A DUI does not look good on your record especially when you try to apply for jobs or even lease an apartment. It may be possible to reduce charges to reckless. A wet reckless charge allows you to plead guilty to a DUI if your Blood Alcohol Level is .08% or lower wiht no prior convictions.

Getting DUI charges reduced to wet reckless driving has many benefits. Jail sentences are 90 days for wet reckless instead of six months for the standard DUI. You do not automatically lose your license. Probation periods are one to two years for wet reckless and three to five years for DUI. Here is some advice on how to get DUI reduced to a wet reckless driving.

Look for Weaknesses in Your Case

Weaknesses in your case can get your charges reduced. The arresting officer should read you your Miranda Rights. Miranda rights are protected under the Fourth Amendment and they must be read for the case to be lawful.

The officer needs to give you implied consent before administering a breathalyzer test. Find out if your state requires implied consent before administering a breathalyzer test. Without a breathalyzer test, you have a greater chance of getting charges reduced, but you could face penalties in some states.

Challenge the Traffic Stop

Was the traffic stop lawful? The officer needs a reasonable excuse to pull you over and give you a breathalyzer. For example, weaving within a single lane of traffic commonly isn't considered a reasonable excuse. If the traffic stop wasn't a violation, you could get your charges dismissed.

Enter the Plea  

If you decide to plead guilty, make a plea bargain. A plea bargain lets you work a deal with the prosecutor without going to trial and get a lighter charge. Though plea bargains aren't used often in DUI cases, meet with your lawyer to determine if it is a possibility in your case. 

If you decide to plead not guilty, a jury trial is your best means of winning. A BAC below .08 increases your chances of winning your case. The prosecutor will have to prove you were impaired at a BAC level below .08. A BAC above .12 makes it more difficult to win.

You will have better success getting your first DUI reduced to wet reckless. Be on your best behavior and try to avoid getting charged again. A wet reckless is counted as a DUI if you get charged again. An attorney can help you fight the charges. Contact a firm like Hogan-Kimrey LLP Attorneys At Law for more information.

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