Napa Wet Reckless Attorney

In California, there are around 120,000 DUI arrests per year. The vast majority of those charges result in convictions that can lead to steep fines and a blemished criminal record. With the aid of the right Napa wet reckless attorney, though, you may be able to reduce those charges to reckless driving (commonly known as a “wet reckless” charge) under California’s vehicle code.

Being arrested for a DUI does not mean that you have to resign yourself to a DUI conviction. The right defense lawyer can reduce those charges to reckless driving or potentially have your charges dropped altogether. At the Law Office of Conor Bell, we will fight for your rights in Napa, California.

DUI vs. Wet Reckless: What Is the Difference?

Under California criminal law, a driver is subject to DUI charges if they operate a motor vehicle while intoxicated. The amount of blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or greater is sufficient to land a DUI charge, which is a misdemeanor offense that can carry up to six months in jail.

If a driver racks up further DUIs, that individual can face additional jail time, driver license restrictions or suspension, and fines. If the driver injures someone while driving under the influence or commits four consecutive DUI offenses, that individual can be charged with a felony.

The term wet reckless charge is slang for the reduction of a DUI charge to reckless driving. If your attorney can have that charge lowered, your driving record will state that you have a reckless driving charge. An added note will state that alcohol was involved. The term “wet” refers to the involvement of alcohol.

There are many benefits to having a DUI charge lowered to reckless driving, but the process of lowering that charge requires the help of a Napa wet reckless attorney. That defense attorney will negotiate your deal with the prosecutor. Once approved by the judge, there may be conditions and fines set as part of the deal.

What Are the Advantages of Wet Reckless in Napa, California?

A wet reckless charge is not simply another type of DUI charge. Reckless driving falls under an entirely different category under the laws of California. The criminal consequences of reckless driving are less severe than a DUI.

Accepting a reckless driving charge should not be taken lightly, though, because further infractions could lead to more severe consequences. As you weigh the pros and cons of various charges you are willing to settle for, you can trust the legal services of the Law Office of Conor Bell to guide you through the optimal outcome. The advantages of having a wet reckless charge over a DUI include the following.

Keeping Your Driver’s License9

Maintaining your driver’s license is more than a luxury for many. Vehicles allow for important travel to and from work, as well as performing basic tasks like grocery shopping. A DUI con8viction can potentially lead to the court-ordered suspension of a person’s driver’s license.

Even if a court doesn’t order the suspension of a driver’s license, many judges require DUI offenders to maintain an ignition interlock device as a stipulation for keeping their license.

Shorter Jail Sentence

One of the harshest consequences following a DUI conviction is jail time. By lowering your charge from a DUI to reckless driving, you can potentially forgo additional jail time. Along with lower stints in jail, a wet reckless charge can allow for a shorter period of probation, which generally ranges from one to two years.

Reduced Criminal Charge

The classification of the crime on your record can have serious implications for your ability to find a job. Any job you apply to may see a DUI conviction as a red flag, especially if that job requires driving. A reckless driving violation, by contrast, is far less likely to interfere with future job applications or background checks.

Possible Drawbacks of Wet Reckless

A reduced charge still comes with consequences. For example, a wet reckless conviction is considered a prior offense, meaning that any future related offenses could result in higher fines and more jail time. Once you are able to settle for a wet reckless charge, a future DUI arrest would be much harder to plea bargain down.

There’s no guarantee that your car insurance won’t raise your monthly rates. As with any serious motor vehicle violation, there is the potential that your insurance provider may opt to revoke your coverage altogether, depending on your driving history. A DUI arrest triggers an APS (administrative per se) hearing that you will need to attend even if the charges are lowered.

How Many Points Is a Wet Reckless in California?

The State of California tracks driver negligence points through the Negligent Operator Treatment System (NOTS). State officials update drivers 18 and older with warning letters and increasing penalties that potentially limit driving privileges.

One-Point Violations

Speeding can land any driver with a one-point violation on their driving record. Maintaining an unsafe vehicle can also lead to a penalty point through NOTS. A semi-truck not properly securing its load is one example.

Two-Point Violations

A hit-and-run accident is considered a two-point violation. Driving under the influence (which includes wet reckless charges) is a two-point violation.

Any driver who is given four points under the NOTS system within a year may have their license suspended for six months. The same penalty can be given to drivers who obtain six points within two years or eight points within three years.

Is It Worth Having a DUI Defense Lawyer in Napa?

Any criminal charge in California is potentially serious, even for first-time offenders. Defendants face fines and potential jail time in Napa, CA. A DUI charge can be a disruptor to your day-to-day life, which is why seeking legal counsel quickly is critical.

There are a few things you are going to want to keep in mind when looking for a DUI defense attorney. When you work with us at the Law Office of Conor Bell, you get the following:

• Strategic and powerful defense if your case goes to trial
• Expert collection of evidence to build your defense
• Many years of experience successfully defending drivers from DUI convictions
• Intimate knowledge of California criminal law
• A staff willing to work with you one-on-one as you navigate the justice system
• A history of resolving cases in the interests of our clients

Is a Wet Reckless Moral Turpitude?

The term “moral turpitude” often refers to acts based on dishonesty or deceit. Combining the term with wet reckless infers that the reckless driving was performed with the intent to harm another or knowing that the driver’s actions could lead to physical harm. Conviction of a crime with this language has implications for immigration cases. The U.S. government, for example, can deport non-citizens based on a conviction for a crime of moral turpitude.

While the California Supreme Court has referred to the term before in past rulings, cases of reckless driving rarely carry the weight of this legal term.

What Is the Penalty for a DUI in Napa County?

Without proper legal representation, you could have a DUI conviction that has serious and lasting consequences. For first-time offenders, the typical punishment includes a few years probation plus a fine. The process of settling the case could take several months or longer, though, with mandatory court appearances that you will have to miss work to attend.

Prior offenses could add aggravating circumstances that can lead to lengthy jail sentences and fines. Some aggravating circumstances can lead to the misdemeanor charge being elevated to a felony. The following are common reasons a DUI may become a felony charge:

• A minor was in the vehicle at the time of the drunk driving
• The accident caused bodily harm or death
• The driver behaved in a combative manner toward peace officers

A felony can lead to prison sentences and fines of several thousand dollars or higher. Without experienced legal counsel, there are no guarantees that your charge will be reduced or that you avoid jail time. An experienced legal team can ensure that your rights are fully protected and that your interests are tirelessly fought for.

Get in Touch With Our Napa Defense Attorneys Today

Hiring a Napa wet reckless attorney quickly following a DUI charge can drastically improve the chances of your charges being lowered or dropped altogether. At the Law Office of Conor Bell, we have worked on both the defense and the prosecution sides of a variety of cases. Our team tirelessly devotes time, energy, and resources to each client. Facing a DUI can leave defendants feeling hopeless, but we’re here to ensure optimal outcomes from your case that will allow you to return to life and work.

We support you on a range of levels to see you through your case. We always put our clients’ interests first, and we spare no time or resources to ensure as positive of a resolution as possible to your DUI charge. Contact the Law Office of Conor Bell for legal assistance today.