There is no difference. In Massachusetts, the specific criminal legal statute refers to "Operating Under the Influence of Intoxicating Liquor", or OUI for short. Different state laws call the same act "Driving Under the Influence" (DUI) or "Driving while Intoxicated" (DWI), but they all essentially mean the same thing: a drunk driving accusation.

Shop around. Drunk driving defense is a special field of criminal defense which, in turn, is a special area of the practice of law. Do not be afraid to ask lawyers tough questions; make sure the lawyer whom you pick has won drunk driving trials and is willing to try cases that ought to be tried. Do not choose a lawyer who appears to simply want your money and not represent you zealously and fairly. See similar questions...

A: CLICK HERE to be taken to our Missouri DWI / DUI / Drunk Driving section for detailed information about DWI criminal charges, administrative license suspension / revocation actions, SATOP, field sobriety testing, breath alcohol testing, and much more. A: In most cases, YES, MODWI.com traffic lawyers can keep "points" from being assessed against your license for speeding tickets and other moving violation tickets for Missouri traffic law violations. See similar questions...

There are advantages and disadvantages to hiring "local" counsel. The advantage of course is that presumably the local lawyer will know his or her "way around the courthouse" better than an "out-county" lawyer. Such familiarity will help you feel at ease because you'll see (hopefully) the court staff responding positively to your attorney. It will also help you feel at ease when the judge greets your lawyer warmly by name. See similar questions...

A first (1st) or second (2nd) offense OUI /DUI is considered a misdemeanor. A third (3rd) or subsequent offence is considered a felony, and includes mandatory jail time if found guilty. See my drunk driving laws & penalties page for more information. See similar questions...

Answer: D.U.I. is an abbreviation for "driving under the influence." A person is guilty of the offense if such person is driving or in actual physical control of a vehicle within the state and the person is under the influence of alcoholic beverages or any chemical or controlled substance set forth under the applicable statutes when affected to the extent that his or her normal faculties are impaired or when the person has a blood alcohol level of 0.08% or higher. See similar questions...

You'll have to face the charges here in Massachusetts, and you'll need to have a Massachusetts lawyer represent you. I'm sure it can be difficult to get here, especially for multiple court dates, but it will be necessary in most cases. As far as license suspension considerations, if you have an out of state license, a suspension in Massachusetts will affect your drivers license, although official notification is sometimes imperfect. Call me for details. See similar questions...

Probably, yes. As an administrative body, the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles generally treats drunk driving/DUI charges in other states the same as they would if you were arrested and charged in Massachusetts. So if you refuse an out of state breath test, you'd be facing a suspension. If you have been convicted, you will also generally face a suspension, and will have to complete the equivalent steps to be eligible for either license reinstatement or a hardship license. See similar questions...

Driving while intoxicated (DWI) and driving under the influence (DUI) in some states are separate offenses. Generally, DWI is the more serious offense involving a person who is under a greater amount of intoxication. DUI usually refers to a person who is driving under a low or moderate amount of intoxication. Another approach is separating these offenses by the procedure used to convict someone. For example, sometimes the term DWI is used to refer to a "per se" statutory test. See similar questions...

Yes. However, it's possible the state and DA prosecuting the case may not be aware of it, or may not be able to prove it. Records in these matters are often incomplete. If they offer you a deal on a first offense, they can't come back later to determine that they should have charged you with a second. But if you are arrested again in the future, is still possible that old priors can come back to haunt you. See similar questions...

Response: On both the state and national level DUI defense fees vary widely for drunk driving cases (DUI / OWI). There is also a large difference in the way such DUI fees are charged. Some lawyers charge a large initial retainer that covers all aspects of drunk driving defense, while others bill in increments. When evaluating a fee, be careful to consider exactly what is being paid for and what is included. Just make sure you're comparing "apples with apples. See similar questions...

Perhaps the most reliable way to find a lawyer with a good reputation is to ask other lawyers who practice criminal law for a recommendation. Friends or family might also be a good referral source. Another option is to ask the people at the Court whom they might recommend. See similar questions...

Under Texas law intoxication includes the introduction of alcohol, or a controlled substance, a drug, a dangerous drug, or any combination of two or more of those substances, or any other substance into the body. In other words, Driving While Intoxicated includes all substances including alcohol. While “Driving Under the Influence” or DUI in Texas is an offense that involves minors. See similar questions...

Driving a motor vehicle Under the Influence of alcoholic beverages or a controlled substance (DUI) is a misdemeanor that is taken very seriously by prosecutors in the State of Florida. A first conviction requires by Florida Statutes that a person be placed on probation, complete 50 hours of community service, complete DUI school, complete a substance abuse course, attend the VIP (victim impact panel), and pay several hundred dollars in fines and court costs (the fine itself is between $250. See similar questions...

DUI defenses in any given drunk driving case are almost too much to mention due to the complexities of the offense. Roughly speaking, however, the majority can be broken down into the following areas: Driving. Intoxication is not enough: the prosecution must also prove that the defendant was driving. This may be difficult if, as in the case of some accidents, there are no witnesses to his being the driver of the vehicle. Probable cause. See similar questions...

Anyone driving under the influence of alcohol or another substance, which causes an accident, is considered negligent. The driver convicted of DUI or DWI has the liability to pay for all damages, but may not be the only person considered negligent or liable. Those who provided the alcohol may also be considered negligent and liable for damages. Many states have laws which impose liability on bars, clubs, restaurants, or hotels which supply liquor improperly. See similar questions...

You cannot be physically forced to take the breath test. The law in Texas provides that if you refuse to give a specimen, your license may be suspended for at least 180 days, even if you beat your Houston DUI DWI case. The refusal may also be admitted as circumstantial evidence that you were intoxicated. A skilled Houston DUI lawyer can also show how the refusal is evidence of sobriety! See similar questions...

No. DWI is an acronym for Driving While Intoxicated. DUI is an acronym for Driving Under The Influence. Both terms are used to refer to the charge in New Jersey ? however, the law makes no distinction between a DWI and a DUI. See similar questions...