California DUI Charge Reduced

If you have been arrested and charged with driving under the influence (DUI) in California, not all is lost. In some cases, you may have your California DUI charge reduced to reckless driving. While there are penalties associated with a reckless driving charge, they are far less than you would face if convicted of drunk driving.

The penalties for DUI in California include loss of driving privileges, fines, community service, alcohol education classes, and even jail time. Someone with a DUI on his or her record may also have more difficulty finding future employment or obtaining auto insurance.

As noted above, the penalties for a reckless driving charge are not as severe as for a DUI.  Depending on your case, you may only be sentenced to probation or a fine. This fine is typically much lower than for a drinking and driving conviction. The likelihood of your insurance company dropping your coverage or raising your rates for a reckless driving charge is also minimized.

While having your DUI reduced to a reckless drive may sound appealing, it is not an option for everyone. Typically, this type of plea bargain is limited to first-time offenders who agree to attend an alcohol education class and pay a fine. The prosecutor must also agree to have your DUI charge reduced—the judge does not have the authority to reduce your charge.

An experienced DUI defense attorney may be able to negotiate with the prosecutor to have your charges reduced to reckless driving. It is important to hire an attorney who is familiar with California’s drunk-driving laws, as he or she will be more experienced with this negotiation process.

Depending on the circumstances, it may be better to take your case to trial then to settle for a reduced charge. This is especially true when the prosecution’s case is weak, or when there is strong evidence that can be used on your behalf. Your attorney will assist you in determining which option to pursue.

Determined San Diego DUI lawyers are focused on helping citizens who have been accused of driving under the influence. Contact an attorney today to discuss how to have your California DUI charge reduced.