What is Wet Reckless?

June 1, 2019 | By Evan E Zelig
What is Wet Reckless?

If you have been arrested for a first-time DUI offense in California, a conviction can result in harsh penalties such as costly fines, loss of driving privileges, and even jail time. If you believe it will be extremely difficult to obtain a not-guilty verdict or get your entire case dismissed, it is still possible to get your DUI charge reduced to “wet reckless” through a plea bargain with the prosecution, depending on the circumstances of your case.

The following are the common reasons why the prosecution would offer a plea deal for a DUI charge:

  • The defendant was charged with his/her first DUI offense
  • The defendant does not have a criminal record
  • The defendant’s BAC was at or just below the legal limit
  • The evidence is too weak for the prosecutor to obtain a guilty verdict

A wet reckless charge is typically offered as a plea bargain, according to California Vehicle code 23103.5 VC. The difference between wet and “dry reckless” is that the former involves alcohol or drugs.

The benefits of obtaining a wet reckless conviction compared to a DUI are simple: the penalties for a California reckless driving charge is not as serious as a drunk driving conviction. However, if a defendant is convicted of another DUI within the next ten years, he/she will be charged as a repeat offender.

The advantages of a wet reckless charge include:

  • Shorter jail term – A wet reckless conviction is punishable by a maximum 90-day jail sentence, while a DUI conviction can lead to a jail term of up to six months.
  • No license suspension – Your driver’s license will not be suspended if you are convicted of wet reckless. However, a first-time DUI offender will be subject to a six-month license suspension.
  • Lower fines – A DUI conviction can result in up to $3,000 worth of fines, while a wet reckless conviction can lead to a maximum $1,000 fine.

If you have been charged with a DUI in Santa Rosa, contact the Law Offices of Evan E. Zelig, P.C. today at (707) 636-3204 and schedule a free consultation today.