If you’ve been arrested for drunk driving it can result in severe penalties. Not only could you serve jail time, pay expensive fines and get your driver’s licenses suspended, but you could have a DUI on your permanent record. It’s all very daunting but remember with the best criminal defense attorney at your side that you have a right to contest the charges against you.

There are many ways to challenge your OVI charge and a good criminal defense attorney will sift through all the evidence. Perhaps the arresting officer stopped you for an invalid reason or violated your rights when gathering evidence. Maybe there is a question as to whether the equipment used to measure your BAC was properly calibrated and in full working order. In cases where the amount of alcohol found in your system was only borderline illegal, you may even be able to secure a plea bargain for a reckless driving charge, commonly known as “wet reckless”.

A wet reckless plea agreement can keep you out of jail, reduce the fines you are required to pay, and even possible to maintain your driving privileges. A wet reckless usually refers to driving when the amount of alcohol in a person’s system is borderline illegal and there also was not an accident. It is usually agreed upon if the defendant has no prior drunk driving record.

What are the benefits to a wet reckless?

  • The possibility of no jail time – A conviction for a first-time OVI is punishable by a maximum jail sentence of one year. On the other hand, a reckless driving conviction with no prior traffic violations within the past year results in no jail sentence. If you committed one prior traffic violation, the reckless driving conviction is punishable by a jail term of up to 30 days, which is significantly less than an OVI conviction.
  • The possibility of no license suspension – A first-time OVI conviction also means losing your license for up to three years. While judges have the discretion to suspend a driver’s license for reckless driving, they are not required to.
  • Cheaper fines – A first-time OVI conviction can lead to fines of over $1,000, while a reckless driving charge with no prior traffic violation is only punishable by a maximum fine of $100. If you committed one prior traffic violation, the reckless driving conviction results in $250 in fines.

The Bottom Line: If you are arrested for a subsequent drunk driving charge in Ohio, the wet reckless will count as a prior OVI conviction, which means harsher penalties for a second conviction. Other than that, this type of plea deal can help you avoid being sentenced to jail, paying expensive fines, and losing your driver’s license. Most importantly, get an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side immediately.

Call Scott: 513.260.2099