what is owi charge

OWI stands for Operating While Intoxicated or Operating While Impaired. OWI and DUI are both acronyms used in reference to drunk driving, and they are often used interchangeably, which can cause confusion about whether there is a difference between these offenses. While there are slight differences in definition between the two, most states use one or the other, but not both in defining their drunk driving laws. For instance, the state of Iowa issues an OWI charge, which casts a wider net than simply driving while under the influence. In Michigan, OWI charge means the same as drunk driving or drugged driving. In general, OWI and DUI offenses usually involve a motorist having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) above the 0.08% legal limit or otherwise driving unlawfully while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.