Difference in Penalties for DUI & DWI
In every state, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal. Various acronyms are used to describe the charge, but in most states "DUI" stands for "driving under the influence" and "DWI" refers to "driving while impaired." Typically, DUI is the more serious charge and carries heavier penalties. Penalties include possible jail time, fines, points on the license, and even vehicle immobilization.
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Jail Time or Probation Time
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Regardless of the acronym your state uses, the more serious charge (in this article, it is DUI), carries greater jail time. Jail time can be as long as one year for DUI; for DWI maximum jail time tends to be less. Probation is also common; during probation, people may have to commit to random drug tests and attend classes on the dangers of drunk driving. Probation periods are typically longer for a DUI conviction than a DWI.
Fines
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DUI carries a greater fine range than DWI. For instance, in Michigan, a DUI (called an OUIL) carries a fine between $100-$500; a DWI (called an OWI in Michigan, for "Operating While Impaired") carries a fine of "not more than $300." The range varies depending in the circumstances in each case.
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License Suspension Time
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In most states, a conviction of either DUI or DWI results in some form of license suspension. DUI convictions typically result in a complete revocation period with a suspension period after the revocation period (this means that the driver absolutely cannot drive during the revocation period). A suspension period allows a driver to drive to work, school, or other necessary places. DWI convictions typically result in a suspension period. The suspension period varies by state; Nebraska's minimum period is 30 days; Wyoming's minimum suspension is 90 days, according to 1800duilaws.com.
Vehicle Immobilization
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Both DUI and DWI convictions may result in vehicle immobilization; this is more common in DUI cases. Vehicle immobilization means that the driver cannot operate a vehicle without first blowing into a breathalyzer installed into the vehicle.
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References
- Photo Credit to drunk to drive image by Marjan Veljanoski from Fotolia.com
