DUI, DWI, OUI, OWI – Many Terms, the Same Charges
Sometimes there is confusion between the use of the acronyms DWI and DUI in Kansas, and for good reason. The terms are used almost interchangeably. Throw OUI and OWI in there, and you have an acronymical nightmare on your hands. If you’ve been stopped and charged for one of these offenses, you may wonder what the difference is among these charges.
Kansas and the Other 49 States
Laws against drinking and driving vary from state to state. In most cases, the laws are fairly similar, but state legislatures designed the statutes and there are subtle differences which can make a big difference as to whether a DUI from another state will count against you in a subsequent Kansas DUI. Many states use different terminology and legal standards in writing their laws. All of the statutes refer to drinking and driving in some form, and some states go so far as to use two or three of the acronyms to signify a difference in the seriousness of the charges.
In Kansas
Kansas statutes read Driving Under the Influence, so Kansas is a DUI state. In some jurisdictions, you may hear it referred to as an OUI, which stands for “Operating Under the Influence”, but the laws remain the same. If you have a blood alcohol concentration level of .08 or higher, you will be subject to DUI penalties.
In Kansas, you must request an administrative hearing within fourteen (14) days of being served with the pink form (DC-27) about your driver’s license in order to protect your right to drive in the state. Kansas is also an implied consent state.
No matter which acronym you may be facing, the time to choose the right attorney to handle your case is now. You’re facing very real consequences with these charges, and only an experienced attorney can help. Norton Hare has handled thousands of cases like yours, and we’re ready to help you build the best possible defense now. Contact us today to learn more.