Hello I'm attorney Randolph Rice
A Maryland DUI DWI defense attorney
Today's topic is DUI vs DWI
Now to start off DUI stands for Driving While Under the influence of alcohol
And DWI stands for driving while impaired by alcohol, or impaired by drugs or impaired by a controlled dangerous substance or a combination
In Maryland, the two main differences is the penalties and the burden of proof that the State must overcome
to find you guilty beyond a reasonable doubt
As for penalties, let's assume for first time offense, a DUI maximum penalty is 1 year in jail
a $1000.00 fine or both.
For DWI, the maximum penalty is 60 days in jail a $500.00 fine or both.
As for the burden of proof, it typically is a rule of thumb the State is looking at the blood alcohol content
So if you took a breath test or a blood test, they will refer to that test and the results of that test to make the determination
if they are going to go forward with the DUI or the DWI.
In Maryland, the legal limit it .08 so typically .08 or more or greater, so .09, .10 and so on a so forth
That would be considered a DUI.
As for DWI, they will look at a .07 and below and consider that driving while impaired or the DWI
If you've been charged with DUI or DWI in Maryland
and you're looking for legal representation, give me a call at my office 24 hours a day 7 days a week
to discuss your case
