Difference between a DUI and DWI and how a DWI attorney can help you

Before knowing the difference between the two offences driving under influence of alcohol (DUI) or driving while intoxicated, we need to know the similarity and that is both are illegal acts performed while driving a vehicle in a drunken state or while under the influence of drugs. Although on a superficial level they might seem to be similar but in fact in most states across the US the two offences are categorized as independent crimes. And let us see the differences under these offences...

• The first obvious difference is the difference that lies in the acronym part of the terms that you might be aware of by now; DUI stands for driving under influence of alcohol/drugs and DWI is nothing but driving while intoxicated.
• The factual information as regards to DUI and DWI is that not all states in the US categorize these offences as different; there are some states such as Virginia and New Jersey that treat the offences as one and a few states treat these as separate crimes. In either case the arresting officer believes that you were too impaired to drive.
• In some jurisdictions drivers can be arrested under the DUI despite the fact that they are legally well under the blood-alcohol concentration level. Therefore, jurisdiction-wise or state-wise the treatment of the two the two offences differ.
• Interestingly in Minnesota the law only recognizes DWI offence and there is no such thing as DUI and there are a few states that bear lesser charges for DUI.
• States that differentiate between DUI and DWI is basically based on the blood alcohol level of the driver and the legal limit is .08, anything below this limit will be charged under DUI and over .08 will be considered DWI. And the punishment for DUI will be lesser in comparison to DWI, which usually carries suspension of the license, hefty fine or imprisonment.

Based on the jurisdiction or the state the offences under drunken driving varies and with that the charges and punishment also differs; ranging from cancellation of the driver’s license to huge penalties or even jail-term. So consulting an experienced DUI/DWI lawyer will always help you combat the situation efficiently.

When you are searching for a DWI attorney, you would come to know that there are plenty of options in the market after spending some time on the web. A New Hampshire based attorney Daniel Hynes, devoted to drunk to driving defense serving all of the NH offices in Nashua, Portsmouth and Manchester tells those who are in need of criminal lawyer that there are keys to consider a DWI lawyer. A step taken to wisely choosing the attorney is the key to succeed come off the trouble.By, Attorney Dan Hynes