Differences Between DWI and DUI in Missouri
There are no real difference between the legal terms DWI and DUI in Missouri except that one means Driving While Intoxicated and the other stands for Driving Under the Influence. Both terms refer to impaired driving; however, DWI is the preferred Legal term.
DWI Defined
A DWI refers to Driving While Intoxicated and is given to a driver of a motor vehicle that has been found to have a BAC (blood alcohol content) in excess of .08 or greater. Drivers that are under the age of 21 are subject to even more stringent rules and can not be found to have a BAC higher than .02. There are also additional types of impaired driving.
DUID (Driving Under the Influence of Drugs) Defined
Being charged with DUID means that you have been accused of driving a motor vehicle under the influence of intoxicating substances. Under Missouri law, there are no clear limits set on the amount of drugs or intoxicating substances that constitute driving under the influence of drugs. Any excessive amount of drugs which relatively impairs a person’s driving ability is enough to be charged with DUID. Intoxicating substances could include illegal drugs, over the counter medications, and prescription medications.
DUID offenders face the same penalties regardless of whether caught under the influence of amphetamine, marijuana, or cough and cold medications. Those penalties for DUID are the same as a DWI.
Penalties for Missouri DWI
According to Missouri Revised Statutes Section 577.010, a first offense DWI conviction is considered a Class B Misdemeanor which translates to 8 points on your driver’s license. It is also possible that you could receive a maximum of 6 months in jail, a fine amounting up to $500.00, and a driver’s license suspension for at least 30 days.
A Missouri DWI, second offense, is also considered a Class A Misdemeanor; however, now you will be labeled as a prior offender. The penalties for a prior offender in Missouri are jail time up to one year, fines up to $1,000, 3 and 0 days community service. Your driver’s license may be suspended for one year and you may be required to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle.
Additional DWI charges may be classified as a felony. A felony DWI may involve a prison sentence. The civil penalty may also include a much longer loss of driving privileges.
Conclusion
DWI and DUI both refer to impairment with DWI being the preferred legal term. Am additional form of impairment is classified as DUID. A charge of DUID alleges impaired driving due to an excess of intoxicating substances in your system which can be legal or illegal drugs. There are no set limits as to these intoxicating substances. The penalties for DUID are the same as those from DWI. A first offense DWI conviction is a Class B Misdemeanor in which you could serve time in jail, pay a fine, and lose your license. A second and subsequent offense leads to additional criminal and civil penalties.
CONTACT BOND LAW FIRM, LLC
If you have been arrested for DWI or DUID, contact Bond Law Firm, LLC at (573) 769-6155. We are experienced in handling these types of cases.