Many people often ask if there is a difference between a DWI and a DUI. The short answer is no, there is no difference between the two. DWI stands for driving while intoxicated and DUI stands for driving under the influence.
The Missouri legislature used the phrase driving while
intoxicated (DWI) to define a person that “operates a motor vehicle while in an intoxicated or drugged condition.” A majority of the municipalities around St. Charles County have passed local ordinances that use the phrase driving while intoxicated.
Some of the confusion regarding the difference between a DWI and a DUI may be attributable to St. Louis City. Their ordinance states that it is a crime for a person to operate “a vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor.” St. Louis City’s ordinance appears to have adopted the use of the phrase driving under the influence.
Both pieces of legislation clearly make it illegal to
operate a motor vehicle while intoxicated. The only significant difference in the two is that the St. Louis City Ordinance does not include any language about driving while in a drugged condition.
However, do not be fooled or mislead; it is still illegal to drive in St. Louis City under the influence of drugs, offenders will probably just be charged under the Missouri State Statute instead of the City’s ordinance.
Should you be stopped and charged with either a DUI or DWI, the first thing you need to do is call a knowledgeable attorney who specializes in DUI and DWI charges. Call Niedner Law Firm, in St. Charles, Warren County, Lincoln County or St. Louis County. They have the experience with DUI and DWI to help you through this time.