DUI and DWI Charges Explained
Updated January 24, 2026
Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) is the crime of operating a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
Understanding DUI/DWI
Most states set the legal limit at 0.08% blood alcohol concentration (BAC), with lower limits for commercial drivers and zero tolerance for underage drivers. Penalties include license suspension, fines, ignition interlock devices, and imprisonment for repeat offenders.
Examples
- 1First-offense DUI with 0.10% BAC
- 2Felony DUI causing injury to another person
- 3Commercial driver with 0.04% BAC
Related Terms
Arraignment
The first court appearance where a criminal defendant is formally charged and enters a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
Bail
Money or property given to the court as a guarantee that the defendant will appear for future court dates. If the defendant appears, bail is returned; if not, it is forfeited.
Plea Bargain
An agreement between the prosecutor and defendant where the defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge or receives a reduced sentence in exchange for avoiding trial.
Felony
A serious crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year, such as murder, rape, robbery, or drug trafficking.
Misdemeanor
A less serious crime punishable by up to one year in county jail, fines, probation, or community service.
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