A “wet” reckless plea bargain could impact your insurance rates in California. Generally, your rates will increase after you accept wet reckless charges. So, how long does a wet reckless conviction affect your insurance?
Your insurance may remain high until the wet reckless charge comes off of your driver’s record. This might take between seven and ten years. Find out more about how a wet reckless plea bargain can impact your insurance and your life with this article.
Understand Wet Reckless Charges in California
Before we discuss the repercussions of a wet reckless plea bargain, we should get familiar with this charge. Wet reckless accusations are not a stand-alone charge. In fact, wet reckless charges are only offered as part of a plea bargain for driving under the influence (DUI).
The prosecution may offer you a wet reckless deal after your arrest. California Vehicle Code Section 23103.5 handles this charge. Wet reckless charges are very much like the charges used to prosecute reckless driving. However, if you’re charged with wet reckless, California courts will place a note by the conviction that states the charge involved the use of alcohol or drugs.
You must plead guilty to accept a plea bargain, which means that all plea bargains show up as conviction on your criminal record.
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Wet Reckless Charges and Your Driving Record
DUI charges in California are considered priorable, meaning that they remain on your driving record. Generally, these charges stay on your record for 10 years. However, wet reckless charges may show up for seven years in some cases.
There is no way to remove a DUI conviction from your driving record. Each time you are arrested for a subsequent DUI, the penalties you face increase. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) begins the countdown to the removal of your charges from your arrest.
Wet reckless charges count against you if you are accused of another DUI in California. If you’re worried about a subsequent DUI, reach out to a DUI lawyer by calling (310) 997-4688.
Insurance Companies Look at Wet Reckless Charges
Your insurance company considers your driving record each time your policy is renewed. Note that insurance companies are not supposed to increase your rates while your policy is active. However, they may raise your rates:
- Whenever you renew your policy.
- If you make any changes to your policy.
Additionally, sometimes you are required to acquire SR-22 insurance after a DUI conviction. Requesting SR-22 insurance can prompt changes in your rates. Your rate increases last until the conviction comes off of your driving record, which means you could face years of increased insurance rates.
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Safe Driver Discounts and Wet Reckless Charges in California
Your insurance rates will likely go up after you take a wet reckless plea bargain in California. In addition to a general increase, you might also lose discounts on your account. Insurance companies generally take away safe driver discounts after a wet reckless plea, for example.
You may reapply for these discounts after the wet reckless charges come off of your record. However, some insurance companies will refuse to return these discounts. Talk to your insurance agent about the policies of your company.
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Handle Wet Reckless Charges in California
Many drivers consider getting a DUI or wet reckless conviction expunged. Expunging a conviction removes if from your criminal record. It does not take charges off of your driving record, so expungement does not change your insurance rates.
Talk to a lawyer before you accept a wet reckless plea bargain in California. A lawyer can work to bring you a plea bargain that works better for your situation. Sometimes, a lawyer could get you “dry” reckless charges.
A lawyer in California may also work to get your charges dismissed, and your insurance rates should not increase if your DUI charges are dismissed. A lawyer could even support you in court. Find out more about the best way to handle your charges by a law firm in California.
Ask a Lawyer How Long Wet Reckless Charges Affect Your Insurance
How long does a wet reckless charge affect your insurance? Your insurance rates may remain high for up to a decade after a DUI, even if you accept a wet reckless plea bargain. Look into your options to handle a DUI arrest by contacting the Simmrin Law Group. Find out how a DUI lawyer could help by calling (310) 997-4688 or filling out our online contact form.
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