What Is a “Wet Reckless” Charge in California?
Many California drivers may have heard the term “wet reckless” in the context of driving under the influence, but most do not quite understand what it means. The term is confusing because you can’t actually be arrested for “wet reckless.” Instead, prosecutors can offer it as a reduced charge during DUI plea negotiations. It also commonly referred to as alcohol-related reckless driving. Prosecutors will often reduce a DUI charge to wet reckless when: • The driver’s blood alcohol content is close to the legal limit (0.08%); or • The DUI case has other weaknesses. • But the prosecutor still wants to convict the driver of something. A “wet reckless” charge offers several advantages. The driver may avoid license suspension if the DMV hearing is also successful. In addition, it often results in a lesser penalty than a DUI conviction, including lesser fines and jail time. However, it is important to recognize that a “wet reckless” conviction will still count as a prior drunk driving convictio
