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Benefits of a California “Wet Reckless” Conviction vs. DUI Conviction

Here is the quick and dirty difference between being convicted of a “Wet Reckless” verses a DUI in California. First, a straight DUI conviction exposes you to a 6-month county jail sentence. Even if you do not serve that county jail sentence in custody it can still come into play when your probation terms are calculated and also if there is a probation violation. The judge at that point has the discretion to revoke your probation for noncompliance and remand you into county jail to serve out the remainder of your jail sentence which under a “Wet Reckless” plea would only be 90 days’ vs 6-months under a DUI plea. Next, the probation period for a “Wet Reckless” is shorter. This is crucial because being on active probation will show up on employer background checks. There are also reduced fines, no DMV license suspension at the criminal court phase, and finally shorter DUI classes or possibly no DUI classes depending on what is negotiated in your case.

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