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Getting behind the wheel of a vehicle after drinking alcohol can result in some serious legal consequences. Washington takes drunk driving seriously, and those convicted of a drunk driving offense can face fines, license suspension, jail time, and more.
DUI is a common term used to describe a drunk driving offense, but you might also hear the terms DWI or DWAI. So, what are the differences between these three? In Washington, all drunk driving offenses are categorized as DUIs. However, the following provides detailed information on the distinctions between DUI, DWI, and DWAI.
DUI is a common term used for “Driving Under the Influence.” Under Washington law, you can be convicted of a DUI for driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or both. Drivers in Washington may be charged with a DUI if they:
Drugs may also include any chemical that is either inhaled or ingested for its intoxicating or hallucinatory effects.
DWI stands for “Driving While Intoxicated.” In Washington, DWI is not a separate offense. However, in some states, a DWI is its own separate charge. DWI typically refers to alcohol-specific offenses, while a DUI may include alcohol, drugs, or other substances. Some states also differentiate the blood alcohol requirements between a DWI and a DUI offense.
DWAI stands for “Driving While Ability Impaired.” Washington does not have a specific DWAI charge. Only a handful of states have codified a specific DWAI charge, and these charges are typically the least severe drunk driving offense. DWAI charges may be appropriate when a driver has a lower blood alcohol content than would be required for a DUI or DWI charge.
Drivers who are charged with a DUI in Washington can face some severe consequences. The Washington DUI Sentencing Grid specifies the appropriate penalties for a conviction, and the severity of the penalties depends on your DUI history.
For a first offense, a conviction may carry penalties of:
For subsequent convictions, the penalties may increase to:
Drivers with a DUI conviction are also likely to see much higher insurance premiums, and they could have professional licenses (such as a medical license or law license) revoked after a DUI conviction.
In addition to criminal penalties, drunk drivers can also be held financially responsible in civil court for any accidents they cause. Injured victims can recover both economic damages and non-economic damages from the at-fault driver.
If you have been injured in a DUI accident, you should seek immediate medical treatment for your injuries. Call the police so they can respond to the scene. They will create an accident report, and the drunk driver will likely be arrested for their actions.
If you can, take photos of all the vehicles involved in the accident. Notify your insurance company, but do not give a statement to the other driver’s insurance company without talking to a personal injury lawyer. The insurance company will try to use the things you say against you in order to minimize the value of your claim.
If you were injured in a crash involving a drunk driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
If you’ve been injured in Seattle, WA, and need legal assistance, contact Davis Law Group Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers. Contact our legal team and schedule a free consultation with a [PRACTICE AREA] lawyer today. We proudly serve King County in Washington and its surrounding areas. Visit our law office at:
Davis Law Group Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers
2101 4th Ave 1030 Seattle, WA 98121
(206) 727 4000
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