A wet reckless plea bargain usually occurs as an offer from the prosecution to reduce the charges against you from driving while intoxicated (DWI) to reckless driving in exchange for a guilty plea. Knowing when it is possible and negotiating this type of deal can be difficult, but it is worth it in many cases.
Reckless driving is a misdemeanor charge that comes with significantly fewer penalties than a DWI. Some states have a “wet reckless” charge, essentially a reckless driving with the acknowledgment that you were drinking. In Texas, however, a wet reckless plea bargain simply reduces the charge to reckless driving.
Understanding the Benefits of a Wet Reckless Plea Bargain
Some states ban wet reckless plea deals, and the Texas DWI laws make it difficult to get this type of deal. However, if you can get the prosecution to reduce your DWI charge to a lesser offense – including reckless driving – you will face far fewer penalties.
Texas laws take drunk driving seriously. If convicted of a DWI charge, you could face:
- Significant fines.
- A suspension of your driver’s license.
- Time behind bars.
- Community service, mandatory alcohol classes, and more.
Not only will you avoid jail time and other penalties with a wet reckless plea bargain, but this also will not count as a first DWI offense, if you get convicted later on. This is especially important in Texas, where there is no look-back period for DWI. For example, under the no look-back rule, if you get convicted of DWI now and then get arrested for DWI again 20 years later, your possible penalties would be enhanced because of a DWI conviction you got in college. Texas courts can take your entire criminal record into account.
If you face arrest in 20 years for a DWI, your possible penalties could get enhanced because of a DWI conviction you got in college. Texas courts can take your entire criminal record into account.
A Wet Reckless Plea Bargain Is Often the Most Favorable Outcome
What a favorable outcome looks like after a Texas drunk driving arrest can vary greatly based on the facts of your case. However, when prosecutors have a strong case against you, a wet reckless plea bargain may be one of the best-case scenarios for reducing the consequences you face.
Other options include:
Building a Strong Enough Case to Win in Court
Our team can sometimes uncover evidence of a mistake, such as proving the police officer who stopped you did not have a reason to pull you over. In some cases, challenging the blood or breath tests could also work, as well. We can sometimes build a case around a poorly calibrated breath test machine, an officer who did not follow proper testing protocol, or other related issues.
While it is possible to win a DWI case in court, it is difficult and going to court is expensive – much more expensive than the fines associated with a misdemeanor reckless driving charge. It is also time-consuming, and many people just want to get on with their lives.
Reduced Penalties in Exchange for a Guilty Plea
Another option for a more favorable outcome in some cases is that we may be able to get reduced penalties in exchange for a guilty plea. For example, we may be able to negotiate a reduced fine in exchange for community service or community supervision (probation) instead of jail time.
This type of scenario will put a DWI on your record, however, and you will still likely face more significant penalties than those associated with a reckless driving charge.
Let Attorney Randy Isenberg Consider a Wet Reckless Plea Deal in Your Case
Attorney Randy Isenberg and the rest of the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg team can help you fight for a more favorable outcome after your Texas DWI arrest. Randy Isenberg has more than three decades of experience as a drunk driving and criminal defense attorney in Texas. He is also a former prosecutor and state district judge, so he knows how these laws work inside and out.
He can navigate complex laws and situations to aggressively pursue a wet reckless or other plea bargain in your case, if that is the best option based on the circumstances of your arrest. He will review your case and build a defense strategy that offers the best chance at putting this behind you and getting back to your everyday life as soon as possible. For some, that is a wet reckless plea deal.
Talk to a Texas DWI Attorney About Your Arrest and Plea Today
If you face DWI charges in Dallas, Texas, you want an DWI attorney on your side who knows how to fight these charges. Attorney Randy Isenberg and the team from the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg can help you understand the possible outcomes of your case, explain your legal options, and help you pursue the most favorable outcome possible.
Call 214-696-9253 today to get started.
