If you've been arrested for a DUI in California, you may be concerned about the consequences. In California, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is punishable by thousands of dollars in penalties, lengthy terms of probation and DUI education requirements, and, in some circumstances, jail time. The California DMV can suspend your license even before you are convicted.

Fortunately, you have numerous choices for reducing your DUI charges in California. While you will eventually have to make difficult decisions for yourself, a California DUI lawyer can assist you understand your options. Contact us to learn more and be connected with an experienced DUI attorney for free.

California Sentence Reduction

A DUI charge in California carries severe penalties. A DUI conviction can result in imprisonment for up to six months for a first offence and up to a year for subsequent DUI offences. A DUI can result in up to five years of probation and up to 30 months of required DUI education programs.

However, California law gives judges some leeway in punishment. For a first-time DUI offence, a court may sentence you to as little as two days in jail. For some criminals, the judge may waive the entire jail term in exchange for probation and 12 hours of DUI education programs. Your DUI attorney can negotiate a sentence reduction on your behalf. In exchange for pleading guilty, you could avoid a costly trial and obtain a guaranteed, reduced punishment. A reputable California DUI Attorney can assess the facts against you and advise you on if this is your best option.

California Charge Reduction

You may be eligible to plead to a lesser offence instead of a sentence reduction. This is referred to as a fee reduction, and it may be accessible only in particular circumstances. Your prior criminal history, particularly DUI offences, plays a crucial role in your ability to successfully seek a charge reduction.

In California, you can pursue one of two general charge reductions: a wet reckless driving charge or a dry reckless driving charge.

Wet and Careless Driving

Under certain conditions, you may be able to plead to a "wet reckless" driving offence instead of a DUI. This is not a charge that an officer will use to arrest you, but it is available at the discretion of the prosecutor.  If you believe you will undoubtedly be convicted of DUI, a wet reckless charge may be a considerably better option.

A wet careless charge can result in a fine that is one-third of what you would face if convicted of a DUI. Similarly, the maximum jail penalty for wet reckless is 90 days, as compared to one year for multiple DUI offences. Furthermore, a wet reckless charge does not result in a criminal license suspension.

Drunk Driving in the Dry

Some people who were arrested for DUI but had a BAC less than the legal limit of 0.08% may be given a dry reckless driving charge. This offer is often limited to drivers with no prior DUI history. Even if you have an otherwise spotless record, a dry reckless charge can have an impact on your insurance rates.

Contact an Experienced California DUI Lawyer Today!

If you want to get your DUI charges in California reduced or removed entirely, hiring the appropriate DUI attorney is probably your best bet.  If you prefer our experienced lawyers, you may schedule your free consultation using the form on the side of this website.

Don't let the stress of defending a DUI arrest get to you; contact us right away!