The Difference Between DUI, and OUI in Maine

Technically, DUI means driving under the influence of some type drug. Under Maine’s Bureau of Motorized Vehicle (BMV), the definition for DUI under code §2401 states “Under the influence of intoxicants” means being under the influence of alcohol, a drug other than alcohol, a combination of drugs or a combination of alcohol and drugs.

The same code defines “OUI” as operating under the influence of intoxicants or with an excessive blood-alcohol level. OUI in Maine is similar to the term DWI used in other states. DWI means simply driving while intoxicated, and in many states, refers to the use of alcohol.

The use of DUI and OUI can be interchangeable, but OUI usually refers more to the severity the drug has metabolized within the offending person’s body. Convicted first time offenders can receive jail time, a stiff fine, and driver’s license suspension with a conditional reinstatement for one year. The conviction, even a first time conviction, stays on your record permanently.

According to a news article in dui.com and posted July 14, 2009, “Effective today, those stopped for suspicion of driving under the influence in Delaware will be facing twice the fines, and repeat offenders could be sentenced to jail for up to 15 years.” All across our nation, whatever term you refer to drinking and driving or drunk driving, states are clamping down on these type traffic violations.

When you face these kinds of charges, it is no time to handle your case all by yourself. You may need an attorney who  understand the subtle differences in the legal jargon of Maine law, and who specializes in representing YOUR best interests.

The Difference Between DUI and DWI in Virginia

Technically, DUI means driving under the influence of some type drug. That can mean alcohol, prescriptions, or illegal drugs. DWI means simply driving while intoxicated, and in many states, refers to the use of alcohol. The use of the terms can be interchangeable but DWI usually refers more to the severity the drug has metabolized within the offending person’s body. The Virginia Vehicle Code § 18.2-266 says it shall be unlawful for any person to drive or operate any motor vehicle, engine, or train:

  • while such person has a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or more by weight by volume or 0.08 grams or more per 210 liters of breath as indicated by a chemical test administered as provided in this article,
  • while such person is under the influence of alcohol, while such person is under the influence of any narcotic drug or any other self-administered intoxicant or drug of whatsoever nature, or any combination of such drugs, to a degree which impairs his ability to drive or operate any motor vehicle, engine or train safely,
  • while such person is under the combined influence of alcohol and any drug or drugs to a degree which impairs his ability to drive or operate any motor vehicle, engine or train safely, or while such person has a blood concentration of any of the following substances at a level that is equal to or greater than: (a) 0.02 milligrams of cocaine per liter of blood, (b) 0.1 milligrams of methamphetamine per liter of blood, (c) 0.01 milligrams of phencyclidine per liter of blood, or (d) 0.1 milligrams of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine per liter of blood.

Any confusion of terminology used comes from Virginia’s use of the word “impair” in their vehicle codes. The term or variation of the word is often used interchangeably with intoxication. So, DWI becomes driving while impaired. Most agree that being impaired is a lesser degree of intoxication but certainly means being under the influence of the related drug.

Convicted first time offenders can receive stiff fines, revocation of license for a year, jail time, and mandatory attendance of the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program (VASAP). The conviction, even a first time conviction, stays on your record permanently.

Effective July 1, 2004, Virginia changed many DUI penalties, increasing their severity. Whatever term you refer to drinking and driving or drunk driving, states are clamping down on these type traffic violations. When you face these kinds of charges, it is no time to handle your case all by yourself. You need an attorney who understands the laws involved in such cases. Contact us so that we can help you get in contact with a DUI lawyer who can help you understand the subtle differences in the legal jargon of Virginia law, and who is ready to represent your best interests.

The Difference Between DUI and DWI in Hawaii

Technically, DUI means driving under the influence of some type drug. That can mean alcohol, prescriptions, or illegal drugs. DWI means simply driving while intoxicated, and in many states, refers to the use of alcohol. The use of the terms can be interchangeable but DWI usually refers more to the severity the drug has metabolized within the offending person’s body. According to Hawaii’s Vehicle Code §291E-1, “under the influence of alcohol ” means an amount of alcohol sufficient to impair the person’s normal mental faculties or ability to care for the person and guard against casualty. Here, the word “impair” comes into play, and is often associated with the terms “intoxicated” and “influence. For practical purposes, all three terms are interchangeable.

Convicted first time offenders of a DUI in Hawaii can receive jail time, a stiff fine, and license suspension.

Excerpts from a news article entitled “Arrests Up for Hawaii DUI in Honolulu” and posted on January 20, 2009 on the dui.com website, reads: “The Honolulu Police Department has released figures showing an increase in the number of arrests for driving under the influence in Hawaii. Nearly 400 more motorists were charged with suspicion of DUI in Honolulu in 2008 than the previous year. That continues an eight year trend reflective of increased law enforcement efforts.” Whatever term you refer to drinking and driving or drunk driving, states are clamping down on these type traffic violations. When you face these kinds of charges, it is no time to handle your case all by yourself. You need an attorney who specializes in such cases. Contact DUIAttorneyHome.com to help you get in contact with a traffic lawyer who can help you understand the subtle differences in the legal jargon of Hawaii law, and who specializes in representing YOUR best interests.

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Facing DUI Related Accidents in New Jersey

Driving under the influence (DUI), the legal term most commonly used to describe the offense of drunk driving, has been attributed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of causing 15,387 of the 41,059 deaths by automobile accidents occurring in 2007. The figure represents 37 percent of the total fatal traffic accidents throughout the United States. The NHTSA says, “A motor vehicle crash is considered to be alcohol-related if at least one driver involved in the crash is determined to have had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .01 gram per deciliter (g/dL) or higher. Thus, any fatality that occurs in an alcohol-related crash is considered an alcohol-related fatality.” In 2007, in the state of (state), there were (number) deaths attributed to alcohol which represented (no.)% of the total that were considered traffic-related fatalities. Non-fatal DUI caused accident statistics are even more startling than the fatality statistics, and they include numerous disabling injuries that have occurred all across our land including places like Monmouth, Ocean City, and Atlantic City, New Jersey.

It is true what some say, it does not pay to drink and drive. With these startling statistics, is there any wonder states are cracking down on the people who drive while drinking? Across the nation, depending on the severity of the traffic violation and including the consideration of a fatality, convictions for drinking and driving can be considered a misdemeanor or a felony, and they can bring a multitude of harsh punishments. With a conviction, a person’s record could permanently brand him or her as a life time criminal. The record is often made public to employers and insurance companies.

Traffic laws have been made to protect the innocent because there usually is an innocent party in most traffic accidents. So, if you are facing a DUI related accident in (state) and have been hurt, disabled, or had a fatality of one of your family members as a result, and you feel like you are the innocent party involved, these types of accidents are too serious and complicated for the average layman to handle by themselves. You will need a legal professional to help advise you on what to do and how to protect yourself. Contact us right now at DUIAttorneyHome.com, and we will help you find an attorney in the area where you live that practices in DUI law.

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Facing a DUI and an Accident in Jacksonville Florida

Driving under the influence (DUI), the term most commonly used to describe the legal offense of drunk driving, has been attributed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to causing 15,387 of the 41,059 deaths by automobile accidents occurring in 2007. The figure represents 37 percent of the total fatal accidents throughout the United States.

The NHTSA says, “A motor vehicle crash is considered to be alcohol-related if at least one driver involved in the crash is determined to have had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .01 gram per deciliter (g/dL) or higher. Thus, any fatality that occurs in an alcohol-related crash is considered an alcohol-related fatality.”

In 2007 in the state of Florida, there were 1,111 fatal alcohol-related fatalities which represented 33 percent of the total in that state. Non-fatal DUI caused accident statistics are even more startling than the fatality statistics. Non-fatal DUI accidents include numerous disabling injuries across our land and hospital bills we are often left to fend off for ourselves.

It is true what some say, it does not pay to drink and drive. With these startling statistics, is there any wonder states are cracking down on the people who drive while drinking? Across the nation, depending on the severity of the traffic violation which would include the consideration of a fatality, convictions for drinking and driving can be considered a misdemeanor or a felony and can bring a multitude of harsh punishments. With a conviction, a person’s record could permanently brand him or her as a life time criminal. The record is often made public to employers and insurance companies.

Traffic laws are made to protect the innocent, and there usually is an innocent party in most traffic accidents. So, if you have been hurt, disabled, or had a fatality of one of your family members as a result of a DUI related accident, and you feel like you are the innocent party involved, these types of accidents are too serious and complicated for the average layman to handle by themselves. You more than likely need a legal professional to help advise you on what to do and how to protect yourself. Contact us right now and we will help you find the legal representation in your area that you will need.

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The Difference Between DUI and DWI in Wyoming

Technically, DUI means driving under the influence of some type drug. That can mean alcohol, prescriptions, or illegal drugs. DWI means simply driving while intoxicated, and in many states, refers to the use of alcohol. The use of the terms can be interchangeable but DWI usually refers more to the severity the drug has metabolized within the offending person’s body.

Wyoming, in its Vehicle statute 31-5-233, adds a little complication to the terms by combining them. Around the legal circles of the state, the acronym DWUI is sometimes used. This term simply means, as described in the statute, “driving or having control of vehicle while under influence of intoxicating liquor or controlled substances.”

Convicted first time offenders can receive jail time, stiff fines, community service, probation along with mandatory attendance of a drug education program, and license suspension. If you get probation, you are not sentenced, and the result does not go on your record if you successfully complete the court mandated education or treatment program. You are allowed probation only one time. A conviction without probation stays on your record permanently.

According to a news article posted in the Casper Star-Tribune on January 20, 2009, the state legislature in Cheyenne has been considering a bill that would adopt ignition interlock devices being placed on the automobiles of first time DUI convicted offenders for one year. The article quoted Representative Debbie Hammons, D-Worland, as saying “the mandatory devices have been shown to be effective in achieving results in the battle against drunk drivers in seven or eight other states.

Every community in the state has problems with drunken driving. This is an aggressive step to do something about it.” Whatever term you refer to drinking and driving or drunk driving, states are clamping down on these type traffic violations. When you face these kinds of charges, it is no time to handle your case all by yourself. You need an attorney who specializes in such cases. Contact us to help you get in contact with a DUI lawyer who can help you understand the subtle differences in the legal jargon of Wyoming law, and who specializes in representing your best interests.

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