San Jose Wet Reckless Attorney
Being arrested for driving under the influence in San Jose, CA, can be an incredibly distressing and confusing experience. The legal complexities that follow such an incident are capable of overwhelming anyone – especially without the support of proper professional guidance from a criminal defense attorney.
This is where Ahmed & Sukaram, Attorneys at Law can step in to help. We may be able to get your charges reduced to a wet reckless, carrying less severe consequences than a DUI. Our San Jose wet reckless lawyers have 30 years of combined experience and know how to handle these types of cases effectively.
If you need help after an arrest, contact our criminal defense law firm today at (408) 217-8818 to schedule a free consultation.
How Ahmed & Sukaram, Attorneys at Law Can Help if You’re Facing DUI Charges in San Jose
If you’ve been arrested for a DUI-related charge in San Jose, California, it’s critical that you hire a defense attorney as soon as possible. At Ahmed & Sukaram, Attorneys at Law, our San Jose DUI attorneys have successfully helped our clients with thousands of criminal cases.
Here’s how we can help you:
DUI Defense Strategy
Our attorneys can develop a thorough defense strategy, potentially challenging the legality of the traffic stop or the accuracy of your breathalyzer test results.
Plea Negotiations
Plea negotiations can be key to reducing charges from DUI down to a wet reckless. We have experience working with local prosecutors and will do whatever it takes to try to get you the best outcome possible.
Navigating DMV Proceedings
If your driving privilege is at risk after receiving a DUI or wet reckless charge, our attorneys can represent you in DMV hearings concerning a driver’s license suspension.
Navigating the aftermath of an arrest doesn’t have to be a journey you take alone. If you need help with a DUI or wet reckless charge in the area, contact us today to set up your free case review.
Overview of Wet Reckless in California
A “wet reckless” is a term used to describe a unique plea agreement that may be available to individuals charged with driving under the influence (DUI). While being accused of DUI can often result in severe penalties, some defendants might have the opportunity to reduce their charges and penalties through this option.
Whether or not a “wet reckless” plea bargain is available to you largely depends on the specifics of your case. Several factors come into consideration, including the nature of your DUI charge, your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at the time of arrest, and any prior history with similar offenses.
This option can be applicable in both alcohol- and drug-related DUI cases.
What Are the Penalties for a Wet Reckless in San Jose, California?
When learning about the penalties for a wet reckless, it’s helpful to compare them to DUI penalties.
Jail Time
The penalties for a first-time DUI conviction can be quite severe, with up to 6 months of jail time for a first offense and potentially 1 year in jail for any subsequent offenses.
Conversely, if you’re able to resolve your case with a wet reckless plea bargain, the maximum jail sentence drops significantly to just 90 days.
A second DUI conviction will also lead to a mandatory jail term of 90 days, whereas a second wet reckless conviction only leads to a 5-day mandatory jail sentence.
Probation
Probation offers an alternative to jail time (or is given in addition to jail) and comes with conditions, which could include mandatory counseling, restitution payments, and performing community service. Importantly for both DUI and wet reckless probation terms, you’re also required to abstain from drugs and alcohol.
A violation of your probation terms can lead to further penalties, including a potential jail sentence or extension of the probation period.
A DUI conviction can lead to 3 to 5 years of probation, while a wet reckless leads to 1 to 2 years of probation.
Driver’s License Suspension
Loss of driving privileges is a common consequence associated with DUI and wet reckless convictions in California.
A first-time DUI offender may face a license suspension for six months. For second and third offenses, the revocation period jumps significantly to 2 years and 3 years, respectively.
Conversely, individuals convicted of wet reckless do not face an automatic license revocation. Instead, it is left up to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) on whether any punitive measures should be imposed.
What Defenses Can Be Raised if I’m Arrested for DUI in San Jose?
If you’re faced with DUI or other similar charges, an experienced attorney can help build defenses, such as:
Motion To Suppress
This legal procedure aims to have certain evidence excluded from the trial if it was obtained unlawfully or in violation of your rights. This can significantly weaken a case against you.
Contesting Intoxication
Your attorney can work to challenge the validity of breathalyzer results, blood tests, or field sobriety results that were used as proof of your alleged intoxication at the time of arrest.
Not Driving
If you weren’t actually operating a vehicle when arrested, it might be possible to contest these charges. This can be done by providing witness testimony or even video footage if available.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation With Our San Jose Wet Reckless Attorneys
Navigating the complexities of both DUI and wet reckless charges can be overwhelming without professional guidance. If you find yourself in either situation, don’t try to handle it alone.
Our lawyers can help. We bring specialized knowledge and dedication to every case we take on and understand that every situation is unique.
If you need help with a related charge in San Jose, California, Contact Ahmed & Sukaram, Attorneys at Law, today at (408) 217-8818 to schedule a free consultation with a San Jose wet reckless lawyer.