Sometimes you need a lawyer just to explain the lingo used in references to your case. The following list defines some of the acronyms that are used in a drunk driving arrest.
DUI
Driving Under the Influence
In most cases this stands for Driving Under the Influence. This is the most common acronym for a drinking and driving charge around the nation. Usually, alcohol is the impairing substance, but it can also apply to drugs, toxic fumes from paint and paint thinner, butane, and other chemicals.
In Texas it stands for the same thing, however it has a different meaning. It is used to describe the crime committed when a person under the age of twenty-one (21) is driving a car with any alcohol on his breath. The charge is a Class C misdemeanor.
DWI
Driving While Intoxicated
This is the next most common acronym in the State of Texas. DWI is interpreted at Driving While Intoxicated or While Impaired. The impairing substances do not have to be alcohol, they can be caused by plants, chemicals, or drugs to name a few.
OUI
Operating Under the Influence
This acronym stands for Operating under the Influence and is probably the next most used acronym associated with drunk driving in Houston. This term is actually a better description than the term driving as almost all states say it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle while Under the Influence of alcohol, drugs, etc.
OWI
Operating While Intoxicated
Is not as common an acronym as some of the others terms. The letters stand for Operating while Intoxicated.
DUIL
Driving Under the Influence of Liquor
This is another less common acronym and stands for Driving While Under the Influence of Liquor.
DUID
Driving Under the Influence of Drugs
If you’re arrested for driving while smoking marijuana, high on another controlled substance, or impaired by prescription drugs, this is the acronym associated with those cases.
FWI
Flying While Intoxicated
If you pilot an aircraft and fly while intoxicated, you’ll be charged with “Flying While Intoxicated.”
BWI
Boating While Intoxicated
If you captain a water vessel and sail or boat while intoxicated, you’ll be charged with “Boating While Intoxicated.”