What is the difference between DWI and DWAI?
• Intoxicated is defined as the voluntary consumption of alcohol causing impairment which renders a person incapable to a substantial extent of employing the physical and mental abilities which are needed to possessed in order to operate a vehicle as a reasonable and prudent driver. • Impairment is defined as impairment to any extent of the physical and mental abilities needed to be possessed in order to operate a vehicle as a reasonable and prudent driver. • DWI is a misdemeanor offense giving a person a criminal record. A first time offender shall be punishable by a maximum one-year jail term and/or a fine of $500-$1000 and a mandatory license revocation of six months. There is no enhancement of sanctions if the defendant has a prior conviction of DWAI. A prior conviction for DWI within the last 10 years will result in a felony charge and enhanced sanctions. • DWAI is a traffic infraction and not a crime and will not leave a person with a criminal record. A first time offender shall
