and DWI?” Are they two different terms referring to the same thing, or are they separate and distinct crimes? The terms both refer to the same crime: operating a vehicle while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. DUI stands for Driving Under the Influence. DWI stands for Driving While Intoxicated or Driving While Impaired. Note that these terms don’t refer simply to driving while drunk – they also cover operating a vehicle after using illegal drugs.

However, some states to make a distinction between the severity of the crimes. In some parts of the US a DUI is considered less serious than a DWI – the reasoning being that there is a distinction between being simply “under the influence” and actually being “intoxicated.” It implies a difference in the level of impairment caused by the drugs or alcohol on your coordination and motor skills. Other states treat both DUI and DWI exactly the same way. There is a legal limit for intoxication and anyone caught driving over that limit will be treated in the same way – however, the punishment dealt out by a judge may still be influenced by the level of intoxication.

Full Article

For More Information Visit: http://www.duilawdefense.com

Tags: attorney, car, defense, drive, driving, drunk, DUI, law, lawyer

This entry was posted on Monday, February 6th, 2012 at 9:47 pm and is filed under Driving Under the Influence. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.