I was charged with a DUI, but someone stated I should try to get a wet reckless. What does that mean?

Question: I was charged with a DUI, but someone stated I should try to get a wet reckless. What does that mean?

Answer: Often times, an Attorney will try to reduce a DUI charge to a lesser charge. One possibility is a VC 23103 per 23103.5; otherwise known as a wet reckless, which may carry less penalties (ie. lower fines, no license suspension, no interlock device requirement…) than a DUI conviction. Note though that if you were to get another DUI in 10 years, the wet reckless would be treated as a DUI for purposes of the 2nd DUI.  In short, the other DUI would be treated as a 2nd offense DUI, even though your first DUI was technically dismissed. Further, a Wet reckless is still a misdemeanor and still 2 points on your driving record.  That being said, there are benefits (ie. sometime employment benefits) to getting a DUI reduced to a wet reckless on top of the other benefits I listed above.

Call me at (818) 336-1384 for clarification or any questions you have. I know the above can be a bit confusing.

Sincerely,
Phil Hache
DUI & Criminal Defense

Handling cases in the following courts: Van Nuys, San Fernando, Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena, Bellflower, Metro, Airport, Inglewood, Compton, Malibu, Santa Clarita, Beverly Hills, all of Los Angeles County, Riverside County, Orange County, San Bernardino County and Ventura County.

Main Office located in Sherman Oaks, between Encino and Studio City