A conviction for driving under the influence (DUI) in California can lead to serious penalties. If you are found guilty on DUI charges, you could face:
- Fines
- Jail time
- The suspension of your driver’s license
In some situations, you can limit the severity of a DUI charge by accepting a plea bargain that reduces the charges you are facing. The Simmrin Law Group can help you go over the steps to getting your DUI charges reduced in California right here.
Reducing Your DUI Charges with a Plea Bargain
You may be able to get your DUI charges reduced in California by accepting a plea bargain as offered by the prosecution. Plea bargains are deals that require you to plead guilty in exchange for lessened penalties.
However, you should not just accept the first plea bargain brought to you by prosecutors. Plea bargains often work against your best interests. You should allow a criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles to assess any plea bargain before you accept it.
Your lawyer can work to stand up for your rights if you are interested in accepting a plea bargain. Depending on your situation, there are two major charges you could be offered as part of a DUI plea bargain. We’ll discuss them both now.
Wet Reckless Charges and Plea Bargains
“Wet” reckless charges are defined by California Vehicle Code Section 23103.5. This charge is only used as part of DUI plea bargains in California. If you accept a wet reckless charge as part of a plea bargain, you may still face:
- Fines of up to $1,000
- Jail time of up to 90 days
Additionally, wet reckless charges are priorable. This means that the charge will remain on your criminal record and count against you if you are arrested for a subsequent DUI. For this reason, wet reckless charges are not considered the most desirable charge for a DUI plea bargain.
Dry Reckless Charges and Plea Bargains
A DUI lawyer in Los Angeles may also be able to secure you a dry reckless charge as part of a plea bargain. The penalties for a dry reckless conviction are very similar to those used for wet reckless charges. However, dry reckless charges are not priorable.
Your lawyer can work aggressively to secure you a dry reckless charge when working to get your DUI charges reduced in California.
DUI Charges and Sentencing Reductions
So far, we have discussed your options for reducing DUI charges in California outside of the courtroom. If your DUI case went to court and you were convicted, a lawyer may still be able to get the penalties you are facing reduced.
Judges in California have the ability to reduce your sentence for a DUI conviction. A standard first-time DUI conviction could result in:
- Fines of up to $2,000
- Jail time of up to six months
- License suspension of up to one year
A professional criminal defense lawyer could take steps to secure you a sentencing alternative in place of jail time. Depending upon your situation, a lawyer could get your jail time replaced with:
- House arrest
- Electronic monitoring
- Community service
- Cal-Trans roadside work
- DUI education classes
Generally, you will need to work with a DUI lawyer in order to negotiate for a sentence reduction in Los Angeles.
Fighting a California DUI Charge Head-On
Sometimes, working to get your DUI charges reduced is your best option following a DUI arrest. This isn’t always the case. Depending upon your situation, a legal professional could advise you to fight a DUI charge aggressively.
A criminal defense lawyer might even be able to get your DUI charges dismissed. If you were stopped by a law enforcement officer without probable cause, your charges could be thrown out. In this situation, you will not face any fines, jail time, or the loss of your license.
Your DUI lawyer can also work to bring you a courtroom verdict in your favor. If you are found not guilty of a DUI you can move forward with your life without worrying about legal penalties.
Speak to a DUI Lawyer in Los Angeles Now
The professionals at the Simmrin Law Group can help you take on DUI charges in Los Angeles. We may be able to help you get your DUI charges reduced in California. Our team of DUI lawyers can also work to get your charges dismissed outright.
Let us start working on your defense right now. Contact us by filling out our online contact form or calling (310) 896-2723. Get a FREE initial case evaluation for criminal defense lawyers in Los Angeles right now.