The terms DUI and DWI are acronyms. They stand for the terms Driving Under the Influence and Driving While Intoxicated. The two terms generally mean the same thing…that your driving ability was impaired because of alcohol or drugs. Some people may not have ever even heard of one or the other terms. This is because some state laws refer to it only as DUI and other states call it DWI. Some states use both terms, having slightly different meanings.

In some states where both terms are used, DWI usually refers to driving while intoxicated by alcohol, while DUI is used when the driver is charged with being under the influence of drugs. In other states, both terms are used for the same issue, however, a DUI is considered a lesser charge.

In California, the term DUI is generally used for anyone driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Whether you were arrested for DUI or DWI, the arresting officer had reason to believe that you were too impaired to continue driving.

If you have additional questions or would like to discuss your case in confidence with a California DUI defense attorney, contact our office at (619) 238-1905 for a free consultation.