Free DUI and DWI Consultations
Reader’s Question:
Can you tell me about the difference between DUI and DWI? Do you offer free DUI consultations?
Morgan
Salt Lake City UT
Free DUI Consultations
The difference between DUI and DWI can be confusing. DUI stands for driving under the influence while DWI means driving while intoxicated. To many, this two things could connote the same thing, hence, the confusion. While they may sound the same, these are different major offenses in driving that could lead to stiff fines, jail time and suspension of driving license. If you have been recently involved in an accident and is wondering which one you will get, it’s better to contact a lawyer in Utah who specializes in this cases.
Now, DUI is about a person driving while under the influence of either alcohol or narcotics. It’s possible to consume alcohol but it shouldn’t be higher that the prescribed blood alcohol concentration limit. In most states, the BAC is .08. If your BAC is higher, you can get arrested. Also, if you are under the influence of narcotics, you could get a DUI too. On the other hand, a DWI is driving when you are drunk. In DUI, you are driving without necessarily being drunk. But in DWI, you are intoxicated with alcohol.
The difference between DUI and DWI in terms of penalties can be quite small. They could get the same penalties. However, there are instances when a DWI offender can get a higher fine compared to someone who has been convicted of DUI. Being drunk while driving is more dangerous than simply being under the influence. The DWI cases often get the same type of penalties while DUI offenses can be resolved on a case-to-case basis.
While the difference between DUI and DWI cannot be easy to distinguish from an ordinary person’s point of view, their impact on insurance rates are the same. A conviction on either one can send rates to go double or even triple.