A wet reckless charge sounds like a serious criminal offense. However, a conviction for wet reckless can save you from mandatory jail time because it is not technically considered an OVI.
Contact our DUI attorneys in Dayton to learn how a wet reckless driving charge can provide an attractive alternative to an OVI conviction for many drivers arrested for intoxicated driving.
What Is a Wet Reckless?
If you’re wondering, “What is wet reckless?” you won’t find the term in Ohio law, but “wet” refers to an alcohol-related offense, while “reckless” refers to the reckless operation of a vehicle.
Reckless driving happens when someone disregards the safety of road users. A reckless driver knows the risks of their actions but intentionally dismisses or acts indifferent to them.
Thus, reckless driving happens anytime you drive after consuming alcohol. However, the punishment for reckless driving is less harsh than the punishment for OVI. Therefore, a “wet reckless” is often a good option to plea bargain an OVI charge.
DUI vs. Wet Reckless Charges
A wet reckless in Ohio is less severe than an OVI conviction. What is a wet reckless charge compared to an OVI? Understanding the difference between wet reckless and DUI will help you weigh a plea bargain.
The consequences of a wet and reckless charge depend on your driving record. People with no traffic convictions over the preceding year face:
- A minor misdemeanor conviction
- No jail
- A fine of up to $150
What is a wet and reckless charge punishment with one traffic conviction in the preceding year?
- A fourth-degree misdemeanor conviction
- A jail sentence of up to 30 days
- A fine of up to $250
The reckless operation in Ohio penalty for drivers with two or more traffic convictions in the preceding year includes:
- A third-degree misdemeanor conviction
- A jail sentence of up to 60 days
- A fine of up to $500
Reckless driving also results in four points. Your license is suspended when you accumulate 12 points for violations in Ohio over two years.
However, an OVI is a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,075. Additionally, your license is automatically suspended for one to three years.
Real Case Results: How We Successfully Reduced OVI Charges for Our Clients
Our attorneys have over 50 years of combined experience helping people facing OVI charges. Here are some successful Gounaris Abboud case results.
A client was stopped for OVI with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.127%. The legal limit in Ohio is 0.08%, so the chemical test, by itself, could have been enough for a conviction. We successfully negotiated with the prosecution to reduce the charges to reckless operation, a misdemeanor.
One client was charged with OVI and leaving the scene of an accident. Each of these charges could have resulted in a first-degree misdemeanor conviction and at least one year in jail. We persuaded the prosecution to reduce the charges to reckless operation.
Is a wet reckless a misdemeanor? Yes, we obtained a misdemeanor outcome with no jail time.
A driver who has multiple OVI/DUI offenses faces harsh punishments. Our client was charged with his second OVI in 10 years. We discussed the charges with the prosecution and convinced them to amend the charges to reckless operation with no jail time.
What is wet reckless driving? It is a strategy we have successfully used to obtain positive outcomes for our clients.
Facing an OVI Charge? Talk to an Experienced DUI Attorney Today.
An OVI charge does not need to disrupt your life. An experienced criminal defense attorney from Gounaris Abboud can tailor a strategy to address your charges and obtain a positive outcome.
One possible strategy is to negotiate a plea bargain that reduces your OVI charges to a wet reckless charge. Reach out to our OVI attorneys in Dayton, OH, to learn how we can help you.
