DUI/DWI

• Admin

DUI (Driving Under the Influence) and DWI (Driving While Intoxicated or Impaired) are criminal offenses that involve operating a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or other intoxicating substances. The exact definitions and terms vary by state or country, but both refer to driving in an impaired state that endangers public safety.

🔹 Key Definitions:

• DUI (Driving Under the Influence): Refers broadly to driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs (including prescription medications and marijuana).

• DWI (Driving While Intoxicated/Impaired): Often used interchangeably with DUI but may refer specifically to alcohol intoxication in some jurisdictions, or be a more serious charge than DUI.

• Some states use only one term, while others distinguish between the two.

🔹 Legal Limits:

• Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC):

  • 0.08% or higher for most adult drivers (standard legal limit in the U.S.).

  • 0.04% for commercial drivers.

  • 0.00% to 0.02% for underage drivers (zero-tolerance laws).

• Drug-related DUI/DWI can be charged even without a specific BAC, based on impairment observed by law enforcement or blood/urine tests.

🔹 Common Signs of Impairment:

• Erratic driving or swerving

• Slurred speech, red eyes, slow reaction

• Failing a field sobriety test or breathalyzer test

🔹 Penalties (vary by jurisdiction and offense severity):

• First Offense (usually a misdemeanor):

  • Fines ($500–$2,000+)

  • Jail time (up to 6 months or more)

  • Driver’s license suspension (30 days to 1 year)

  • Probation and/or mandatory DUI education programs

  • Ignition interlock device (breath test to start car)

• Repeat Offenses or Aggravated DUI:

  • Felony charges

  • Longer jail/prison time

  • Heavier fines

  • Longer license suspension or revocation

  • Vehicle impoundment or forfeiture

🔹 Aggravating Factors:

• High BAC (e.g., 0.15% or more)

• Causing injury or death

• Driving with minors in the vehicle

• Repeat offenses within a certain time frame

🔹 Long-Term Consequences:

• Criminal record

• Increased insurance rates

• Employment and travel restrictions

• Professional license impacts