DUI vs OWI in the District of Columbia
So what is the difference between OWI and DUI and why do I have 2 charges on my paperwork? So if you have time on your hand, watch the above video. In a nut shell you should know DUI and OWI are separate and distinct charges. The first plea offer by District of Columbia Office of Attorney general(OAG) is always to dismiss the OWI charge. Its a terrible plea offer because the OAG would dismiss on the day of trial anyway. OWI is typically offered as a plea mechanism. The rational is if there is sufficient evidence to convict on DUI, then it will also be sufficient for OWI. If your license is in the District of Columbia OWI carries the same implications at DC DMV as DUI; however, if your license is out of state a plea to OWI may not revoke your license in your licensing state.