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Glossary of Common DWI-Related Terms

Updated: Mar 5, 2023 @ 7:22 pm

Less than 1 minute Reading Time: Minutes

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.”

Glossary of Terms

The Law Office of Tad Nelson & Associates

Houston DWI Lawyer Tad A Nelson is Board Certified in Criminal Law by the TBLS.

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