What Is a Wet and Reckless Charge in Arizona?

When you are facing driving under the influence (DUI) charges, and you are weighing your legal options, one question that may come up is, “What is a wet and reckless charge in Arizona?” If this sounds familiar and you need a reputable DUI attorney to help you navigate Arizona DUI laws and handle your DUI case, Davidson Criminal Defense & DUI Law Firm can help.

What Is a Wet and Reckless Charge in Arizona?

A wet and reckless charge in Arizona is a plea bargain reducing a DUI charge to reckless driving, specifically acknowledging alcohol or drugs were involved. It acts as a less severe alternative to a Class 1 DUI misdemeanor, usually resulting in a Class 2 misdemeanor with reduced penalties. This plea deal may provide fewer penalties than a DUI conviction.

Even though wet and reckless charges are less harsh than a DUI, there are still severe consequences of driver impairment that prosecutors consider. Every day, about 34 people in the U.S. die in drunk-driving crashes, approximately one person every 42 minutes. Similarly, careless driving also leads to traffic-related fatalities, causing 8.2% of all car crash deaths. As a result, wet and reckless charges are still serious.

Wet and Reckless vs. DUI Penalties

A wet and reckless charge is better than a DUI, but it still carries hefty penalties. While it avoids mandatory DUI jail time and ignition interlock device requirement, it still carries possible jail time and fines, and acts as a prior offense for seven years. Furthermore, under Arizona Revised Statutes § 28-693, a judge can still suspend your driver’s license for up to 90 days with a reckless driving charge.

DUI penalties are harsher, however. In addition to mandatory jail time and thousands of dollars in fines and court fees, DUIs can also lead to license suspension, vehicle impoundment, and other expenses. An ignition interlock device installation is required for DUIs, as well as DUI education. While both charges remain on your record, avoiding a DUI is ideal.

Are You Eligible for a Wet and Reckless Plea Deal?

Not every person who faces DUI charges in Arizona is eligible for a reduction to a wet and reckless charge. Depending on the individual circumstances of your case, you may qualify for a reduction of DUI charges to a wet and reckless plea deal if you meet certain requirements. When we review your case, we can see if you are eligible.

A DUI attorney is more likely to be able to successfully negotiate a wet and reckless plea deal if their client:

• Is a first-time DUI offender
• Had a relatively low BAC level
• Has no history of prior traffic offenses or moving violations
• Did not cause a car accident or any property damage
• Did not have aggravating circumstances, such as a minor child in the vehicle

If a wet and reckless plea deal is an option, we can build your case in that direction so we are ready to negotiate with prosecutors when the time comes. Even if you are not eligible for a wet and reckless plea deal, however, our legal team has the DUI and criminal defense experience to help you move forward and protect your rights along the way.

Hire a DUI Lawyer

At Davidson Criminal Defense & DUI Law Firm, we have over 20 years of DUI and criminal law experience to apply to your DUI case. In addition to providing an aggressive defense, we can answer all of your legal questions, such as “What is a wet and reckless charge in Arizona?” When you hire a DUI lawyer from our firm, they can offer personalized attention to all your needs.

We also know the courts. When your wet and reckless case goes through the local Tempe Municipal Court, we can help you meet all important deadlines and requirements, so there is no need to worry. Dealing with the court system can be intimidating, but our knowledgeable team makes it possible to handle all the legalities without worrying about what to do next.

Trying to understand Arizona DUI laws on your own can be daunting, and getting the court to reduce DUI charges without the help of an experienced DUI attorney can be extremely difficult. For this reason, we highly recommend that you let us take a significant burden off your shoulders by handling all the legal complexities of your DUI case.

FAQs

When Should I Contact a DUI Attorney?

You should contact a DUI attorney immediately following an arrest or charge to protect your rights, navigate strict time limits, and prevent self-incrimination when speaking with prosecutors or insurance companies in the event of an accident. Prompt legal representation is critical to challenge automatic license suspension and to prepare a defense before the arraignment.

Will a Wet and Reckless Charge Affect My Car Insurance?

Yes, a wet and reckless conviction will significantly affect your car insurance, as it is treated as a serious, alcohol-related driving offense. While less severe than a DUI, it can cause premiums to rise for three to five years, often resulting in the loss of a good driver discount, and may require filing an SR-22 insurance certificate.

What Is the Most Common Punishment for Reckless Driving?

A: Punishments for reckless driving vary depending on your individual circumstances, but the most common penalties include fines, attending a Traffic Survival School course, and license suspension for at least 30 days. If the situation is more complex and involves other offenses, you may also face jail time and additional fines.

Is a Reckless Driving Charge Worse Than Speeding?

Yes, a reckless driving charge is significantly worse than a speeding ticket. While speeding is usually a civil infraction with a fine and points, reckless driving is a criminal misdemeanor, resulting in a permanent criminal record, potential jail time, high fines, and license suspension. Extreme speeding can contribute to reckless driving, but otherwise, the charges are generally separate.

Schedule Your Free Consultation Today

When you are looking at your DUI options and wondering what a wet and reckless charge is in Arizona, you need a DUI attorney at Davidson Criminal Defense & DUI Law Firm who can answer your questions and provide legal guidance while handling the complications of your DUI case. Contact us to schedule your free consultation today.