DWIs, DUIs, And DWAIs In New York—Everything You Need To Know

Not many people are aware of the proper laws and guidelines given by the government about driving under the influence. This is because many people assume that since marijuana is legal in some states, they can also get away with driving with drugs or alcohol in their systems.

But that is not the case. Driving under the influence is a serious criminal offense that can lead to many court procedures, hefty fines, DWI attorney fees, and a permanent record. If you receive a DUI, DWI, or a DWAI, you should know the difference between them.

Here is everything you need to know about DWIs, DUIs, and DWAIs.

DUI means driving under the influence of either drugs or alcohol. These drugs include either over-the-counter drugs, prescription medication, or illegal drugs.

On the other hand, a DWI is state-specific. In some states, a DWI could mean driving while influenced, while in others, it means driving while impaired. In New York, DWI is defined as driving while intoxicated, which the state’s law strictly prohibits.

For DWI charges in New York, the degree of impairment actually depends on five factors.

• The number of drugs or drinks you have consumed
• Whether you ate a meal before drinking or taking the drugs
• Your body weight
• The length of time that was spent drinking
• Your gender

In any state, it is considered illegal to drive a vehicle if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is at least 0.08% (except in Utah, where the BAC limit is 0.05%).

It is also important to remember that you can also get charged with a DUI or a DWI if you’re found in the driver’s seat, and your vehicle isn’t moving. In some cases, you might get charged with a DUI or a DWI, even if you’re steering a bicycle or a motorized scooter.

A DWAI stands for driving while ability impaired. A DWAI is specific to the substance that the driver had consumed. Individuals can be charged with a DWAI if they found under the influence of illegal drugs, prescription medication, or a DWAI-Alcohol.

In New York, DWAI-Alcohol is considered to be a criminal offense, and the penalties for DWAI-Drugs conviction include potential jail time, hefty fines, probation, and mandatory license suspension.