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DWI versus DUI and other tickets

DWI versus DUI and other tickets

It is scientifically proven that any amount of alcohol consumption affects coordination, mental thought process, and reaction time, all of which affect your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. Many states, including the state of Missouri, have a zero tolerance law that strictly requires how police handle certain situations.

What does zero tolerance mean?

A zero tolerance law means that anyone who stops driving a vehicle whose blood alcohol level is above the legal limit, in the case of Missouri of .08%, will automatically be charged with a criminal offense.

This law also severely penalizes anyone under the age of 21 who is caught driving under any percentage of the influence of alcohol or drugs. Anyone under the age of 21 who receives this charge could automatically lose their license and have to go to traffic school.

The different offenses

When you are charged with this crime, there are several different terms that could be used in your criminal ticket. These are: DWI, which stands for driving while intoxicated; DUI, which means driving under the influence; and DUID, which means driving under the influence of drugs.

Although each of these charges is quite similar to the other two, as they all encompass some form of illegal driving while under the influence of alcohol and / or drugs, the severity level of the charge differs in certain states. If you live in an area of ​​jurisdiction that classifies these charges separately, here is what the different charges could mean to you:

The DWI

DWI, or driving while intoxicated, is the most serious of the three. This charge indicates that the offender experienced an obvious impairment and that his blood alcohol level was well above the legal limit.

This charge is very difficult to reduce to a DUI with a plea deal, as the offender completely ignored the law and put other people in danger.

The DUI

DUI, or driving under the influence, is a slightly less severe charge than a DWI. The legal technicality of the term DUI indicates that the person charged with this crime had a lower level of disability than someone charged with DWI.

This charge means that when the offender was arrested, he was only slightly above the legal limit for blood alcohol. This charge is more likely to be reduced with a plea deal; however, it is highly unlikely that the offender will go unpunished.

The DUID

DUID, or driving under the influence, is a bit more difficult to categorize, as many states have different laws and regulations. No matter what state you are in, it is illegal to operate a vehicle under the age of 21 with a traceable amount of drugs in its system.

Some states have a law “per se” that makes it illegal to operate any type of vehicle with a detectable amount of drugs in its body, while others have a zero tolerance law that could result in a suspended license. Although Missouri does not have this law, surrounding states, such as Illinois, do.

Drunk driving of any kind is extremely dangerous and can harm you and others. No matter what type of charge you receive, it is very important to get legal help. An attorney is much more capable and qualified to handle these charges than you are, and is much more likely to reduce a charge.

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