If you’ve been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) you need to make sure you are aware of all your options. Having a DUI on your driving record can cause a lot of problems including higher insurance rates, the inability to work in certain professions, and the potential of jail time. In some situations, you may be able to get a plea bargain, which is essentially just agreeing to plead guilty but with the understanding that you will plead guilty to a lesser offense for a lesser penalty than you might have received for the original charges .
One option for those accused of a DUI is to plea to a ‘wet reckless.’ This is an informal term for impaired driving, and applies when there is alcohol involved. With the help of a good attorney, you may be able to plea down to this option, but only if it is the right move in your case.
When Can You Plea to Wet Reckless
It is important to understand that pleading to a wet reckless is only going to work in very specific cases. Due to public opinion, courts are less likely than ever to give leniency to those charged with DUIs. Your attorney can push for this option, however, if it is your first offense. To be accepted, you blood alcohol content will also have to be quite close to the legal limit, which is .08. If you meet these standards, this can be an excellent option to consider.
Benefits of a Wet Reckless
If you are able to plea down to a wet reckless, you will find that the penalties are going to be much less severe. The main advantage is that there is no mandatory jail time, which is very important to most people. While it doesn’t show up on your record as a DUI, most insurance companies do look at impaired driving like this quite negatively, so you may still see a hike in your rates. There are also fewer points that go on your license, which is important. Finally, the fines and other penalties will typically be reduced compared to a full DUI.
Seeking a Wet Reckless
While there is never any guarantee that you’ll be able to plea down to a wet reckless, it is almost always worth an attempt. When you have an experienced attorney fighting on your behalf, the chances are going to go up significantly because of their ability to work directly with the prosecuting attorney to get the best possible outcome.
If you’ve been charged with a DUI in the state of Utah, please do not hesitate to contact the law firm of Arnold, Wadsworth & Coggins today to discuss the options available to you based on your unique circumstances.
Arnold, Wadsworth & Coggins Attorneys is a premier Utah law firm serving the Wasatch Front in the areas of family law, bankruptcy, criminal law, and civil litigation. Our attorneys provide clients with exceptional legal representation and personal attention. With over 35 years of trial practice and litigation experience, we bring big firm expertise at affordable rates
