DWI, or Driving While Intoxicated, is worse than DUI, or Driving Under the Influence. For example, a minor may be charged with a DUI when found driving after having consumed alcohol. If such a minor is a first-time offender and has alcohol in their bloodstream below the state limit, they will be charged with a DUI. However, a person over 21 years old with an alcohol level of up to 0.08% or above will be charged with a DWI, and the punishment would be much more severe.
In states that make this distinction, there’s usually a chance for DUI lawyers to plea bargain for a DUI instead of a DWI in less serious cases. However, most states do not distinguish between DWI and DUI beyond their meanings. They are often used interchangeably, and there are also a few states that use them exclusively. For example, in Iowa, Indiana, and Michigan, DWI is referred to as OWI—Operating While Intoxicated.
On the other hand, Maine and Massachusetts try it only as DUI under OUI (Operating Under the Influence).