When facing DUI charges in Washington, prosecutors sometimes offer a plea deal to reduce the charge to reckless driving. This type of plea, often called a “wet reckless,” can seem like an attractive option at first glance. The conviction appears less severe on paper, and you might avoid some immediate penalties, but understanding what you’re actually giving up matters when deciding whether to accept this deal.
What Is A Wet Reckless Plea?
A wet reckless is a reckless driving conviction that involves alcohol. While it’s technically a lesser charge than DUI, Washington courts recognize it as alcohol-related. The charge shows up on your record differently from a standard DUI, but it carries its own set of consequences. Prosecutors typically offer this reduction when they have weaknesses in their case. Maybe the breathalyzer results are questionable, or there were procedural errors during your arrest. A Bellevue repeat DUI offender lawyer can evaluate whether these weaknesses exist in your situation.
The Immediate Benefits
At first, reducing DUI charges to reckless driving looks beneficial:
- Lower fines compared to DUI penalties
- Potentially shorter license suspension
- No ignition interlock device requirement
- Shorter probation period
- Less mandatory jail time in some cases
These advantages explain why many people accept the deal without fully understanding the trade-offs.
What You’re Actually Giving Up
When you plead guilty to a wet reckless, you waive your right to fight the DUI charge completely. This means you’re accepting a criminal conviction instead of potentially having the case dismissed. You also give up the chance to challenge evidence that might be inadmissible. Police officers make mistakes during traffic stops and arrests. Breathalyzer machines malfunction. Field sobriety tests are administered incorrectly. By accepting a plea deal, you abandon any opportunity to expose these problems in court. Another significant loss is the ability to argue for a deferred prosecution. Washington offers deferred prosecution programs for first-time DUI offenders that can ultimately result in dismissal of charges. Once you accept a wet reckless plea, that option disappears.
The Priors Problem
Here’s where the wet reckless becomes particularly problematic. If you get arrested for DUI again within seven years, Washington treats your wet reckless conviction as a prior offense. This means you’ll face enhanced penalties as a repeat offender, even though your first conviction was technically for reckless driving. The consequences escalate quickly. A second DUI within seven years brings mandatory minimum jail time, longer license suspensions, and higher fines. Working with a Bellevue repeat DUI offender lawyer becomes even more important when prior convictions are involved.
Professional And Personal Consequences
A reckless driving conviction still shows up on background checks. While it might look better than a DUI to some employers, others view any alcohol-related offense skeptically. Certain professional licenses require disclosure of criminal convictions and reckless driving counts. Insurance companies also respond to wet reckless convictions. Your rates will likely increase, sometimes dramatically. Some insurers treat wet reckless similarly to DUI when calculating premiums.
When A Plea Deal Makes Sense
Sometimes accepting a wet reckless is the right strategic choice. If the evidence against you is strong and a DUI conviction seems likely, reducing the charge can minimize damage. The penalties are genuinely less severe than a full DUI conviction, but this decision requires careful analysis of your specific situation. The strength of the prosecution’s case, your driving record, and your professional circumstances all factor into whether the trade-off makes sense.
Making An Informed Decision
Before accepting any plea deal, you should understand exactly what you’re admitting to and what rights you’re waiving. The attorneys at Eastside DUI can review the evidence in your case, identify potential defenses, and help you weigh the real costs and benefits of different options. The goal is to make a decision based on complete information rather than short-term relief.
