Avoiding Hefty Fines After a DUI Charge
Being charged with a DUI in Colorado comes with some hefty fines, probation, jail time, and public service, among other things. If you want to see what you may face for a Colorado DUI or DWAI charge, regardless if it’s your first time or not, learn more here.
To avoid hefty fines after a DUI charge, you should consider asking for a lawyer. A lawyer can obtain a more favorable plea offer for you than you would by yourself by negotiating with the prosecutor so that you have reduced charges. One way they can do this is to obtain a wet reckless plea bargain.
What Is a Wet Reckless Plea Bargain?
Wet reckless is a made-up term in Colorado used to describe a certain type of plea deal for DUI or DWAI offenders. In this type of plea deal, you will need to plead guilty to the lesser charges of reckless driving instead of DUI or DWAI charges.
As part of the deal, you will need to take alcohol education classes. Because of the need for such classes and the plea deal, people refer to this type of deal as a wet reckless deal. No matter how you look at it, it is beneficial, and it will help you out, especially by avoiding hefty fines.
When you accept this plea deal, your criminal record will showcase a reckless driving conviction, which isn’t considered an alcohol-related offense. In certain cases, this type of offense won’t result in your driver’s license suspension.
However, your prior criminal history and the points on your Colorado motor vehicle record in the last 12 to 24 months will be taken into consideration. Some other penalties may apply to your case, but they are all less serious than the penalties associated with DUI or DWAI convictions.
Reckless Driving Conviction
If you are to accept a reckless driving conviction, you have to understand that this is a Class 2 traffic misdemeanor. According to the definition, it is a charge brought up against people that have driven their vehicle with disregard for the safety of others or property.
Considered a habitual traffic offense, reckless driving convictions in Colorado will result in eight points assessed against you on your motor vehicle record. If this is your first such conviction, you may be sentenced to up to 90 days in jail and a fine of $300.
A second offense results in a fine of up to $1,000 and up to six months in jail. Second or subsequent offenses come with ten days in jail time punishment that can’t be avoided.
You also have to consider that accepting a reckless driving conviction won’t eliminate previous license revocations or suspensions that the DMV already imposed on you due to your BAC levels while driving or refusal to take chemical tests.
Consider Speaking With a DUI Attorney
Whether or not accepting a wet reckless plea deal is a good offer for your case will be determined by your DUI lawyer. This type of deal isn’t easy to receive, but depending on the circumstances of your case, it may be the best option or not.
A DUI lawyer will inform you about all the possible legal actions you can take and how they may benefit you, depending on what exactly you want to avoid in your DUI charges. Contact an attorney right away and present your case.
