November 12, 2024

What is The Difference Between a DUI Charge and a DWI Charge?

If you do not understand the difference between a DUI and a DWI that is okay, but if you have either you should absolutely have a DUI attorney. DUI and DWI are similar charges and each carries very heavy penalties. These are not charges you want to try to fight on your own.

A DUI attorney Colorado Springs defendants have found can help them to better navigate these charges and get better outcomes. If you have been charged with either a DUI or a DWI the best thing you can do is to hire a DUI lawyer as soon as possible.

What is DUI?

Many people make the mistake of thinking that the only influence they should not be under when driving is the influence of alcohol, unfortunately, the laws beg to differ. DUI or Driving Under the Influence can be charged when you are under the influence of any legal or illegal altering substance.

A sister charge of the DUI charge is DWI which is Driving While Intoxicated. You can be charged with either crime. If you are intoxicated on alcohol you will likely be charged with a DWI because there are set points of blood alcohol content that can be measured to determine if you are “legally” considered intoxicated.

If a breathalyzer test comes back at above the legal limit you can be charged with a DWI. If you are pulled over and the officer believes that you are driving while impaired on other drugs that are not immediately testable, or if there is a traffic offense and the officer detects the smell of marijuana in your vehicle you may be charged with a DUI.

It is Semantics Really

Ultimately being charged with a DUI or a DWI is really a matter of semantics. The penalties and punishments in both cases are similar. DUI lawyers are needed in both cases to ensure that your rights are protected and that you get the best possible outcome.

Penalties For Both Can Be Harsh

A DUI and a DWI can result in a wide range of penalties from losing your license for a predetermined amount of time. You may also have to deal with heavy fines. You may be facing jail time, community service, and or probation.

The laws are tough when it comes to DUI charges. Don’t risk your freedom, get a DUI attorney on your side today.

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