What’s the difference between a DWI and a DUI?

Pop icon Justin Timberlake finds himself in legal trouble after being arrested in Long Island, New York.

According to a representative from the Sag Harbor Police Department, the 43-year-old was taken into custody on the morning of Tuesday, June 18, following a night out at the American Hotel in Sag Harbor, NY. After enjoying dinner at the establishment, Timberlake was pulled over by police while driving to a friend’s house, ultimately leading to his arrest on “”Driving While Intoxicated” charges.

Reports indicate that Timberlake’s behavior included bloodshot and glassy eyes, strong alcohol breath, difficulty concentrating, slow speech, and an unsteady stance. He also failed all the field sobriety tests administered by the police.

Did Justin Timberlake’s arrest involve drugs?

To better understand the situation, let’s delve into the differences between DWI and DUI charges. DWI, which stands for “Driving While Intoxicated,” is a specific legal term used in some states, including New York, to describe the act of operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. In New York, a person can be charged with DWI if their blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08% or higher, or if they exhibit signs of impairment due to alcohol consumption. The consequences of a DWI conviction in New York can be severe, including fines, license suspension, and even jail time, depending on factors such as the driver’s BAC level and prior offenses.

If convicted of DWI in New York, a person could face a range of penalties, including fines up to $1,000, a license suspension of at least six months, and possible jail time of up to one year for a first offense. Additionally, he may be required to install an ignition interlock device in his vehicle and attend alcohol education or treatment programs.

On the other hand, DUI, or “Driving Under the Influence,” is a more general term that encompasses driving while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. In states that use the term DUI, it can refer to impairment caused by illegal drugs, prescription medications, or over-the-counter drugs that affect a person’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. The specific laws and penalties for DUI vary by state, but they often involve similar consequences to those of a DWI conviction.

Based on the information available at this time, it appears that Timberlake’s arrest was specifically for DWI, suggesting that his impairment was related to alcohol consumption rather than drug use.

After being arraigned, Timberlake, who described himself as a “professional” and “self-employed” in court documents, was released without bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 26.