California DUI Vs. Wet Reckless: What’s The Difference?

by | Jun 29, 2022 | Uncategorized

California DUI Vs. Wet Reckless: What’s The Difference?

If you know someone who has been arrested for DUI or you have been arrested yourself, you have probably heard of the term “wet reckless” being thrown around. Being offered to plead guilty to a “wet reckless” charge instead can provide you more leniency, but there are still a few consequences you need to understand. Read on to find out the differences between DUI vs wet reckless.

What does DUI Mean?

In California, DUI is the most common abbreviation used when referring to arrests for impaired driving. It stands for “driving under the influence” and this can refer to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs – whether illegal, prescription or over-the-counter. It includes:

  • Driving while intoxicated
  • Driving under the influence of intoxicants
  • Driving while ability impaired
  • Operating a motor vehicle under the influence

What is a Wet Reckless?

Also called “wet and reckless”, this is an unofficial term designated for a crime an individual charged with a DUI offense pleads no contest or guilty for a plea agreement. “Wet reckless” is simply another name for a charge of reckless driving. In this case, the prosecutor decides to drop the DUI charge, which is more serious, if the defendant pleads to the less serious wet reckless charge. A prosecutor is highly likely to reduce your DUI to a wet reckless charge in three situations – when the defendant’s BAC was under 0.08%, when the defendant does not hold a significant history of alcohol- and/or drug-related offenses, or when there are weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. The advantages of a wet reckless, as opposed to a DUI charge, include:

  • No DUI on the driver’s criminal record
  • No mandatory installation of a California ignition interlock device
  • Shorter DUI school (typically six weeks)
  • Shorter probation periods (typically one or two years)
  • Lower fines or none at all (between $145 and $1,000)
  • A shorter potential jail sentence (ranges between 5 and 90 days)
  • No obligatory court-ordered driver’s license suspension

However, you should take note that a wet reckless conviction counts as a “priorable” offense, meaning an individual will be considered a repeat offender if they are convicted of a DUI within the next 10 years.

Is it Smart to Accept a Plea Deal for Wet Reckless Driving?

The most significant difference between being charged with DUI vs wet reckless is that by law, the latter is not considered a DUI, a lesser form of DUI, or even in the same category. Every situation is different, so there is no one right solution to this query since it varies according to each case. What’s important to note is that pleading guilty to a reduced charge can still place a blemish on your criminal record, while if you are acquitted of a DUI, your record will stay pristine.

Why Choose Jackson Bibby Awareness Group

If you or your loved one has been charged with drugged or drunk driving, Jackson Bibby Awareness Group provides mentoring, counseling, and classes for DUI offenders in San Bernardino. Don’t hesitate to contact us for more information if you have any inquiries about our services.