California "Dry Reckless Plea Bargains" in DUI Cases
"Dry reckless plea bargains" may offer you an acceptable compromise with your DUI prosecutor...
After the police arrest California driver for DUI, prosecutors have the option of lowering the charge from DUI to "reckless driving." This option is spelled out in California Vehicle Code section 23103.5. When the lowered charge does not include an allegation that the reckless driver was drinking, this is commonly called a California dry reckless plea bargain.
Our Los Angeles DUI Lawyers explain that this plea is to be distinguished from California wet reckless plea bargains, which do include a drinking allegation.
California dry reckless plea bargains in DUI cases can be beneficial in multiple ways... and more so than "wets." For example, avoiding a conviction labeled "DUI" is a value in and of itself. Additionally, the fines associated with this plea are lower and alcohol class attendance is not required.
Significantly, if the defendant has prior DUI offenses, a California dry reckless plea bargain can spare him or her from the harsher penalties that come with subsequent DUI convictions. And if the defendant is arrested for DUI again in the future, a California dry reckless plea bargain cannot be used as a prior DUI offense the way a "wet" can.
Our Los Angeles DUI Lawyers point out these pleas are usually obtained through a process of negotiation with the prosecution. This requires an experienced attorney who knows how to investigate and emphasize certain aspects of a particular case so that the other side "comes around" to the benefit of the client.