When it comes to drunk driving terminology, you probably have heard the terms DUI and DWI used interchangeably. Are they actually the same crime, or are they something different? In today’s blog, we take a closer look at DUIs and DWIs in Minnesota, and how we can best defend you from either crime.
DUI and DWI in Minnesota
As you are probably aware, although they are often used synonymously with one another, a DUI and DWI charge differ from one another.
DUI – DUI stands for Driving Under the Influence. This can mean that you were under the influence of alcohol, or it can be used for other illegal substances, like drugs or inhalants.
DWI – DWI stands for Driving While Intoxicated. It is used to classify infractions where the driver was under the influence of alcohol.
So while these two crimes are different, Minnesota actually doesn’t use either when referring to drunk driving arrests. When the law was first written, Minnesota charged drivers with DWI, which stood for Driving While Intoxicated. However, they later changed the language of the law because they believed it put an undue burden on the state to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. “Driving While Intoxicated” was changed to “Driving Under the Influence.”
But, like many laws in the books, it was rewritten again. In 2001, Minnesota changed the language to DWI, this time standing for “Driving While Impaired.” This way, prosecutors only had to prove that the substance impaired the driver’s ability to safely maneuver a vehicle. It’s a small change, but it was again made because proving “impairment” is easier to prove than “under the influence.”
So if you’re charged with drunk driving in Minnesota, you will face a DWI or Driving While Impaired charge. It doesn’t matter whether you were impaired by alcohol, meth or marijuana, it’s going to be the same broad charge of Driving While Impaired.
Although the definition and application of the law is broad, don’t assume that you’ll be able to get off lightly. Even a first degree DWI charge in Minnesota can involve large fines and jail time, so it’s in your best interest to hire a DWI lawyer. At Appelman Law Firm, DWI charges are our specialty, and we’ve helped countless clients beat the charges or get them significantly reduced. We do this by attacking all angles of of the incident, from the moment police stopped you until you were released at the station. We’ll find the weak point in the state’s case and build you a strong defense.
So if you need help after a DWI charge in Minnesota, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Avery and the team at Appelman Law Firm. We offer a free case review where you can sit down with a lawyer and talk about all your options. To set that up or to talk more about your case, give us a call at (952) 224-2277 or click here for more information
