Are you being charged with a DUI in Redwood City, CA? You may qualify for a wet reckless plea agreement. Contact Ahmed & Sukaram, DUI and Criminal Defense Attorneys, at (650) 299-0500 for help understanding your rights. Our Redwood City wet reckless lawyers can help you explore your legal options. Contact our team today.
Our legal team has over 30 years of combined experience handling criminal cases. We understand how DUI cases are prosecuted in San Mateo County and know how to negotiate effectively for reduced charges.
Why Choose Ahmed & Sukaram to Handle My DUI Case in Redwood City, CA?
Facing a DUI charge in Redwood City, California, can be intimidating. However, an experienced Redwood City criminal defense attorney can protect your rights and explore options for reducing the charges against you.
Here’s why clients trust Ahmed & Sukaram with their criminal matters:
- 30+ Years of combined experience: Our attorneys have defended thousands of clients in DUI and criminal cases.
- Positive outcomes in defending DUI cases: We have successfully negotiated numerous DUI charges down to wet reckless, helping many clients avoid mandatory jail time, license suspension, and other penalties.
- Trial-tested representation: We have successfully defended over 50 trials.
- Recognition from the legal community: We’ve been recognized by The National Trial Lawyers, Super Lawyers, and others for our outstanding results.
Contact us today to schedule a case review with a Redwood City DUI attorney. We’re here to stand by you.
What Is a Wet Reckless in California?
Depending on the facts of your case, it may be possible to reduce your charges to a wet reckless, a lesser offense with significantly lighter penalties.
A wet reckless is a term used to describe a plea deal offered in some DUI cases. It describes a conviction for reckless driving that involves the use of alcohol or drugs (see California Vehicle Code § 23103.5).
This plea deal is typically offered in cases where the evidence against the defendant is weak or where mitigating circumstances make a full prosecution for DUI less likely.
A wet reckless may be an option if:
- Your BAC was close to the legal limit (0.08%).
- There were no accidents or injuries.
- You have no prior DUI convictions.
- There were issues with the evidence, including improper police procedures.
This charge still counts as an alcohol-related offense and will appear on your criminal record, but it carries fewer penalties than a DUI conviction.
What Are the Penalties for Wet Reckless in Redwood City?
When compared to a standard DUI conviction in California, a wet reckless offers considerably fewer penalties. The section below compares the basic penalties for wet reckless versus a DUI.
A first wet reckless charge comes with:
- Up to 90 days in jail
- Probation for one to two years (typically)
- No mandatory license suspension, although the DMV may still choose to do so
DUI charges can carry:
- Up to six months in jail for a first offense
- Between three and five years of probation
- Automatic license suspension by the DMV (six months to three years, depending on prior offenses)
DUI probation conditions for both offenses may include alcohol education classes, community service, and a requirement to abstain from alcohol and drug use. Violating probation can result in jail time or extended probation terms.
Avoiding mandatory license suspension is one of the biggest reasons individuals seek a reduction to a wet reckless.
Defending Against DUI Charges
If you’re facing a DUI charge in Redwood City, a wet reckless plea may be possible. Here are some common defenses our attorneys use to negotiate for reduced charges and penalties for DUI charges.
Illegal Stop or Search
If law enforcement didn’t have probable cause to stop you or search you, we may file a motion to suppress evidence. This could weaken the prosecution’s case and lead to dismissal or reduction of charges.
Inaccurate BAC Readings
Breathalyzers and blood tests can be error-prone. We can challenge test results, testing equipment, or the qualifications of the person administering the test.
No Proof of Driving
In some DUI cases, especially when the driver wasn’t observed in motion, we may be able to argue that the prosecution cannot prove you were actually driving under the influence.
Every case is different. At Ahmed & Sukaram, we will tailor our defense strategies to the unique facts and circumstances of your arrest. Our goal is to help you avoid the worst consequences associated with the charges.
Schedule a Consultation With a Redwood City Wet Reckless Lawyer
The consequences of a DUI conviction can follow you for years. If you’ve been arrested for DUI in Redwood City, you may be able to reduce your charges to a more favorable wet reckless charge.
Ahmed & Sukaram can help you understand your legal options and fight for the best result possible in your case. We have decades of experience defending against DUI charges and have successfully resolved numerous cases for our clients.
Call us today to schedule a consultation with a Redwood City wet reckless attorney.