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Los Angeles DUI Charge Reduction Lawyers

Charge Reductions

Anyone who is facing drunk driving charges in California should immediately consult with a skilled Los Angeles DUI defense attorney that has experience handling similar cases. It is important to ensure that your legal rights are protected and that your case is evaluated to see whether it is possible to have your drunk driving charges reduced or dismissed altogether. Lesser drunk driving charges implement fewer restrictions on the current activities of the DUI offender, and have fewer long-term consequences.

If a DUI case is taken to trial and is won, your case will be dismissed. However, if your case is lost, the judge is given discretion regarding how you will be sentenced based upon your charges. A plea bargain is when your case is negotiated between the prosecutor and your lawyer, and based upon the circumstances of your case, your attorney may be able to negotiate a reduced sentence, a reduced charge, or both. The best charge reduction is one that drops the DUI charges to a simple, non-criminal violation; for example, failure to yield. Usually, DUI penalties are avoided, as is having it go on your record.

In most cases, the most commonly reduced charges are "wet" and "dry" reckless. Occasionally "drunk in public," "exhibition of speed," and other traffic infractions can be negotiated as well.

Wet Reckless vs. Dry Reckless

"Wet" reckless refers to an offense that is alcohol-related, while "dry" is used to distinguish the offenses and refers to misdemeanor reckless driving.

Usually, the first DUI reduction a prosecutor will consider is wet reckless, meaning the DUI arrest still involved the use of alcohol and/or drugs. Significant advantages to wet reckless are that offenders are subject to reduced fines, less jail time, and their license is not required to be suspended. In addition, a wet reckless pleading in Los Angeles County will not result in a mandatory installation of an IID (Ignition Interlock Device) or Breathalyzer in one's vehicle. The disadvantage of a wet reckless charge is that it is priorable, meaning if an offender is convicted of drunk driving within 10 years of a conviction for wet reckless, they will be sentenced as a repeat offender.

There are several advantages to a dry reckless conviction, as it is not counted as a DUI on both an offender's driving and criminal record, and it likely will not result in their insurance rates increasing. However, a dry reckless conviction will result in two points on their DMV record, and accumulating enough points within a certain time frame can trigger a DMV Negligent Operator license suspension.

Other DUI Charge Reduction Options in California

There are several other DUI reductions that can be negotiated, though they are less likely to be used. These include "exhibition of speed," "drunk in public," and various moving violations. While these reductions aren't exactly correlated to a DUI, they are used in order to signify to law enforcement officials you were arrested for DUI. If you are convicted of these charges, you will likely be subject to fines, possible jail time, and probation. Points may also be added to your DMV record.

A DUI Defense Strategy You Can Trust

DUI charge reductions aren't offered automatically in every drunk driving case in California, which is why it is imperative you have a skilled attorney fighting on your behalf. A good Los Angeles drunk driving defense lawyer knows how to find weaknesses in a prosecutor's case to have reduced charges offered. The attorneys at Takakjian & Sitkoff, have many years of experience as former DUI prosecutors, as well as experience being instructors to local law enforcement officials for DUI arrest and prosecution procedure. We utilize our extensive knowledge to provide our clients with the skilled legal representation they need for their California DUI case in Los Angeles, Orange or Ventura County. To schedule a free consultation, call 866-790-3030 today.

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