Wet reckless: Pleading to a lesser DUI offense here in Florida
With Memorial Day right around the corner, you can be certain that law enforcement agencies across the state of Florida are busy making preparations for a long weekend of enhanced DUI enforcement from saturation patrols to sobriety checkpoints.
What this essentially means is that local law enforcement will be looking for any reason to pull people over on suspicion of drunk driving — from speeding to neglecting to use a turn signal. While this tactic will result in a large number of sober — and understandably peeved — motorists being temporarily detained and even ticketed, it will also result in a considerable number of impaired driving arrests.
As we’ve discussed before on our blog, those drivers who make the mistake of having one last drink before getting behind the wheel must remember that they are not without options.
By way of example, consider what is known as a “wet reckless” plea bargain.
Under Florida law, those drivers who are charged with driving under the influence may be able to reach an arrangement with the prosecutor whereby they are able to plead to the lesser offense of reckless driving involving alcohol. Here, the presence of alcohol is why it’s labeled a wet reckless.
The obvious advantage of a wet reckless is that since it’s a lesser offense, the punishment is not nearly severe and the person’s criminal record remains clear of any DUI.
It’s important for people to understand that prosecutors are typically only amenable to a wet reckless for first-time DUI offenses in which no property damage or personal injuries occurred, and the driver’s blood alcohol content was very close to the legal limit.
It’s also important for people to understand that if they are arrested for a second DUI offense, the prior wet reckless can be viewed in the eyes of the law as a first offense, meaning the subsequent DUI arrest will be treated as a second offense, not a first.
If you’ve been arrested for driving under the influence, consider speaking with an experienced legal professional who can help you examine all of your options, and fight to protect your rights whether in negotiations with the prosecutor or the courtroom.
