What is the difference between DUI and DWI ?
DWI ( driving while intoxicated) alcohol
DUI and DWI refer to operating a motor vehicle while impaired by either illegal drugs or alcohol. The biggest difference between the two terms is what the letters stand forDWI is an acronym for driving while intoxicated or impaired, while DUI stands for driving under the influence. Throughout the US, the laws vary regarding how a DUI and/or DWI is dealt with.
There are some states that differentiate between a DUI and DWI, where the DUI is the lesser charge. In these states, a DUI usually signifies a lesser degree of intoxication, which is determined by a person’s blood alcohol level at the time of arrest. Sometimes, states will allow the charges of a DWI to be reduced to a DUI with the help of a defense attorney.
For some states, like Virginia and New Jersey, there is no difference between a DUI and DWI. In Minnesota, on the other hand, there is technically no such thing as a DUI because they only use the term DWI. The distinction for the federal government is drawn based on severity. A DWI is issued when the blood alcohol content (BAC) is over the 0.08 limit, whereas a DUI is a less severe term, given when a persons BAC is under 0.08.