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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Vehicle - Anything with a motor that is used for transfortation, such as a car, truck, motorcycle, snowmobile, dirt bike, dune buggy, or even a motorized wheelchair. A DUI, DWI or drunk driving conviction can also result from driving a bicycle, (CUI/CWI) or riding a horse. Driving a snowmobile, or even a motorized wheelchair, drunk driving charges also apply to aircraft (FUI/FWI), both commercial and private planes, and helipcopters, as well as watercraft (BUI/BWI) including boats, jet skis, and seados.

Vertical Nystagmus - Nystagmus that occurs when the eyes gaze or move upward along a vertical plane.

Vestibular System - The system of fluid-filled canals located in the inner ear that assists in balance, coordination and orientation.

Vestibular System Nystagmus - Nystagmus caused by a disturbance in the vestibular system.

Vehicle Impound/Immobilization - In California, if you are driving with a suspended or revoked license, the vehicle you are driving may be impounded for 30 days and possibly forfeited.

Voir Dire - Jury selection. In those states that allow a jury trial for drunk driving cases, either the lawyers or the judge (or both) will question potential jurors about their background and qualifications to sit as jurors in the case. This process is called voir dire, and is extremely important in defending a DUI, DWI, or related drunk driving case. Both the prosecution and the defense are entitled to fair and unbiased jurors in those states that allow jury trials in DUI, DWI, or drunk driving cases. Voir dire is the process by which the parties learn about the potential jurors, and determine whether or not the drunk driving case is the proper one for the potential juror to hear.