What is a Wet Reckless?
A wet reckless is a plea bargain that can be made by someone charged with DWI/DUI. This is essentially a lesser charge acknowledging reckless driving with alcohol present. There are fewer penalties and punishments attached to a wet reckless conviction than a standard DWI.
However, Texas is one of the many states that does not allow the prosecution to offer this plea bargain. The law specifically prohibits the prosecution or judge from reducing a DWI charge to a non-DWI offense, which is what a wet reckless is. That being said, you shouldn’t give up hope if you have been charged with DWI in Houston.
Can my DWI Charges Still be Reduced?
Even though Texas prohibits you from pleading your DWI charge down to a wet reckless, your attorney may still be able to make a deal with prosecutors. How might this happen? While Texas does not allow certain charge bargaining in DWI cases, they do allow sentence bargaining.
In a DWI case, you could be facing the following penalties:
- Thousands of dollars in fines
- License suspension
- Jail or prison time
When the representing lawyer utilizes sentence bargaining, they may be able to secure lesser penalties. However, you are still charged with DWI. For example, you could get the fines or jail time waived in place of agreeing to community service. Additionally, you could limit your license suspension by working out a deal to have an ignition interlock device installed instead, allowing you to continue driving.
If you were charged with drunk driving, you don’t have to fight your charges alone. Even if a conviction seems inevitable, our Houston DWI attorney can work to get your penalties reduced, and your record shielded as much as possible. With over 15 years of experience and time spent as a former chief prosecutor, Attorney Martinez is highly knowledgeable in understanding how to defend against DWI charges aggressively.
Call a 10.0 Superb rated lawyer who has been rated as a Top DUI Lawyer by H Texas Magazine and Avvo. We are available for a FREE initial consultation online or when you call (713) 489-9773!