Drunk Driving Offenses

Learn what the various types of drunk driving offenses are for the different states

Investigation of DUI Cases: What are the SFST’s?

Drunk Driving is a term used to describe a broad range of offenses throughout the United States that differ by individual state law. Every state in the nation now makes it a crime to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or greater. In addition to that law it is also a crime to drive if you have consumed any amount of alcohol and/or drugs that significantly diminish your ability to operate a motor vehicle.

There are several terms/abbreviations used to describe these drunk driving crimes and their usage differs by state. The various terms used are: DUI, DWI, OWI, OUI, OVI, DWAI OMVI DUII. Most offenders are confused by what they were charged with and what the differences are between the various abbreviations used to define the drunk driving offense.

The Differences Between DUI DWI OUI OWI OVI DWAI OMVI DUII:

DUI is the most common abbreviation for the crime of drunk driving. It stands for Driving Under the Influence and it is the most common offense in the nation for the crime of drunk driving. Most states throughout the U.S. use the term DUI to define their drunk driving laws.

States that use DUI: AlabamaAlaska, ArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelaware, District of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndiana, KansasKentucky, MarylandMassachusettsMichiganMississippiMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNorth DakotaOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWyoming.

The other offenses related to drunk driving still basically refer to the same crime with some slight differences based on specific state law.

DWI: DWI stands for Driving While Intoxicated and is a term used to define some states drunk driving laws. The states that use the term DWI are listed below:

States that use DWI: Arkansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina and Texas.

OUI: OUI stands for Operating Under the Influence and is another term used to describe the crime of drunk driving. Only (2) states use this term to define their drunk driving laws (listed below).

States that use OUI: MaineRhode Island.

OWI: OWI stands for Operating While Intoxicated. The laws closely resemble the others except only a few states use this abbreviation.

States that use OWI: IndianaIowaWisconsin.

OVI: OVI stands for Operating a Vehicle while Impaired. Primarily this abbreviation is only used in the state of Ohio.

States that use OVI: Ohio.

DWAI: DWAI stands for Driving While Ability Impaired and it is lesser form of a drunk driving charge. This charge offers less penalties than a typical drunk driving offense and typically less driving license restrictions.

States that use DWAI: ColoradoNew York.

DUII: DUII stands for Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants. Only 1 state uses this term to describe their drunk driving laws.

States that use DUII: Oregon.

Overall drunk driving is a serious crime and one that should not be taken lightly. The laws vary by state and you should certainly speak with several experienced DUI lawyers in your area about your case.

Before your states DMV office will reinstate your driver’s license you will be required SR22 insurance for a period of three years. Through a special arrangement with the nations leading SR22 provider we are able to save our visitor’s hundreds every year on their SR22 filing.