Torrance Dry Reckless Lawyer

Helping the Accused in Los Angeles County and the South Bay

If you’ve been charged with driving under the influence in the state of California, you’re looking at some serious penalties. However, with an experienced attorney by your side, some — maybe even all — of these penalties can be avoided. One method used is to bargain for reduced charges, such as a 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

*Does not include Penalty Assessment fees (typically ~$2,000)

Second/Third Time DUI Offender

*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, fines, and may even have to re-start 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 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.