DUI and DWI Answers

• What is the difference between DUI and DWI?

  The difference between a DUI and a DWI is a difference in language only. DUI stands for Driving Under the Influence; DWI stands for Driving While Intoxicated. Both terms are defined as having a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.8 percent or higher, or 0.4 percent for commercial drivers. DUI ...

• Can I get a DUI for driving on prescription drugs?

  You sure can. Although drunk driving might be the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of getting arrested for DUI (or DWI, depending on your state’s lingo), DUI laws comprise a fairly wide range of intoxicants, including controlled substances like prescription medications. S ...

• Where can I obtain an interlock device?

  Your state DMV can direct you to approved suppliers of interlock devices. There are also suppliers readily available online, but check with your DUI court order for specific instructions. An ignition interlock measures the alcohol content of a driver's breath through a device installed on the ve ...

• How does a breathalizer work?

  While the technology behind a breathalizer is complex, it basically works by analyzing the amount of alcohol present in your breath. It interprets the reading in terms of alcohol percentage. If the reading indicates the amount of alcohol in your system exceeds your state's limit, you can be arre ...

• How can I clear my DUI record?

  Like other kinds of crimes, you can’t really ever completely clear your DUI record; once it’s there, there’s always some entity (such as the court system or law enforcement) that can access it. You can, however, seal your DUI record by having it expunged – if your state a ...

• Will I lose my drivers license immediately after getting a DUI violation?

  After being arrested for a DUI violation you, depending on your state, will be handed a notice of suspension that will serve as your temporary license. Each state has a different name for this. In Alaska it's called a Notice and Order of Revocation. While in Hawaii it's referred to as a Notice ...

• 10 Ways To Beat A DUI

  You might think beating a DUI or DWI charge is impossible, but there are actually quite a few approaches you and your lawyer can take – some of which might be especially helpful assuming you really are innocent. Hire a DUI lawyer. Immediately after you’re arrested for drunk driving, ...

• What happens if I refuse the DUI breathalyzer?

  Don't think if you're caught drunk driving, you can simply refuse all the tests and escape with little or no punishment. Sure, you don't have to cooperate and take a DUI breathalyzer or other chemical tests. But, if you don't, you'll face automatic penalties. These penalties are in addition to w ...

• What are the alcohol laws regarding teens?

  Every state now employs strict alcohol laws for teens under the term "Zero Tolerance." This means that it is illegal for any teen driver to operate a vehicle with any amount of alcohol in his or her system. Even if the teen's blood alcohol count (BAC) registers at .01, or if the arresting offic ...

• What happens if I cause a DUI accident?

  If you're involved in any sort of DUI accident resulting in property damage, injury or death you'll need to contact a DUI lawyer as quickly as possible. Any car crash that is DUI or DWI related carries serious repercussions. Depending on the extent of the accident and the state you reside in, y ...

• Will I face probation for a DUI misdemeanor?

  A DUI misdemeanor comes with many consequences, including fines, suspensions, and in some cases probation. Only a few states mandate probation for DUI or DWI convictions, while most others leave it to the discretion of the court (see grid below). Probation terms vary by state and even court, bu ...

• Effects of Drunk Driving

  Drunk driving carries many ramifications. If you're arrested and convicted of DUI or DWI you'll face the following possible consequences: Steep financial penalties. Besides mandatory fines, you'll also be required to pay license reinstatement fees, possible tuition costs for Alcohol Abuse Progr ...

• How should I prepare for DUI court?

  That depends on if you're going to let an attorney handle your case, or if you plan to represent yourself. Many experts advocate using a lawyer - preferably a highly experienced DUI lawyer - when dealing with DUI court. Why? Because the implications of a drunk driving offense can be severe and l ...

• What should I do if a friend or family member just got arrested for driving under the influence?

  You should at least consider the following two possibilities: arranging for the bail bond and obtaining the services of a DU lawyer. After the arrest, your friend or family member will have a bail amount assigned to them, typically after the booking. The bail amount needs to be satisfied in orde ...

• What is the accuracy of a DUI breathalyzer?

  There are many cases throughout the states of lawyers successfully challenging the accuracy of a DUI breathalyzer. There are some instances of judges even dismissing DUI charges based on the type of breathalyzer device used during the arrest. In Virginia, for example, a Fairfax county General D ...

• Can I get a hardship license or restricted license if I face license suspension for a DUI?

  License suspension laws vary from state to state. Some allow suspended license drivers to apply for a restricted or a conditional license. This permits the driver to operate a vehicle in certain situations – work, school, medical emergency. Depending on your state you may either be able t ...

• What is a DWI vs. DUI?

  This DWI vs. DUI question is a common one, and it turns out there's usually little - if any - difference between the two. DWI stands for "driving while intoxicated" while DUI means "driving under the influence." Most states consider both to be the same offense. In states they do draw a distincti ...

• How does a DUI interlock device work?

  Let's back up a step. A DUI interlock is a alcohol-measuring device that's installed on a vehicle's dashboard. Before the vehicle can start, the driver must take a deep breath into the sensor. If an unacceptable amount of alcohol is detected (usually a breath alcohol concentration of .02 or grea ...

• How do I obtain a bail bond for someone arrested for DUI driving?

  If someone is arrested on DUI or DWI charges and being held in police custody, a bail amount will be set after booking. By paying the drunk driving bail amount indicated, the person can be released. If the person doesn't show up in court when indicated for all court proceedings, the bail amount ...

• Why would someone facing a DWI offense consider a plea bargain?

  A plea bargain is a common legal practice. Ninety percent of all convictions today result from plea bargains. Many DUI cases begin with plea bargain offers from the prosecutor, allowing you to plead guilty to a lesser charge with lighter penalties. Each DUI or DWI case is different, so whether o ...