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What is DWI?

By J. Beam
Updated: May 23, 2024
Views: 30,010
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DWI is an acronym that applies to the operation of motor vehicles and a violation of driving laws. DWI stands for driving while intoxicated or driving while impaired. DUI, or driving under the influence, is another acronym sometimes used for the same violation. Every jurisdiction in the United States has a law that prohibits drivers from operating their vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

A DWI offense applies when a driver is stopped by law enforcement and found to have a blood alcohol level at or above the legal limit. The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level is .08, or 8 grams of alcohol per 100 deciliters of blood. Any driver who is stopped for erratic driving or whom an officer suspects has been drinking can be asked to take a breath test or blood test. Refusal of a test for a potential DWI offense is the same as admission of guilt.

During a DWI investigation, once law enforcement has stopped a suspected driver, a field sobriety test will be administered. Field sobriety tests in suspected DWI stops might include a heel-to-toe walk in a straight line, standing on one foot, reciting a portion of the alphabet, and other tasks requiring mental and physical coordination. If a driver fails a field sobriety test, he or she is usually asked to breathe into a preliminary screening device commonly known as a breathalyzer.

If an officer determines that, as a result of a field sobriety test or breathalyzer, the driver should be arrested, he or she is taken to the police station for chemical tests. Typically, the chemical test is a blood test, though in some jurisdictions, the chemical test may be a urine test. A driver who is found to have a BAC of .08 or higher is held in jail until he or she can appear before a judge.

State laws regarding DWI offenses vary slightly, though it is against the law in every jurisdiction to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Laws regarding operation of other vehicles, such as aircraft and watercraft, also vary with the jurisdiction. A DWI charge resulting from use of prescription medication or illicit drugs may also be viewed differently in each jurisdiction or state. Repeat DWI offenders typically lose their driving privileges and may also become uninsurable.

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Discussion Comments
By Sunny27 — On Apr 10, 2011

So how do the penalties vary for a DWI committed by an underage driver as opposed to one over 21? Do they get hit with two charges, or is it just the one DWI (or DUI)? I'm sure this varies state by state, but is there a general standard?

By oasis11 — On Apr 08, 2011

@Mutsy - I just wanted to say that what I never understood about a DWI conviction is why aren’t all of these cases considered felony cases? You have the potential to kill someone when you drive under the influence and because you didn’t you are only charged with a misdemeanor?

I think that the first time you are pulled over you should face a felony DWI and face jail time. I know that the only way that this happens is if the person pulled over for DWI actually kills someone then the charges are upgraded to vehicular homicide or manslaughter.

I heard that many of these people that get pulled over were driving under the influence many times before they were caught so I think that they should face stiffer penalties.

By mutsy — On Apr 07, 2011

@oasis11 I really don’t know the answer to that question. You would probably have to ask a doctor or a DWI attorney. A DWI defense lawyer should be able to give you this information as well as provide the proper DWI defense.

I know that many states charge first time offenders with a misdemeanor and order them to go take a class and pay a fine. I do understand that in the state of Florida a crime like this cannot be expunged from your record because it is a crime that endangers the public and by keeping the information public there can be stiffer penalties in the future.

By anon2229 — On Jul 04, 2007

what is the effect on alcohol level in a blood sample that having been taken in not submitted for analysis for 6 weeks?

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