What is a wet reckless?
Formally known as Alcohol Related Reckless Driving, A “Wet reckless” is a plea bargain from DUI charges that allows an individual to face a more lenient sentencing scheme, when they were initially charged with driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol or both.
If the case is weak in regards to evidence, having a BAC level below or slightly above 0.08, or if there are no priors on record for the defendant, prosecutors will be more inclined to offer this plea bargain.
Contrary to popular belief, having a 0.08 BAC or below can still lead to a conviction for DUI, with most expert witnesses for the prosecution stating that most people with a 0.04 BAC level are impaired for purposes of safe driving or other divided attention tasks.
Another important factor to consider is that the wet reckless charge only applies to court proceedings and not to DMV’s administrative proceedings. The DMV can still find you liable for driving with a blood alcohol concentration over .08 and violating administrative rules, leading to the suspension of your license. This is one more reason why It is important to have your lawyer request a DMV within the 10 day period after any DUI arrest.
While a “wet reckless” charge leads to lesser penalties and punishment, the charge is still considered serious and can affect employment, obtaining professional licenses, and increasing insurance premiums.
It is also important to note that a “wet reckless” charge is still a priorable offense, meaning that it can lead to harsher penalties in any subsequent DUI charges (or administrative hearing) if they are within a ten year period of the wet reckless conviction.
This outcome is still desirable, as it doesn’t hold the same weight and stigma that comes with receiving a DUI. Individuals taking a wet reckless charge face less jail time, smaller fines, shorter DUI school, and a higher chance of getting no mandatory license suspension or the dreaded ignition interlock device.
If you or someone close to you has been charged with driving under the influence (DUI), call a veteran lawyer who can help.
The Wet Reckless is now alive and well in Ventura County. They are hard to come by, but they are now possible. Call a lawyer who knows.
Contact me:
Attorney Jeffrey Vallens: (818) 783-5700 or (805) 230-3651 email me at:
jv@4criminaldefense.com or visit my sites for more information:
www.4criminaldefense.com and www.westlakecriminaldefense.com
We proudly serve Los Angeles, Ventura and any other counties or federal districts where our clients need us.