DWI Lawyer Edina | Difference Between DWI and DUI
Driving while drunk or under the influence of drugs is illegal. If you’re caught driving under the influence (DUI), your license may be suspended or revoked, and you might have to pay hefty fines. If you’ve been charged with DWI or DUI, it’s important to know the difference between these two crimes and how they impact your case. DWI Lawyer Edina
DWI and DUI can be confusing as they are very similar and many people use them interchangeably. DWI Lawyer Edina
DWI and DUI can be confusing as they are very similar and many people use them interchangeably. These two terms are used to refer to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, with DWI standing for driving while intoxicated and DUI standing for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
The difference between DWI and DUI is:
- DWI is a criminal charge that usually results in jail time
- DUI is a criminal charge that usually results in jail time (but not always)
- DWI is considered a traffic violation by the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) (or equivalent agency), which means you will have points on your license if convicted.
- DUI is considered an administrative offense by DMV, which means you may not have points on your license if convicted
Difference Between DWI and DUI. DWI Lawyer Edina
DWI stands for “Driving While Intoxicated” and DUI stands for “Driving Under the Influence”. Both DWI and DUI are legal terms. However, many people use the more common term—DUI—to refer to both offenses.
In most states, a person who is arrested and charged with DWI has been found to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs while driving their vehicle on a public roadway. With a DWI charge, you can face serious penalties ranging from jail time to fines and loss of your license depending on your state’s laws. A DUI charge refers only to the lesser offense where you have been found driving with a blood alcohol content level (BAC) above 0 but lower than 0
Sometimes, people use the terms “driving while intoxicated” and “driving under the influence” interchangeably to mean the same crime.
While DWI and DUI may sound like they mean the same thing, they’re actually two separate offenses. If you’re arrested for either one, there are significant differences between what happens to you. You’ll need to know how each one is defined, how it relates to other criminal charges and what the consequences might be if convicted.
What Is DWI?
DWI stands for “driving while intoxicated.” It is a crime under state law that occurs when an individual operates a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of .08% or higher. The term “intoxicated” refers to impairment caused by drugs or alcohol resulting in reduced mental capacity or lack of self-control while driving; however, being intoxicated does not require someone to be incapacitated before they can be charged with this offense.
Minnesota defines both based on a .08 blood alcohol content level.
Minnesota defines both DWI and DUI based on a .08 blood alcohol content level. Minnesota’s laws are very strict and the penalties for either type of conviction can be severe, including fines and jail time. If you have been charged with either a DWI or DUI, it is important to talk with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. They will be able to help determine whether you were truly over the legal limit or if there may be other reasons why you were stopped by police officers, such as not signaling when changing lanes or following too closely behind another vehicle.
Conclusion
DWI and DUI are very similar crimes that involve driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. DWI is usually used in states where it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol level over .08, but some states consider .08 to be enough evidence to prove guilt. In Minnesota, both DWI and DUI are based on a .08 BAC.
Contact Lauren Campoli, the top criminal defense lawyer in Edina MN, now to learn more about our legal defense services, or if you’ve been charged with a crime.