DUI Dictionary

Drunk driving arrests, DUI / DWI arrests, cases involving driving under the influence of drugs (DUID), or the combination of alcohol and drugs, all seem to have their own language. Indeed, DUI / DWI criminal defense lawyers seem to have their own language as well. As any criminal defense attorney who concentrates on defending drinking and driving cases will admit, there are special terms which are not readily understood. The following are often-used (and not often easily understood) terms relating to DWI / DUI, drunk driving, drinking and driving, DUID (driving under the influence of drugs) and other related criminal arrests:

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Drunk Driving - A general reference to those criminal cases that are called DUI, DWI, OUI, OWI, DUII, DWAI, or other acronyms. They generally describe two types of cases: First, where the driver is sufficiently impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of the two, that the driver cannot drive safely. Second, "drunk driving" relates to those cases where someone is above that state's legal limit, usually .08%, no matter how safely the person is driving.

DUI - Driving under the influence. Can either refer to driving under the influence of alcohol, driving under the influence of drugs, or driving under the influence of a combination of liquor and drugs. This is the most widely used acronym for drunk driving cases. The standard for what it means to be under the influence will vary from state to state. It is important to contact a lawyer in your area that knows DUI law if you have been accused of DUI or a related drunk driving offense.

DUID – Driving under the influence of drugs. For purposes of DUID, the drugs may be legal or illegal, prescribed or otherwise.

DUII - Driving under the influence of an intoxicant. The intoxicant in DUII cases can be either alcohol or drugs. There is no difference between a charge of DUII and DUI. A DUII charge is no more or less serious than that of DUI. However, Oregon, the state that refers to drunk driving as DUII, does have a pre-trial diversion program that many other states do not offer. Before you get involved in any diversion program, talk to a DUI defense lawyer, as there are pros and cons to these types of programs.

DUIL or OUIL - Driving under the influence of liquor or Operating under the influence of liquor. These are phrases that are used in very few states; most notably, They are sometimes used in Massachusetts, Michigan and Utah to refer to a drunk driving case.

DWAI - Driving while abilities impaired. This acronym is used in Colorado to refer to a lesser charge that is related to drunk driving, but does not carry all of the same consequences and punishments. A DWAI conviction, in those few states that offer DWAI, may not be considered a prior conviction for drunk driving purposes in other states. It is important to consult a drunk driving lawyer that is well-versed in this area of the law to ensure your rights are protected.

DWI - Driving while intoxicated, or driving while impaired. Like DUI, DWI this can refer to driving while intoxicated or impaired as the result of either drinking alcohol or taking drugs, or both. This is the second most widely used acronym for drunk driving cases. Like DUI, the question of how to define being intoxicated or impaired is at the heart of a drunk driving case in jurisdictions that use DWI. It is critical to consult with a DWI lawyer in your area that understands these sophisticated issues.

DWUI - Driving while under the influence is a phrase that is infrequently used to refer to drunk driving cases. When this acronym is used, it refers to driving under the influence of alcohol, driving under the influence of drugs, or driving under the influence of a combination of alcohol and drugs.