When someone has been arrested for drunk driving, the charges are commonly referred to as either a DUI (driving under the influence) or DWI (driving while impaired). Although both acronyms are frequently used to describe the same crime, whether or not they mean the same thing will depend on the state in which the offense occurred. As such, if you are accused of being impaired while operating a vehicle, it’s important to understand the laws in your jurisdiction. The following information will affect how your criminal defense attorney handles your case. Below is a basic guideline on DUIs and DWIs in North Carolina as opposed to other states.

How the Law Distinguishes DUIs From DWIs

DUI vs. DWI in North Carolina 

North Carolina law does not view a DUI and DWI as different offenses. The official term used in the state is DWI. This means in any instance where law enforcement suspects a driver is impaired, whether it’s from drugs or alcohol, the charge will always be a DWI. Drivers 21 years old and above are considered in violation of the law if their blood alcohol content is 0.08% or higher, and those under 21 can be arrested for having any amount of alcohol in their system. Someone charged with a DWI can face severe administrative and criminal penalties, so it’s vital to have a seasoned criminal defense attorney advocating on their behalf. 

DUI vs. DWI in Other States

In states that make a distinction between DUI and DWI, there may be separate charges for each offense. Typically, a DUI will be the less serious charge, as it designates a lower level of impairment than a DWI. Additionally, a DWI will often refer to driving with a blood alcohol content that is over the legal limit of 0.08%, while a DUI is used for drivers accused of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In some jurisdictions, if it’s a person’s first offense and their BAC wasn’t excessively high, a criminal defense attorney may be able to get a DWI charge reduced to a DUI. 

Regardless of which term is used when you’re arrested, you will need an experienced criminal defense attorney to help prevent a drunk driving conviction. The legal team at Bates Law Firm PLLC has represented numerous residents facing DWI allegations throughout Anson, Richmond, Stanly, and Union counties in North Carolina. Due to their high level of expertise in this area of practice and extensive knowledge of the law, they can be entrusted to put together an effective DWI defense that will greatly increase your chances of reduced or dismissed charges. Call (704) 694-0195 to schedule a consultation or visit their website for more information on how the firm can benefit your case.