what can be done to reduced dui to reckless driving without a lawyer in georgia

by Maegan Feil DDS 4 min read

Reducing a GA DUI to reckless driving in GA is not always possible. While both Georgia DUI and reckless driving misdemeanor crimes can exist if the same criminal case, the more common practice in Georgia is to have a DUI defense attorney fight for a DUI reduction to reckless driving in Georgia.

Full Answer

How can I get my DUI dropped to reckless driving?

Understanding what the prosecution wants and obtaining a lawyer to advocate for you are two of the best methods to take when trying to get your DUI dropped to a reckless driving charge. DUI lawyers should always explain very clearly to you what angle they are going to take, and what offer the prosecution has put on the table.

Can a DUI be reduced to reckless driving with a plea?

The state may, for example, reduce your DUI charges to reckless driving with a plea. Keep in mind that, in some states, reckless driving carries harsher penalties than first-offense DUI. However, your attorney may still advise you to plead to that charge just to keep a DUI off your record.

Are first-time drunk drivers less likely to be charged with reckless driving?

Since drunk driving is becoming a very serious issue in many countries, the prosecution will be less likely to be lenient, even for first-time offenders. There are two different types of reckless driving charges – wet and dry.

Is a wet reckless charge worse than a DUI?

It’s less serious than a DUI, but more serious than just regular reckless (dry reckless) driving. A wet reckless isn’t a charge people can be arrested for, its existence is more for lowering the charge of driving under the influence. You are more likely able to get your DUI lowered to a wet reckless if it’s your first offense.

Can you plea bargain in a DUI case?

A DUI plea bargain is almost always a possible option for a DUI case. In some scenarios, it is an excellent way to reduce DUI charges. An experienc...

How can I reduce my DUI charges?

There are a few different ways of reducing DUI charges and the best option for you will depend on the specifics of your case. In some cases attendi...

What is a plea deal for DUI?

A plea deal (or plea bargain) is where you plead guilty (generally to a lesser charge) in order to get a reduced sentence or reduced penalties.

Why is a wet reckless charge more appealing than a driving under the influence charge?

The reason why a wet reckless is more appealing than a driving under the influence charge is because the consequences are much less severe. That is if it’s too late to get out of a DUI charge, of course.

What is a wet reckless charge?

This makes it easier to remember. Wet reckless means reckless driving due to alcohol. It’s less serious than a DUI, but more serious than just regular reckless (dry reckless) driving. A wet reckless isn’t a charge people can be arrested for, its existence is more for lowering the charge of driving under the influence. You are more likely able to get your DUI lowered to a wet reckless if it’s your first offense.

What does it mean to get a lesser offense?

To get a lesser offense such as reckless driving or a traffic ticket instead of a DUI means you need to accept a plea bargain. Many don’t understand that this means you are pleading guilty, but just to a less serious offense.

Is a DUI more serious than reckless driving?

December 26, 2019. So you have been charged with a DUI, which on the scale of severity, is more serious than reckless driving. Although we should add that any sort of driving offense is serious and shouldn’t be taken lightly. If you feel as if you are wrongly accused of and charged with a DUI or DWI, then you might want to attempt to get ...

Do you need to do homework to drop a misdemeanor?

Therefore, for them to lower or drop the charges, you need sufficient evidence and/or proof to back up your case .

Is a wet reckless charge more serious than a DUI?

It’s less serious than a DUI, but more serious than just regular reckless (dry reckless) driving. A wet reckless isn’t a charge people can be arrested for, its existence is more for lowering the charge of driving under the influence. You are more likely able to get your DUI lowered to a wet reckless if it’s your first offense.

How to mitigate a DUI charge?

Here are five ways you can potentially mitigate the damage of a DUI charge. 1. Attend drunk-driving education.

What is DUI education?

Also called DUI education classes, these programs explore the dangers of high-risk driving behaviors and the effects of alcohol and drugs on the body. In some states, an alcohol education program (AEP) is a mandatory component of a DUI sentence or probation, but other states offer it as a mitigating option.

What to do if you have issues with the evidence?

Take a plea bargain. If there are any issues with the evidence the state is presenting, your lawyer might want to negotiate with the prosecutor for a plea bargain. With a plea bargain, a prosecutor offers reduced charges and/or sentencing in exchange for a guilty plea. The state may consider a plea bargain if its case has shortcomings, ...

Can you get probation for DUI?

Accept and complete probation. If you have no other DUI charges besides your current offense, you may be eligible for probation instead of jail or prison time. Usually, states will offer you probation if you have an otherwise-clean criminal history. In many cases, if you complete probation successfully, you will not face a DUI conviction.

Can you get a DUI if you have a repeat offense?

If you have repeat offenses, you don't have as many options for your DUI defense. Repeat DUI offenders typically face considerable jail or prison time. This may also be the case for a first-offense DUI that resulted in an accident or injury.

Can law enforcement see a DUI?

Once the charge is expunged, only law enforcement will be able to see it. DUI charges don't have to have devastating consequences. With these 5 tactics, you can mitigate the impact a DUI on your life.

Can a DUI be expunged?

If your DUI sentence involved probation and no prison time, you might be eligible to have your DUI charges expunged upon successfully completing probation. Expungement is typically only available to first-time DUI offenders whose criminal records are otherwise clean. For instance, some states offer a deferred adjudication where the court withholds judgment and sentencing for a specified period. When that period expires, if the defendant has complied with all the conditions of probation, the DUI charge is completely expunged, or erased, from the record. Once the charge is expunged, only law enforcement will be able to see it. DUI charges don't have to have devastating consequences. With these 5 tactics, you can mitigate the impact a DUI on your life.

What happens if you get arrested for DUI in Colorado?

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious offense in Colorado, resulting in the suspension of your driver’s license, stiff penalties, and even jail time upon conviction. If you have been charged with this offense, your attorney will first look at the facts surrounding your arrest to see if there were violations to your rights or the testing mechanism that was used was faulty. Some of the reasons DUI charges are dropped include: 1 No probable cause for a DUI stop 2 Inaccurate field sobriety test, inaccurate breathalyzer results, or faulty urinalysis or blood test administration 3 Innocent reasons for DUI symptoms 4 Involuntary intoxication

How to hire a criminal defense attorney?

Hiring a criminal defense attorney with experience in DUI cases should be done as soon as possible after you are charged. Before you make a statement to police, attend a court hearing, or post a single thing on social media about the trouble you’re in, talk to a lawyer who can protect your freedom, your rights, and your ability to have your charge reduced. DUI attorneys can not only provide guidance regarding your legal options but can also use their knowledge of the criminal court process to negotiate a plea bargain for you… But the sooner the attorney can begin working on our case, the better.

Is driving under the influence a serious offense in Colorado?

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious offense in Colorado, resulting in the suspension of your driver’s license, stiff penalties, and even jail time upon conviction. If you have been charged with this offense, your attorney will first look at the facts surrounding your arrest to see if there were violations to your rights or the testing mechanism that was used was faulty. Some of the reasons DUI charges are dropped include:

Pros

A reduction to Reckless Driving is technically a win as the DUI charge is dismissed.

Cons

A Reckless Driving plea can include probation, community service, expensive fines and often carry the same punishments as a DUI except the DUI moniker on your record.

Do I need an attorney for a DUI?

Yes , she needs an attorney. It sounds like she has a very defensible case, however, DUI charges are not something to handle on your own. Also, you should be aware that time is of the essence. She only has 10 days to request an administrative hearing with the DMV on the issue of whether a license suspension is justified or not. An attorney can handle that hearing as well.

Is 0.08 a good DUI?

She needs to hire a DUI specialist. 0.08 is good, but if she represents herself she most likely won't get a DRY reckless or even a simple speeding. And don't forget about the DMV. She has only 10 days to save her license.

What is the difference between a plea to reckless driving and a plea to DUI?

What is the Difference Between a Plea to Reckless Driving and plea to DUI? There are many differences, but for starters, one offense has points associated with it while the other does not. A DUI is a zero-point offense, but it stays on your driving record and your criminal record for life.

How long does it take to get a license suspended for a DUI?

If you are under 21 years of age, a DUI conviction results in an immediate license suspension. A reckless driving conviction also carries a license suspension akin to that of a DUI (6 months). For insurance purposes, a reckless driving conviction is usually preferred over a DUI conviction.

How long do you have to save your driving privileges in Georgia?

You only have 30 days to save your driving privileges in Georgia! If there are legal or factual issues in your case that warrant a reduction to reckless driving, your experienced DUI Attorney in Georgia will find them and use them on your behalf to try and negotiate a reduction to reckless driving.

How many points does reckless driving have?

On the other hand, a reckless driving conviction is a four-point traffic offense. A typical speeding ticket ranges in points from 2-6 points, therefore a reckless driving conviction falls right in the middle insofar as points are concerned. If you are over 21 years of age, a reduction to reckless driving will save your driver's license ...

Does reckless driving affect insurance?

The impact on your insurance premiums is far less with reckless driving versus a DUI conviction. While many see hikes in their insurance rates after a reckless driving conviction, most insurance companies will not drop an insured person, unless there are aggravating circumstances in the case. In the alternative, many people with a first in lifetime ...

Can a DUI case be dismissed in Georgia?

Most prosecutors are hesitant to dismiss a DUI case; therefore, the chances of a case being completely dismissed are slim. A more likely possibility is getting a first Georgia DUI reduced to reckless driving. There are great benefits to getting a Georgia DUI case reduced to reckless driving .

Can reckless driving save your CDL?

If you are a Commercial Truck Driver, a plea to reckless driving can save your commercial privileges. A conviction to reckless driving is considered a serious offense for a CDL driver, and if someone is convicted of two serious offenses within a 3-year period, your CDL privileges are suspended for a year after the conviction is entered.

What is the difference between reckless driving and DUI?

There’s a huge difference between DUI and reckless driving. While the behaviors associated with each inevitably overlap, when it comes to the criminal charges, there is a world of difference between the two: one that can mean the difference between steep penalties that stunt your professional growth, limit your mobility, ...

How much jail time is required for reckless driving?

Your fine will be substantially less – i.e., close to $400 rather than $1,000 as a minimum. There is no mandatory jail time for a wet reckless. While a DUI conviction carries up to six months in jail for a first offense (and one year for subsequent convictions), a reckless driving charge carries no more than 90 days.

How long can you go to jail for a wet reckless DUI in Washington?

Washington doesn’t restrict plea bargaining in DUI cases, so you have some leeway. Generally, a wet reckless is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a a fine.

What happens if you are accused of DUI?

When you’re accused of DUI or reckless driving, the consequences go far beyond your initial sentence, leaving ripple effects in your employment prospects, driving privileges, and financial security, not to mention points galore on your license and sky-high insurance premiums.

What is wet reckless in Washington?

In Washington, wet reckless is also called “negligent driving in the first degree.”. If you’re been arrested for DUI, you may be in luck if it’s your first: a defense attorney can help you negotiate your charge down to wet reckless, which is much less serious.

What is reckless driving in Washington?

Turning to reckless driving, Washington law is clear: reckless driving is considered a serious moving violation and involves a willful, deliberate disregard for the safety of others. The key is “willful:” in other words, it involves KNOWING that you are driving recklessly.

What are the factors that can cause a wet reckless charge?

Mitigating factors may include: The DUI being your first. A lack of criminal record.