WGK Personal Injury Lawyers | October 10, 2025 | Car Accidents
If you’ve heard terms like DUI, DWI, or DWAI used to describe drunk or drugged driving charges, you’re not alone — many people find these terms confusing. These acronyms can sound interchangeable, but they don’t always mean the same thing. Each reflects a different level of impairment or offense, and the laws vary from state to state.
Understanding the difference is important, especially if you or someone you love has been involved in an accident with an impaired driver in Maryland.
What Does DUI Mean?
DUI stands for Driving Under the Influence. In most states, it’s the most serious of the alcohol or drug-related driving charges. A DUI typically means your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was at or above the legal limit (0.08% in Maryland) or that you were noticeably impaired while operating a vehicle.
Maryland law treats DUI as the most severe impaired driving offense, and penalties may include:
- Fines up to $1,000 for a first offense
- License suspension for up to 6 months
- Up to one year in jail
- 12 points added to your license
Aggravating factors like injuries, property damage, or a high BAC can increase penalties.
What Is a DWI?
DWI stands for Driving While Impaired, which is a lesser charge than DUI in Maryland, but still serious. A driver may be charged with DWI if their BAC is between 0.04% and 0.07%, or if law enforcement determines they’re impaired by alcohol or drugs, but not to the extent required for a DUI.
Even though it’s considered the lesser of the two, a DWI can still result in:
- Fines up to $500
- License suspension
- Up to 60 days in jail
- 8 points on your license
Penalties can vary by state and judge depending on how bad the infraction was. Penalties can also be more severe for those with prior convictions or a history of dangerous behavior while intoxicated.
What About DWAI?
DWAI stands for Driving While Ability Impaired. Maryland doesn’t use this term, but some states like New York and Colorado do. DWAI is usually applied when a driver’s BAC is under the legal limit, but the person is still too impaired to drive safely.
In states where DWAI is a recognized offense, it generally carries lighter penalties than a DUI or DWI, but it still goes on your record and can affect your license and insurance.
Comparing the Charges Across States
These terms can be confusing because they’re used differently in each state:
- In Maryland, both DUI and DWI are used, with DUI being more serious.
- In Texas, DWI is the more serious charge, and DUI is typically reserved for minors under 21.
- In New York, you might see DUI, DWI, and DWAI used to distinguish levels of impairment.
- In Colorado, DWAI is a separate charge for a BAC between 0.05% and 0.08%.
Always look at the definitions specific to your state or the state where you were charged.
What Should You Do After a DUI Accident in Maryland?
Being involved in a car accident caused by a drunk driver can be overwhelming and frightening. What you do in the minutes and days after the crash can make a big difference in your recovery and any legal claims you file later.
Here are a few important steps to take:
- Call 911: Report the accident immediately so law enforcement and medical responders can arrive. Police will create an official report, which is critical evidence for your claim.
- Get medical attention: Even if you feel fine, some injuries take time to appear. A doctor’s evaluation protects both your health and your legal rights.
- Document everything: Take photos of the vehicles, scene, and visible injuries. Gather contact information from witnesses.
- Notify your insurance company: Report the crash promptly, but avoid giving recorded statements until you’ve spoken with an attorney.
- Contact a lawyer: An experienced DUI accident attorney can help you pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Acting quickly ensures that evidence is preserved and that your rights are protected as you begin the recovery process.
Contact the Baltimore Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys at WGK Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
The differences between DUI, DWI, and DWAI depend on where you are and how impaired a driver is found to be. In Maryland, DUI is the most serious offense, while DWI carries lighter penalties—but both can have lasting effects on your license, insurance, and record.
If you’ve been hurt in a crash caused by a drunk or impaired driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and emotional suffering.
Contact the Baltimore drunk driving accident lawyers at WGK Personal Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your rights, and fight to hold the responsible party accountable.
WGK Personal Injury Lawyers
14 W Madison St, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
(410) 837-2144
WGK Personal Injury Lawyers – Dundalk Office
7329 Holabird Ave Suite 3, Dundalk, MD 21222
By appointment only
(410) 970-3080
