Charged with DWI or DUI in Denton County or the surrounding area? Each state has specific rules of their own when it comes to impaired driving and there are different acronyms and terms involved with this charge. In the state of Texas, an individual can end up being charged with a DWI or a DUI.
If you are facing potential charges pertaining to driving impaired, or are concerned about somebody else’s potential charges, understanding what separates these two offenses will provide you with an idea of what defensive measures to take.
DWI Will Be the Charge Most Adults Face
If the police were to stop someone, and they believe that the driver has been drinking, the police officer will arrest that individual before charging them directly with some type of crime. The individual’s age – in addition to the amount of alcohol within their system – can establish the charges brought upon by the state.
It is a criminal offense for adults to have a BAC (blood alcohol concentration) of more than 0.08%. Conversely, driving while high on drugs is referred to as a DWI (driving while intoxicated).
A DUI or DUIA Is the Offense Those 21 Years and Under Will Be Charged With
It’s legal for an adult to drive an automobile with a small portion of alcohol inside their system, assuming they are at least 21 years of age. The legal BAC limit is 0.08%. If a commercial automobile is being driven, that amount will drop to 0.04%.
Those 21 years of age and under could be charged directly with a potential DUI if they are caught driving with any alcohol within their body. A 0.01% BAC would even be sufficient for the police to charge someone with a DUI. The offense that minors usually face is called a DUIA (driving under the influence of alcohol).
Is One Offense More Serious Than the Other?
Since one offense involves a greater concentration limit than its counterpart, a DWI offense is considered to be more serious of the two offenses. The driver’s history, factoring in if anybody was hurt, if property damage was sustained, and similar factors will be considered. The consequences for a driver can vary and might include jail time, license suspension, or a fine. Each charge warrants a meticulous assessment, as well as a strong criminal defense approach.
Have questions? Call our office today at 940.566 0271 to schedule a free consultation.