Torrance Wet Reckless Attorney

What Is Wet and Reckless?

"Wet and reckless" is a term often used in the context of impaired driving offenses, specifically in California. It refers to a reduced charge that is less severe than a standard DUI (Driving Under the Influence) charge. 

A wet and reckless charge is a colloquial term for a conviction involving reckless driving and alcohol or drugs but not a full DUI charge. It's important to note that not all states have a wet and reckless charge, and its specific characteristics can vary by jurisdiction.

Here are some key points to understand about a wet and reckless charge:

• Reduced Charge: A wet and reckless charge is typically offered as a plea bargain by the prosecution to individuals initially charged with DUI. It's considered a reduced charge because the penalties are generally less severe than those for a standard DUI conviction.
• Elements of a Wet and Reckless: To be charged with wet and reckless, the evidence must generally show that the defendant was driving recklessly and that there was some level of alcohol or drugs involved. The level of impairment required for a wet and reckless is usually lower than what is required for a standard DUI.
• Penalties: Penalties for a wet and reckless conviction typically include fines, probation, mandatory alcohol education programs, and possibly a shorter driver's license suspension than a standard DUI. However, the specific penalties can vary by jurisdiction.
• Impact on Driving Record: A wet and reckless conviction is generally less damaging to one's driving record and insurance rates than a standard DUI. It may also be considered a less serious offense in terms of criminal history.
• Multiple Offenses: In some states, if a person is convicted of wet and reckless but subsequently commits another DUI-related offense, the wet and reckless may be treated as a prior DUI conviction, leading to increased penalties.

It's essential to consult with an attorney if you are charged with a DUI or wet and reckless to understand the specific laws in your jurisdiction and to determine the best course of action for your case. The availability of wet and reckless as a plea bargain, as well as the specific requirements and consequences, can vary from state to state and may change over time, so it's important to seek legal advice tailored to your situation.

“Can I Get My Charge Reduced to a “Wet Reckless”?”

Commonly referred to as a “Wet Reckless,” the charge is actually “Driving With a Measurable Amount of Alcohol: California Vehicle Code Section 23103 per 23103.5.

No one actually ever gets originally charged with a “Wet Reckless” offense but it usually pled down from an original DUI charge by an attorney.

To earn this reduction, it takes a two fold approach by an attorney who has mastered the law on DUI: (1) look to the facts of the case to see the prosecutor’s weaknesses in proving a DUI, and (2) look at the law; did the police make any mistakes in the investigation?

By discovering these things, Pat Carey is able to earn a reduction from your DUI charge to a “Wet Reckless”. The fines you would be required to pay would be slashed in half; the alcohol program would be reduced from a 3-month requirement to a 1-day requirement; and most notably, you would NOT be required to have the Ignition Interlock Device (in-car breathalyzer machine) installed in your car. (In 2014, the law in California was changed requiring the device be installed on EVERY car after a DUI conviction.)

Should you chose to represent yourself or chose a cheap lawyer, the results in court could lead to harsher penalties and harsher fines, proving you in fact saved yourself no money at all.

For example, while a District Attorney, Pat Carey trained not only Police Officers, but young Deputy District Attorneys on how to handle DUI cases. With this knowledge, he is able to, in some cases, have the charges reduced or even dismissed. Reduced charges leads to reduced court fines, saving you more money than you would have if you had chosen to represent yourself.