If you are charged with a DUI in the state of Virginia, you will face grave penalties such as jail time, loss of driver’s license, and costly fines. However, an experienced DUI lawyer can help you get off on lesser charges, negotiating a deal on your behalf. Your DWI attorney’s aim will be to reduce the charges to wet reckless instead of driving under the influence.
What is the Difference Between Wet Reckless and Reckless Driving?
Reckless driving means driving a car while willingly disregarding the safety of property and people. Reckless driving, which is a misdemeanor, means that if you are convicted of it, you will face jail time and a hefty fine. You should know that dry reckless is different from wet reckless. Unlike in wet reckless, dry reckless does not mean the driver was driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Which Charge Works Better in Your Favor — Reckless Driving or Wet Reckless?
In the event the state of Virginia finds you guilty of reckless driving, your DWI lawyer can discuss a plea deal with the prosecutor, given he/she is willing to offer one, and knock down the charge from reckless driving to wet reckless. However, wet reckless will only be on the table if it is difficult for the prosecutor to prove with certainty that alcohol was in the person’s system. If there is a chance to prove that, your DUI lawyer will talk to you about that beforehand.
Why Is Wet Reckless Better than Reckless Driving?
Wet reckless is better than reckless driving because it does not carry the same humiliation as a DUI conviction does. Even though the penalties for a wet reckless conviction are not that different from reckless driving, you will get your driver’s license suspended for up to 6 months with the judge having the option to give you a restricted license, required to attend an alcohol safety action program, pay fines, and possible serve jail time.
However, one benefit of having a wet reckless conviction is that is does require you to install an ignition interlock gadget to be eligible for a restricted driver’s license unlike in the case of a DUI conviction.
Overview: List of Benefits Pleading Guilty to a Wet Reckless Charge
Here is a list of benefits you will receive if you plead guilty to a wet reckless charge through your DWI attorney:
·Shorter jail sentence
·Reduced fines
·Will not need to install an ignition interlock device (IID)
·No mandatory suspension of driver’s license
·Less weeks required to attend to DUI school
For people charged with driving while intoxicated who think they have a case for a wet reckless charge, you should discuss this option with their DWI attorney.
If you need to engage the services of a qualified and experienced DUI lawyer in Virginia, you can get in touch with a DUI Lawyer.