DUI Vs DWI In Houston: What’s The Difference?
DUI stands for “Driving Under the Influence” is DUI. The acronym for Driving While Intoxicated, or sometimes Driving While Impaired, is DWI. Depending on the state in which you are caught, these phrases can have a similar or different meaning. Generally, however, DWI and DUI charge simply mean that the driver in question is facing serious charges, with the main offense being that he put the lives of others and him/herself at risk. In addition to alcohol and recreational drugs, the charges also apply to drive while your physical and mental abilities are impaired by the use of prescription drugs. Both of these charges are considered to be at par with each other, are quite serious, and can have a huge impact on your life. Once you’ve been taken in for one of these charges, considering the Best DUI or DWI lawyer optionable is your best chance of getting back to your life without the added weight of a conviction.
Varying State Definitions
Both terms are usually used to refer to drunken or impaired driving. The offense of driving drunken driving is referred to as a DWI in some states and a DUI in others. When states use both terms, it can be confusing. While the meaning can change from state to state, one is used in reference to alcohol or impairment by drugs or unknown substances. DWI is used in some states to driving while intoxicated by alcohol, with a blood-alcohol level that’s past the set legal limit, while driving under the influence (DUI) is used when the driver in question is charged with driving under drug or alcohol influence. Where both terms are used in some states, DUI refers to driving under the influence of alcohol, while DWI translates to driving while impaired by alcohol, drugs or any other unknown substances. It’s recommended that you check the meaning in the state that you are located in at the time.
DWI (Driving While Impaired)
The arresting officer usually believes that the driver is too impaired to drive safely when any of these charges are used. The drivers in question can be charged with impaired driving or driving under the influence in some jurisdictions regardless of whether they satisfy the legally accepted blood alcohol concentrations levels. For instance, you can be charged with a DWI even if your blood alcohol level is below the .08 limit if you show signs of impairment or fail the field sobriety test. these laws and statutes are extremely complicated, having a highly rated DWI lawyer on your side can make all the difference.
Impaired Driving Also Includes Driving While On Drugs
The arresting officer may suspect that you are driving under the influence of drugs, which impair your abilities if you seem to be impaired, but the breathalyzer test indicates that you are not legally drunk. Some of the drugs you might be suspected of using include the illegal variety, prescription, and non-prescription medication. A (DRE) Drug Recognition Expert may be called upon to conduct a variety of tests at the scene: this might be another person, or if qualified, the officer himself. You may be slapped with a DWI or DUI charge if the DRE officer concludes that you are in fact under the influence of drugs, after performing an evaluation that is divided into a number of stipulated steps. The terms used by the state in which you are stopped in to refer to driving under the influence of drugs determines the charge you face.
What Follows After You Are Arrested For Impaired Driving?
You will be facing serious consequences once you are arrested for impaired driving, regardless of what the charge is referred to in the state you are in. you will lose your driving privileges, pay court fees and any applicable fines if you plead guilty or are found guilty of this offense. Second offenders are likely to get a jail sentence. Furthermore, you may be required to do some community work in addition to being placed on probation. You will likely be required to complete a defensive driving class to get your driving license reinstated. Your habits with regard to drinking and use of substances will also be assessed in some states. You may be forced to participate in an alcohol or substance/drug treatment program, based on the findings of such an assessment. This treatment program can be anything from being admitted to a residential treatment facility or simply attending a number of support group gatherings such as Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and the like.
The Effects Of Being Convicted
You will be required to have SR-22 insurance once you get your driving privileges reinstated. Depending on the laws in your state, this can lead to the doubling or tripling of your premiums. Generally, you can expect to pay relatively higher insurance premiums for the following 3 year period. You may also be forced to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle depending on the state you reside in. The car will only start if the device determines that you have not been drinking alcohol after you blow into it. You are required to pay a monthly monitoring fee, in addition to the purchasing it and having it installed. The fact of the matter is that getting busted for driving under the influence is a costly and time-consuming experience. However, you can avoid it, 100 percent. If you have been taking alcohol, or are taking any sort of drugs, avoid driving. Prescription drugs that impair your abilities, cause drowsiness or affect your attentiveness are also included here.
Don’t forget, the faster you seek legal counsel, the more likely you are to have a positive outcome. So remember the best name for DWI law in Houston, Jim Butler, and call or contact us with any questions or concerns