Understanding California DUI Reductions
With the holiday season underway, one thing is certain…the number of California DUIs will increase. If you find yourself in the unfortunate position of being arrested for drunk driving, it’s important to understand that pleading guilty to the charge or securing an acquittal are not the only two options. Oftentimes it may be in your best interest to try to negotiate for a reduced California DUI charge.
There are three general California DUI charge reductions. The first…and most common…is what’s known as a wet reckless. A “wet reckless” under Vehicle Code 23103 per 23103.5 VC offers less jail time, a shorter probation period, a shorter DUI school, and doesn’t require a mandatory driver’s license suspension.
The second is what’s known as a dry reckless. A “dry reckless” pursuant to Vehicle Code 23103 VC is an even better plea bargain than a wet reckless. A dry reckless is misdemeanor “reckless driving”. The two most beneficial advantages to a dry reckless are that (1) it will yield a less expensive hike in your car insurance premium than a DUI or wet reckless, and (2) it isn’t priorable. “Priorable” offenses like DUIs and “wets” necessarily mean that your punishment will increase with every subsequent offense.
The third most common California DUI reduction is to Vehicle Code 23109(c) which is sometimes referred to as a speed “ex”. A “speed ex” or exhibition of speed typically results in less jail exposure, less probation, and fewer fines than any of the above charges.
