In California, there are two types of crimes a driver can be charged with if they are caught driving under the influence. The first is a DUI, and the second is a “wet reckless.” However, either charge can seriously impact your life. If you are accused of any type of vehicular crime, it is important to reach out to a competent criminal attorney as soon as possible. Contact Sigal Legal Group today for a free consultation.

What is a DUI?

When a person operates a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol in California, they can be charged with a DUI if their blood alcohol content is 0.08% or higher. This type of crime carries different punishments depending on whether it is a first or repeat offense. For instance, first-time offenders are usually charged with a misdemeanor DUI and are required to spend up to six months in jail.

The more DUIs the defendant is charged with, the more jail time, restrictions, and fines they will face. Once a defendant has four DUIs, or if someone is injured while they are driving under the influence, the crime could be moved from a misdemeanor to a felony classification.

What is Wet Reckless?

After an individual is charged with a DUI, they will have the opportunity to negotiate with the prosecution for a lesser charge. Typically, this includes making a deal to plead not guilty or nolo contendere (which means “no contest”) to a reckless driving charge under California's Vehicle Code. The term “wet reckless” is slang for a reckless driving charge that notes that alcohol was involved.

While a wet reckless charge may seem similar to a standard DUI charge, they are actually quite different. For instance, a wet reckless falls under reckless driving laws and incurs a much shorter jail sentence of five to 90 days. However, if a person receives a wet reckless charge and then is charged with a DUI in the next ten years, they will be considered a repeat offender, which could add time and fines to their punishments.

Working with a skilled criminal attorney is the only way to ensure you are not being unnecessarily punished. Call Sigal Law Group at (818) 325-0570 or contact us online for a free consultation.