If you have been charged with a California DUI, you may be feeling panicked, and rightfully so. A DUI is a criminal charge, and it can have a serious impact on your life. But with an experienced San Bernardino DUI defense lawyer on your side, you can have peace of mind. Your attorney can shepherd you through the process, and offer you a variety of alternatives for resolving the case — including a possible plea bargain.
While a plea deal is not always available, there are many situations in which a prosecutor is willing to make a bargain with your San Bernardino DUI defense lawyer to resolve the case. Typically, plea deals will involve either pleading guilty to a reduced charge (something other than a DUI) or reduced penalties for a guilty plea to a DUI.
In many cases, a DUI charge can be bargained down to a lesser charge of a “wet reckless,” “dry reckless” or exhibition of speed. Each charge has its own advantages and disadvantages, including the potential penalties and whether it is considered a prior offense for proposes of future DUI offenses. The main advantage of taking a plea bargain instead of going to trial is that a plea bargain gives you certainty: you will know what your sentence will be before you plead guilty to the offense. If you go to trial, you could be found not guilty of a DUI — but if you are found guilty, then you could receive a much more significant sentence than you otherwise would have if you had accepted a plea bargain.
A wet reckless charge is often the first reduced charge considered or offered by a prosecutor. It is a reckless driving offense that involves alcohol or drugs — in other words, it is “wet.” A wet reckless charge will count as an alcohol-related offense, so if you are charged with a DUI within 10 years, it will be a prior offense. However, it is more advantageous than a DUI charge because there is less likelihood of jail time, no mandatory license suspension and reduced fines. It results in two points on your driver’s license.
A dry reckless charge is exactly what it sounds like — a reckless driving charge without the involvement of drugs or alcohol. A dry reckless offense is considered far more preferable to a wet reckless charge, because it will not count as a prior alcohol-related offense, and likely will not impact your car insurance premiums. However, it will result in two points on your driver’s license.
Finally, your San Bernardino DUI defense lawyer may be able to negotiate an exhibition of speed charge if the case against you is very weak. This misdemeanor offense will not qualify as a prior alcohol-related offense, and will result in a reduced fine and a low likelihood of jail time. It also results in two points on your driver’s license.
Obtaining a plea bargain is often a preferred outcome for a DUI case. While it is not possible for every situation, a skilled San Bernardino DUI defense lawyer can often obtain a reduced charge based on the specific facts of a case. At the Chambers Law Firm, our team of professionals has experience in negotiating advantageous plea bargains for our clients. Contact us today at 714-760-4088 or dchambers@clfca.com to schedule a free initial consultation.
