Wet reckless in Texas refers to a plea bargain that may be offered to some people who are facing driving while intoxicated (DWI) charges. You cannot be charged with “wet reckless,” rather, it is a plea deal the prosecution may offer you to plead guilty to the lesser charge of reckless driving. Wet reckless is a misdemeanor, and the maximum penalties are a fine of up to $200 and/or up-to 30 days in jail.
In a wet reckless plea deal, you may be able to avoid mandatory jail time, fees, and loss of your license that DWI convictions typically carry. You are most likely to be offered wet reckless for a first-time offense or if the prosecution has a weak case.
If you are facing a Texas DWI charge, your future is at risk. You may face steep fines, the loss of your driver’s license, and even jail time. A DWI attorney in Texas can help you through these charges and explain your legal options.
The Consequences You May Face After a Texas Driving While Intoxicated Charge
The state of Texas takes DWI charges very seriously. Texas law outlines mandatory penalties based on the number of past offenses and the driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC). One of the major benefits of wet reckless in Texas charges is that they can help you avoid these mandatory fines and prevent jail time.
Here are the consequences you may face if you are convicted of DWI in Texas.
First DWI Offense
- Between 3 days to 90 days in jail
- Up to $2,000 in fines (or higher for higher BAC)
- Suspension of driver’s license for 90 to 365 days
Second DWI Offense
- Between 30 to 365 days in jail
- Up to $4,000 in fines
- Suspension of driver’s license for 180 days to 2 years
Third DWI Offense
- Up to 10 years in jail
- Fines of up to $10,000
- Suspension of driver’s license for up to 2 years
It is important to note that a wet reckless charge in Texas may be considered a prior offense for up to 10 years. If you are charged with a DWI a second time, you may still face the required second offense penalties. A DWI attorney in the state of Texas can explain how this may impact your specific case.
Benefits of a Texas Wet Reckless
If you are offered a plea bargain of wet reckless in Texas, there can be several benefits to accepting the offer, including:
- Avoiding jail time
- Avoiding mandatory DWI sentences
- Lower fines
- Retaining your driving privileges
- Shorter probation period
There are also several drawbacks to accepting this plea bargain. If you are convicted of wet reckless, you may still be required to attend driving classes and may receive points on your license. However, in most cases, a wet reckless charge offers far more benefits than drawbacks.
Before agreeing to a plea deal, we recommend speaking with a Texas DWI attorney who can explain the benefits and evaluate the likely outcome of accepting or denying the plea bargain based on the benefits of your case.
Contact a Texas DWI Attorney Today to Discuss Your Case
The consequences of a DWI in Texas are severe. If you are facing these charges, your future, including your ability to drive or find a job, could be impaired. For this reason, we highly recommend working with an attorney who can review the specific details of your DWI case and recommend the best course of action.
The team at the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg is committed to protecting the rights of all our clients. If you are facing a DWI, whether you have been offered a plea bargain of wet reckless in Texas, our team can help you navigate the legal process.
Depending on the details of your DWI case, we may mount a DWI defense or work to lower the charges you are facing. As a former prosecutor and state district judge, attorney Randall B. Isenberg has a unique legal perspective of the legal process.
For a free case review of your DWI case, call our team today at (214) 696-9253. Our team will fight to protect your future.
