What is a “Wet Reckless”?
A “Wet Reckless” (aka “Wet”) is a misdemeanor charged under section 23103.5 of the Vehicle Code. It is a Reckless Driving offense which was found to have involved alcohol. A “Wet” is actually never charged in an original complaint. Instead, it is offered by way of a plea bargain when you have been arrested and charged for a DUI, but where the prosecutor believes that he or she may have some difficulty proving you guilty of the charged DUI offenses.
A wet reckless is essentially driving with some alcohol in your system that does not rise to the level of a DUI. This is a common reduction for first time DUI offenders. The fines, penalties and probation are often less than that of a DUI, but a wet reckless will be considered as “priorable” offense for a seven-year period. Thus, if you get another DUI within seven years of a wet reckless the DUI will count as a second offense.
