California DUI Reduced to Reckless Driving

Reducing Your DUI to Reckless Driving in California

Over the years, penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs (DUI) have increased and become more stringent. Given the social policy behind DUI laws and a “zero tolerance” stance towards drunk driving, courts impose harsher penalties for DUI convictions and the DMV issues longer license suspensions. Prosecutors tend to pursue DUI cases more aggressively. That’s why it’s important to hire an experienced, knowledgeable attorney if you have been arrested and/or charged with DUI in California.

Ernenwein & Mathes, LLP, has experienced Torrance criminal defense lawyers with over 60 combined years of experience defending persons accused of DUI.

Robert Ernenwein is a former Los Angeles deputy district attorney and is certified as a Criminal Law Specialist by the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization. He has been selected for inclusion in California Super Lawyers for several years and has appeared as a legal analyst on multiple cable news programs, including Fox News.

The experience and capabilities that​ the team at Ernenwein & Mathes, LLP, will bring to your DUI defense are unrivaled.

What will happen if I am convicted of a DUI?

If you are convicted of DUI, your likely sentence will depend on a number of factors. These include your blood alcohol level at the time of your arrest, your prior criminal history, and the circumstances surrounding your arrest.

However, in most cases and most courts, the following minimum penalties for a DUI conviction (under Vehicle Code Sections 23152(a) and 23152(b)) apply in a first offense situation:

• Three years of summary (informal) probation
• A fine of approximately $1,800 (this figure includes court fees and mandatory penalty assessments)
• Required attendance at a first offense (AB-541) 36-hour alcohol education program
• 90-day license restriction allowing driving to and from work, in the course of employment, and to and from any alcohol education program
• A MADD program or a supplemental Victims Impact Panel (in some courts)

Remember, the terms of this mandatory minimum sentence only apply if you are actually convicted of a DUI. As your Los Angeles DUI attorney, we will fight to have your charges reduced or the case dismissed. In attempting to achieve the most favorable outcome in your case, we will evaluate all the evidence by carefully examining the following factors:

• Level of impairment of driving, as observed by the arresting officer
• The reason for the stop (did the officer have probable cause to stop your car?)
• Objective symptoms of alcohol intoxication (slurred speech, lack of balance or coordination, bloodshot and watery eyes, odor of alcohol, etc.)
• Performance on field sobriety tests
• Preliminary alcohol screening (PAS) test results, if applicable
• Chemical test results (breath, blood, or urine)
• Any pre-existing medical or physical conditions that could have an impact on the results of the chemical test, PAS test, or field sobriety test

In many cases, we are able to reduce the charge from a DUI to a lesser offense.

What are some of the common reductions in California DUI cases?

As your Los Angeles DUI lawyer, we often will be able to reduce your charge from a DUI to a lesser offense.

Alcohol-related reckless driving (“wet reckless”)

The most common reduction from a first-offense DUI case is a reduction to a violation of Vehicle Code section 23103.5, commonly known as alcohol-related reckless driving. Alcohol-related reckless driving, or what is often referred to as a “wet reckless,” generally involves a significantly reduced fine and a reduced alcohol program. Instead of requiring the lengthy 36-hour AB-541 first offender alcohol education program, conviction under an alcohol-related reckless driving charge requires only a 12-hour alcohol education program. In addition, there is usually no license restriction required by the court.

An alcohol-related reckless driving conviction does, however, carry “priorability.” This means that if a defendant is convicted of another DUI charge within ten years of the alcohol-related reckless driving conviction, then the alcohol-related reckless driving would count as a “prior conviction” as regards the new case. (Vehicle Code Section 23540)

Nonalcohol-related reckless driving (“dry reckless”)

A second (or “level two”) reduction of a DUI charge is known as non-alcohol-related reckless driving, pursuant to Vehicle Code section 23103. In this circumstance, a defendant generally receives a significantly reduced fine and no alcohol education program. In addition, no license restriction is imposed. More importantly, this is a “non-priorable” offense; that is, if the client has another DUI arrest in the future, then a nonalcohol-related reckless driving conviction cannot be considered a “prior” in any future sentence for another DUI case.

Exhibition of speed

A third (or “level three”) reduction of a DUI charge is a violation of Vehicle Code section 23109(c), commonly known as exhibition of speed. Reduction to an exhibition of speed charge generally involves a fine, with no other obligations to the court. Like a nonalcohol-related reckless driving charge, this is a “non-priorable” offense.

Others

Another reduction in DUI cases is to a “two movers” violation, which are infractions, including speeding and lane change violations.

As infractions, these are not criminal offenses and will not appear on your criminal record. This level of reduction would involve only a fine, with no probation. This is also a “non-priorable” offense.

In negotiating your case with a prosecutor, Robert Ernenwein and Michelle Mathes, will either attempt to have the matter dismissed or, alternatively, try to reduce the charges as low as possible. If we cannot obtain a satisfactory result at the pretrial negotiating stage, we are always ready to take your DUI case all the way to jury trial and fight for a full acquittal in the case against you.

How can an experienced attorney defend my DUI case?

Contrary to public opinion, there are countless different approaches to defending a DUI case.

Attacking Allegations of Impaired Driving

Some common explanations for impaired driving include poor road conditions, extreme fatigue, inclement weather, or mechanical problems with your vehicle. In addition, minor violations such as lane weaving, failure to stop for a stop sign, or entry into a crosswalk, are common occurrences and are not necessarily symptomatic of intoxication.

Attacking Allegations of “Objective Symptoms” of Intoxication

In preparing their reports after DUI arrests, police officers will frequently make reference to a person’s clumsy behavior, such as wavering, stumbling, or general confusion. They will also often refer to a person’s slurred speech or reddened, flushed face. All of these so-called “objective symptoms” of intoxication are also common reactions to extremely high-stress situations, such as confronting a police officer. Other symptoms frequently referred to by police officers, such as bloodshot or watery eyes, can be explained by fatigue, by long periods of driving time, or by allergies or airborne pollutants.

The “objective symptom” most frequently referred to by arresting officers, of course, is the powerful odor or smell of alcohol. It is important to remember, however, that alcohol is an odorless substance. When an officer refers to an “alcoholic odor,” he is actually smelling the flavoring of the alcohol, not the alcohol itself. Of all alcoholic beverages, beer usually leaves the strongest odor on a person’s breath, yet it is one of the least intoxicating of alcoholic beverages.

Attacking Field Sobriety Tests

In addition, we can attempt to minimize the evidence relating to your field sobriety test. The analysis of any field sobriety test performance is largely subjective. That is, performance of the field sobriety tests is subject to different interpretations. Remember, police officers are not licensed doctors and are not capable of making a medical analysis.

If you have performed poorly on a field sobriety test, independent medical or physical problems could be the cause. Common examples include eye problems, joint or arthritis problems, preexisting medical injuries, or age and infirmity. Attorney Ernenwein and Michelle Mathes will carefully evaluate the scene where the field sobriety tests were performed. A sloped roadway or sidewalk area or poor lighting conditions can contribute to poor performance on field sobriety tests.

Attacking Breath Test Results

There are also a number of ways in which an experienced DUI attorney can attack chemical test results. Remember, the BAC DataMaster and the Intoximeter EC/IR, the primary evidentiary breath-analyzing devices used in the greater Los Angeles area, are just machines. As machines, breath alcohol testing devices have flaws, and their results should always be suspect. Your car can break down, your computer hard drive can crash, and breath alcohol testing equipment can be faulty.

At Ernenwein & Mathes, LLP, we will never simply assume that blood alcohol chemical test results are accurate. We will thoroughly interview you regarding your medical history and lifestyle to determine whether any foreign substance or pre-existing medical condition may have affected your breath alcohol test results.

In a breath test, all accuracy records, maintenance logs, and usage logs for the machine in question should be carefully evaluated by an experienced professional, to determine whether or not the breath test equipment was in compliance with Title 17 of the Administrative Code. The breath testing device checklist and all materials referenced by the checklist, including the certification and qualifications of the operator must be carefully scrutinized. As experienced Los Angeles DUI attorneys, we will obtain and examine all of these records while preparing a defense for your case.

Attacking Blood Test Results

In cases where a blood test was used to determine your blood alcohol concentration, our lawyers will obtain a court order releasing the actual blood sample used in your case, and that sample will be independently evaluated for preservative level and blood alcohol concentration. Often, independent testing will reveal an insufficient preservative level or a lower blood-alcohol level than was determined by the police laboratory.

In addition, our DUI law firm will examine the “chain of custody” of the blood sample. The “chain of custody” essentially consists of how the blood sample was retrieved by medical personnel and then transported to the laboratory. If there is a “break” in the chain of custody, this may affect the admissibility of the blood test evidence in court. Also, as your attorneys, we will determine who drew your blood sample. Under certain provisions of the California Vehicle Code, only certain qualified personnel can draw a blood sample. If an unqualified person drew your blood, then the results of that blood sample may not be admitted as evidence.

Firm Expertise

At Ernenwein & Mathes, LLP, we regularly employ the expert services of forensic alcohol consultants for assistance in evaluating field sobriety tests and blood and breath testing. In this regard, the firm frequently uses the services of forensic alcohol consultant Dewayne Beckner, a celebrated expert in the field of forensic toxicology with over 30 years of experience in the field. The assistance of an expert forensic alcohol consultant at trial can greatly increase a defendant’s chances for an acquittal.

I refused to take a blood-alcohol test, how will this affect my case?

Refusing a chemical test is a violation of California’s implied consent law of the Department of Motor Vehicles and can have serious ramifications regarding driving privileges. If you refused a chemical test pursuant to a DUI arrest, the DMV will automatically attempt to suspend your driving privilege for a period of one year.

The court may attempt to add additional penalties to any conviction in a “refusal” case, including mandatory jail time. In addition, the prosecution can ask that the refusal of a chemical test be considered by the jury as a “consciousness of guilt.” In other words, they would argue, at trial, that the defendant felt that if he or she had submitted to a chemical test, it would be above a .08%. If you refused to take a breath or blood test, you need an experienced and aggressive DUI attorney to assist you in your case.

Acting as your Los Angeles DUI lawyer, we will utilize our substantial experience in dealing with DUI “refusal” cases. In evaluating a “refusal” case, it is important to remember that one of the primary variables that prosecutors, defense lawyers, courts, and juries consider in DUI cases is totally unavailable. That is, there is no chemical evidence or evidence of actual blood alcohol concentration at the time of driving. This can actually be helpful in raising a reasonable doubt in the case. Attorney Ernenwein can often exploit a “refusal” case. There are some possible affirmative defenses to a refusal, including a failure by police officers to follow proper procedures (such as a failure to administer a complete admonishment, detailing the consequences of a refusal).

Will I have to personally appear in court?

Most driving under the influence cases are charged as misdemeanor offenses. In those cases, we can appear on behalf of the client, pursuant to Penal Code section 977. In fact, if the case is settled prior to trial, he can appear on the client’s behalf even for purposes of the plea. The attorney will inform the client of all necessary terms and conditions of probation, and the client would not ever need to appear before the court. This service can be especially helpful for clients who are already traumatized from the experience of being arrested and want to avoid the further stress of waiting all day in a courtroom and appearing before a judge.

This is my second, third or fourth DUI, how will this affect my sentence?

Many DUI cases are what are commonly referred to as “multiple offender cases.” Multiple offender cases occur when a client has a pending DUI case with a prior conviction of a DUI in the past ten years. While this “priorability” period used to be only seven years, it was changed by the California legislature as of January 1, 2005, and is now a 10-year period. For DUI cases, a “prior conviction” includes both a prior DUI case or a prior alcohol-related reckless driving case. If a person is convicted of a DUI with one prior conviction, or a “2nd-time DUI,” the minimum sentence is as follows:

• 96 hours in custody, in two 48-hour increments
• A fine of approximately $1600
• An SB-38 18-month alcohol education program
• A one-year driver’s license restriction, allowing driving to and from work, in the course of employment, and to and from the alcohol education program
• The possibility of an ignition interlock device, allowing the car to be operated only if the operator blows into a machine that indicates .00% blood-alcohol concentration

This is merely the mandatory minimum sentence, and there are other possible terms and conditions under a second-offender conviction. These can include significantly increased jail time, community service and other additional consequences for a probation violation if the client is still on probation from the previous DUI conviction.

For a third or subsequent DUI conviction, the minimum sentences are as follows:

• At least 120 days in the county jail or, if the prosecution and court give consent, 30 days in the county jail plus a 30-month alcohol program
• A fine of approximately $1600
• A minimum SB-38 18-month alcohol education program, or a 30-month alcohol education program if a defendant opts for a 30-day jail sentence and enters into the 30/30 program
• A three-year license revocation

A fourth DUI conviction within 10 years subjects the defendant to a potential felony sentence with up to three years in state prison.

The increased sentence for a second, third or fourth DUI only applies if you are convicted of the new DUI charges and the prior conviction is included in consideration of your sentence. In any multiple offender case, it is especially important to hire an experienced and aggressive DUI attorney to fight for your rights. Our experienced Los Angeles DUI lawyers will work to have DUI charges reduced or dismissed. We will also work to have prior convictions stricken, which means that they will not be considered in your new sentence.

Evaluating Records of Prior Convictions

Attorneys that defend DUI cases involving prior convictions must carefully evaluate the court records from your previous convictions. In evaluating these court records, we can determine whether or not the prior conviction is constitutional and thus admissible in court. Many times, allegations of prior convictions will fail because the defendant was not properly advised of his or her constitutional rights, or because necessary court documents are missing or were improperly prepared.

In any case involving a prior conviction, we carefully scrutinize the prior conviction or convictions and, if applicable, will file a motion to strike the prior conviction or convictions. In addition, in cases where the client admits to the prior conviction, is convicted of the current offense, and jail time is imposed, we can often arrange for electronic home monitoring (also known as house arrest) or an alternative alcohol or drug program in lieu of custody time.

For decades, Ernenwein & Mathes, LLP, has provided representation for hundreds of individuals charged with DUIs with prior convictions, and its attorneys have obtained hundreds of reduced charges and acquittals.

Have you or someone you know been charged with DUI or any other crime? Contact Ernenwein & Mathes, LLP, Los Angeles and Orange County criminal defense lawyers today at 310-375-5858 for a free case review.

DUI-Related Reductions in Torrance, CA

If you’ve been charged with DUI in California, you could be looking at serious penalties. However, with experienced Torrance DUI attorneys like those at Ernenwein & Mathes, LLP, by your side, some (maybe even all) of the possible penalties can be avoided. Below are some examples of possible reductions that we can achieve in your DUI case.

Wet Reckless

What Is A ‘Wet Reckless’ Charge

A “wet reckless” is not necessarily what it sounds like in that you need not actually have been driving visibly recklessly for the charge to apply. Basically, a wet reckless means that you were reckless in your decision to drive with a blood alcohol concentration of more than .08 ORwhile under the influence of drugs.

Comparing The Penalties For ‘Wet Reckless’ Vs. DUI in California

It is important to bear in mind that a wet reckless charge is still a misdemeanor, and as such, comes with its own list of penalties. However, as rough as those penalties may be, they are still not as bad as the penalties you may be facing with a DUI charge:

First-Time DUI Offender California

*Does not include penalty assessment fees (typically ~$2,000)

Second-/Third-Time DUI Offender California

*Does not include penalty assessment fees (typically ~$2,000)

Aside from the two most notable differences in county jail time and the fine amounts, the differences in probation periods and mandatory license suspension periods make a wet reckless conviction worth pursuing over a DUI conviction.

Does My Case Qualify For Reduction?

There are numerous factors that come into play when determining the likelihood of reducing a DUI charge. The most important factor is whether or not the prosecutor has enough evidence to convict you of the DUI as it stands.

The experienced Torrance DUI lawyers at Ernenwein & Mathes, LLP, will check and double-check the results of your blood or breath sample, and make sure the devices used in the arrest were properly calibrated at the time of your arrest. Furthermore, during our free consultation meeting, we will hear your side of the story starting from the moments leading up to your arrest to make sure that it was legally valid and that all your constitutional rights were respected.

The second most important factor is how close your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is to the legal limit of .08%. Typically, prosecutors are more willing to offer a wet reckless when the defendant is between .08% and .1% — the higher your BAC, the less forgiving the prosecutor.

The third most important factor is whether or not you have an existing criminal record. If you have a clean record with no prior arrests or convictions, the prosecutor is more likely to look favorably upon your case.

Dry Reckless

What Is A ‘Dry Reckless’ Charge?

A dry reckless is another way of saying reckless driving. So what defines reckless driving? According to Vehicle Code §23103, a person is guilty of reckless driving if they drove a vehicle in ”willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.” This basically means that you knew that the manner in which you were driving your vehicle was unsafe, either to other people or their property, and yet you did it anyway.

Comparing The Penalties For ‘Dry Reckless’ Vs. DUI in California

It is important to bear in mind that a dry reckless charge is still a misdemeanor, and as such, comes with its own list of penalties. However, as rough as those penalties may be, they are still not as bad as the penalties you may be facing with a DUI charge:

First-Time DUI Offender California

Second-/Third-Time DUI Offender California

*Does not include penalty assessment fees (typically ~$2,000)

Apart from the two most notable differences in county jail time and the fine amounts, the differences in probation periods, mandatory license suspension periods, and priorability make a dry reckless conviction worth pursuing over a DUI.

For example, a common rule when you are on probation is that you are not allowed to drive with any amount of alcohol in your system. If you were to violate this rule, you will be said to have violated probation, and as a result, may face more jail time and fines, and may even have to restart your entire probation period all over again.

Likewise, having a prior DUI conviction on your record means that a second DUI charge within a 10-year period will result in much harsher penalties than the first time around, such as up to one year in county jail, three to four years of probation, a two-year suspension of your driver’s license, and 18 months of alcohol education classes. If you’re facing a second or third DUI conviction, pleading to a dry reckless is a great alternative.

Another benefit of a dry reckless is that it will not necessarily cause your insurance premium to increase or be canceled. The same cannot be said about a DUI conviction or even a wet reckless.

Does My Case Qualify For Reduction?

There are a number of different factors that come into play when determining the likelihood of reducing your DUI charge, but the most important is whether or not the prosecutor has enough evidence to convict you of the DUI as it stands.

Our skilled attorney will make it a point to check and double-check the results of your blood or breath sample and make sure the devices used were properly calibrated at the time of your arrest. Furthermore, during our free sit-down consultation session, we will hear your side of the story starting from the moments leading up to your arrest to make sure that it was legally valid and that all your constitutional rights were respected.

The second most important factor is how close your blood alcohol content (BAC) is to the legal limit of .08. Typically, prosecutors are more willing to offer a dry reckless when the defendant is between .08% and .1% — the higher your BAC, the less forgiving the prosecutor.

The third most important factor is your criminal record. If you have a clean record with no prior run-ins with the law, the prosecutor is more likely to look favorably upon your case.

Exhibition Of Speed

What Is Exhibition Of Speed?

According to §23109 VC, exhibition of speed is basically the legal term for an illegal street race in which a motor vehicle races against another motor vehicle or even an electronic device such as a clock.

Comparing The Penalties For Exhibition Of Speed Vs. DUI

It is important to bear in mind that an exhibition of speed charge is still a misdemeanor, and as such, comes with its own list of penalties. However, as rough as those penalties may be, they are still only half as bad as the penalties you may be facing with a DUI charge:

First-Time DUI Offender California

*Does not include penalty assessment fees (typically ~$2,000)

Second-/Third-Time DUI Offender California

*Does not include penalty assessment fees (typically ~$2,000)

Apart from the two most notable differences in county jail time and the fine amounts, the differences in probation periods and priorability make an exhibition of speed conviction worth pursuing over a DUI.

For example, a common rule when you are on probation is that you are not allowed to drive with any amount of alcohol in your system. If you were to violate this rule, you will be said to have violated probation, and as a result, may face more jail time and fines, and may even have to restart your entire probation period all over again.

Likewise, having a prior DUI conviction on your record means that a second DUI charge within a 10-year period will result in much harsher penalties than the first time around, such as up to one year in county jail, three to five years of probation, and a two-year suspension of your driver’s license.

Furthermore, there are plenty of other hassles that can be avoided by reducing your DUI charge to an exhibition of speed charge. Some examples include:

• Having your driver’s license suspended
• Having to complete a DUI program
• Having to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle

Does My Case Qualify For Reduction?

There are a number of different factors that come into play when determining the likelihood of reducing your DUI charge, but the most important is whether or not the prosecutor has enough evidence to convict you of the DUI as it stands.

Our skilled attorneys will make it a point to check and double-check the results of your blood or breath sample and make sure the devices used were properly calibrated at the time of your arrest. Furthermore, during our free sit-down consultation session, we will hear your side of the story starting from the moments leading up to your arrest to make sure that it was legally valid and that all your constitutional rights were respected.

How Can Ernenwein & Mathes, LLP, Help?

If you’ve been charged with DUI, the team at Ernenwein & Mathes, LLP, can help. Robert Ernenwein is a former Los Angeles deputy district attorney, and we will utilize his knowledge of how the prosecution views DUI cases and our 60 combined years of experience as criminal defense attorneys to help get your DUI charges reduced.

We know you’re ready to put your past behind you and get your life back on track, and we’re ready to do what needs to be done to make that happen.

Have you or someone you know been charged with DUI or any other crime? Contact Ernenwein & Mathes, LLP, Los Angeles and Orange County criminal defense lawyers, today at 310-375-5858 for a free case review.