Reduction to “Wet” Reckless is Better than a DUI Conviction
August 9, 2021
A DUI is a serious charge that can result in jail time and hefty fines, among other statutorily mandated penalties (e.g. license suspension, VASAP, and an ignition interlock). That’s why the idea of reducing your charges to what is called a wet reckless charge is so appealing, but what does that process actually look like?
What is Wet Reckless?
A DUI is a serious charge for driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of the two. As it is such a serious charge, many people charged with a DUI are looking for a way to get that charge reduced. The best way to do that for a criminal defense lawyer Fairfax VA is to try and reduce it to a wet reckless charge.
A wet reckless charge is typically something a defense attorney would seek to convince the prosecutor to offer as part of a plea deal, as it is a less severe charge in many ways. With a wet reckless charge, you can expect smaller fines, a shorter license suspension, and more lenient ancillary ramifications (e.g. insurance premiums).
In other words, wet reckless isn’t a way to get out of any consequences. However, it is a way to reduce the punishment that you receive for a DUI. More specifically, it’s a type of plea that a criminal lawyer Fairfax VA should have experience working with.
How to Get a DUI Reduced to Wet Reckless
It can be difficult to get a DUI reduced to a wet reckless charge. However, there are circumstances when it is possible. These circumstances are typically going to be defined as mitigating factors. The first mitigating factor is that this may be your first DUI. That alone, however, is not enough to qualify you for a wet reckless reduction. Typically, having prior DUIs significantly lowers the possibility of receiving a reduction to wet reckless, though it can occur in limited circumstances. Another mitigating factor might be that you have no prior criminal record. However, what a prosecutor really focuses on are the facts of the case and what mitigation a defendant has done. For example, having a low blood alcohol concentration, or BAC, is a helpful factor. Even more helpful is when there is an apparent evidentiary issue in the case. Moreover, it is always helpful to be able to show a prosecutor that you are taking your DUI charge very seriously.
With all this in consideration, even if exhibit a some of all of these possible criteria, a prosecutor may still not want to offer a wet reckless for a whole host of reasons. This is why hiring an experienced Fairfax County DUI Lawyer at Rudolphi Law is important. You need the experience of a criminal defense attorney Fairfax VA to hedge your bets and increase the chances of securing a reduction.
How a Fairfax DUI Lawyer Can Help You
If you are facing DUI charges, it’s important to get in contact with a criminal defense attorney Fairfax VA as soon as possible. They are experts in both DUI law and wet reckless pleas. They can guide you through the process and offer legal advice and support for your case.
For more information on Fairfax County DUI Lawyers and criminal defense in general, please contact a Virginia Criminal Defense Attorney from Rudolphi Law today.