What is the difference between DUI and DWI?

Both acts of drunk driving and drugged driving have various acronyms in court. You may have heard these crimes referred to as DWI, DUI, OWI, and OUI. But it is important to know that the legal differences between a DUI and DWI vary from state to state. Read on to learn the difference between driving under the influence (DUI) and driving while intoxicated (DWI) in United States.

Regardless of the acronym, being convicted of a DUI or DWI indicates that the driver was operating a motor vehicle while impaired by a debilitating substance. It is not necessary that this substance is alcohol, as some legal phrases indicate.

It is entirely possible to be arrested for DUI / DWI under the influence of a debilitating substance other than alcohol. This includes, but is not limited to, marijuana, cocaine, and prescription drugs. The term, Driving Under the Influence, includes any substance that a person may consume that weakens their ability to drive. Will you need to hire dwi attorney to handle your DUI or DWI case? If yes, then you search at Google where you find many dwi attorney’s websites contact to get help in your case.

Can you be arrested for being an accessory to a DWI?

States also recognizes the crime of being an accessory to a DUI or DWI. If you give the keys to a person who you see is drunk and he/she is driving, you can face a DWI charge under the reason of being an accomplice. While this offense always receives the lightest level 5 sentence, it does not change what a DWI conviction is and carries with it all the penalties for a level 5 sentence.

Get Back to Driving After a DUI / DWI

You will lose your license if you are convicted of a DUI or DWI. If you receive a light sentence, you will lose it for at least one year. But, if you receive a level 1 or 2 sentence, it can result in you losing your license for up to four years. However, don’t lose hope. If you are eligible, you can apply for a restricted license to drive in North Carolina. And each state may have different law. As we already discuss  that the legal differences between a DUI and DWI vary from state to state.