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Can I get my DUI dropped to reckless driving?
I’m facing a DUI charge and I’m a nervous wreck about what’s going to happen in court. My lawyer has talked about the possibility of pleading guilty to the lesser charge of reckless driving. Can you get a drunk driving charge reduced to reckless driving?
Mary Cahill · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
I’m so sorry to hear about this! Depending on the circumstance of your arrest, it may be possible to get your DUI dropped to reckless driving. Doing this would involve you accepting what is known as a plea bargain.
The terms of a plea bargain are worked out between your defense lawyer and the prosecutor. The plea bargain will typically include admitting guilt to a lesser charge—in DUI cases, the lesser charge is a form of reckless driving charge called wet reckless.
Your chances of qualifying for a wet reckless plea bargain will depend on if:
- Your blood alcohol content (BAC) was low at the time of your arrest
- This is your first DUI charge
- You don’t have a criminal record
Be advised that most states allow plea bargaining for a DUI—but not all of them. If you caused an accident or injured someone while under the influence, you are unlikely to qualify for a plea bargain and may even face further charges.
Make sure you understand all of the conditions of the deal before agreeing to it. If you choose to accept the plea deal, the judge will then need to approve it. Upon acceptance, you’ll face lighter penalties than if you had been convicted of a DUI.
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