DUI a Minor Offense?

Did I just hear a person on Democracy Now say that a person who was Driving Under the Influence (DUI) had committed only a minor offense?♠ 

It reminds me of City Life Host George Anthes railing against judges who allow those so arrested to be released time after time.  In my time in the Air Force it grew to be a career ending event to be arrested for DUI.  I wonder if it was that way when when Professor Anthes was on active duty.

Regards  —  Cliff

♠  This was with regard to illegal immigrants (undocumented immigrants) pulled over for DWI.