Basically, DWI and DUI are the quite similar. Some states call DUI violations as DWI violations, and vice versa. In fact, in those states, DUI and DWI are used interchangeably. However, the main difference is what the acronyms stand for. DWI is Driving While Intoxicated or Impaired, while DUI on the other hand, stands for Driving Under the Influence. Different states in the US have varied laws about DWI and DUI. Some states treat DWI and DUI as different offenses, while other states treat them as the one and the same.

In some states that treat DUI and DWI differently, DUI violations have a lesser charge, since in these states, it means a lesser degree of intoxication. In these states, a BAC of over 0.08% means a DWI charge, while that lower than or at 0.08% qualifies one for a DUI charge. Both charges are serious, and can mean a host of harsh punishments.

In the states that treat DUI and DWI differently, one can get their charge lowered from a DWI to a DUI charge, with the help of a legal defense attorney.