How To Plead Down To A Wet Reckless Charge To Avoid A DUI

A DUI is a very serious crime that you will want to avoid on your record and a DUI can come with mandated penalties such as a license suspension. However, in some cases, the prosecutor has a case that is strong enough that you might wonder if you'll be able to have your charges dismissed. However, you might be able to have your DUI reduced to a wet reckless with the help of a DUI defense attorney.

Reasons to Plead to a Wet Reckless Charge

A wet reckless is a charge you might receive if your DUI defense attorney is able to get you a plea deal. By agreeing to plead to a lesser charge, you'll be able to avoid going to trial. If you plead to a wet reckless charge, you will be required to pay a smaller fine and your license will not be suspended for as long. This charge will also have a smaller impact on your insurance premiums.

How to Know If You'll Receive a Wet Reckless Plea Deal

It will be easier to plead your charge down to a wet reckless if this is your first DUI. However, you will usually need other mitigating factors as well, such as having no prior criminal convictions.

Typically, you will need a low BAC to be able to plead to a wet reckless charge. Even if your BAC is above the legal limit, it might have only been slightly above the legal limit when you took a breathalyzer test. However, you will be much less likely to not receive the plea deal offer if you caused an accident while under the influence of alcohol.

How a DUI Defense Attorney Can Help

You will need help from a DUI defense attorney to be able to plead to a wet reckless charge because you will need to cast doubt on the claim made by the prosecutor. For example, you might be able to prove that the breathalyzer test used to determine your BAC was not properly calibrated.

If you do receive a wet reckless charge, this means that you will be charged with reckless driving due to the consumption of alcohol. This is not a charge you could be arrested for and is only used for situations where you are pleading down from a DUI. It is also considered a more serious charge than dry reckless driving.

To figure out if a wet reckless plea is an option for you, ask your DUI attorney about the laws in your state regarding this charge.