A DUI and a DWI are both serious crimes in Virginia, but trying to understand the differences between them can be confusing. If you have been arrested for drunk driving, it is important to understand what crime you have been charged with and what it really means.
What are the differences between a DUI and a DWI in Virginia?
People often use DUI and DWI interchangeably when talking about drunk driving. In practice, these offenses are the same in terms of punishment. However, they are defined differently, and what the prosecutor needs to prove to determine your guilt is different.
According to the Virginia law, they mean the following:
However, they are defined differently, and what the prosecutor needs to prove to determine your guilt is different.
DWI refers to driving while drunk. You may be charged if you drive a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol level (BAC) of 0.08 percent or more, regardless of whether you appear drunk or not. This means that you are driving under the influence of alcohol. You can be charged with this crime, regardless of your BAC content, if your alcohol consumption affects your driving ability. This means that you are driving under the influence of alcohol. You can be charged with this crime, regardless of your BAC content, if your alcohol consumption affects your driving ability.
What are the penalties for a DWI and a DUI in Virginia? In some states, a DUI is a less serious offense than a DWI, but in Virginia it is not. These offenses are equally serious and you can expect the same punishments. You could face these sentences for a first DWI or DUI offense: Imprisonment of up to 12 months, with a mandatory minimum sentence of five days if your BAC was at least 0.15 percent and 10 days if your BAC was 0.20 or higher Fines range from $ 250 to $ 2,500Suspension of the driver’s license for up to one year If you have been charged with a DUI or DWI in Virginia, let our experienced lawyers help you dismiss the lawsuit or reduce it to a less serious offense.