Close

Former Senior LA Prosecutor.
Harvard Law School Educated.
Now Providing an Aggressive Defense For You.

Reduced Charges for DUI in Los Angeles

Los Angeles DUI charges can cause unimaginable amounts of grief and stress in people, especially if they have never been in trouble before. One major concern is that once they have been charged with driving under the influence, people are afraid they have few options other than pleading guilty to DUI. However, with the assistance of top rated Los Angeles DUI defense attorney, you may be able to have DUI charges reduced or even dropped completely. It is important to have representation on very California DUI case since these charges are priorable and can be used to enhance any future arrest and conviction.

Wet Reckless or Dry Reckless

The most commonly reduced DUI charges are for “wet reckless” and “dry reckless” pursuant to California Vehicle Code. A wet reckless is charged as a violation of California Vehicle Code Section 23103/23103.5. A dry reckless is a violation of California Vehicle Code Section 23103.

A “wet reckless” is typically the most common reduction that prosecutors may consider when contemplating reduced DUI liability. The “wet” in “wet reckless” refers to alcohol and as its title implies, the offense covers reckless driving in which alcohol was a factor, but did not rise to the level of Driving Under the Influence of alcohol. The main advantage of a wet reckless charge is that it does not carry the stigma associated with DUI charges. For many people whose occupations prevent them from have a DUI on their record, a wet reckless will not have the same troubling effect.

In addition, the fines under VC 23103 are much lower than those under the DUI statute, there is typically less or no jail time, and there is no court imposed license suspension (NOTE – Even if a DUI is reduced to a wet reckless, the DMV will still issue a license suspension unless the individual successfully challenges the suspension at the administrative hearing). Wet reckless convictions can be used for enhancement purposes. This means that if someone with a wet reckless conviction on their record is charged with a subsequent DUI, they will be treated as if it is their second Los Angeles DUI.

Sometimes a prosecutor will consider a “dry reckless” charge, which is simply reckless driving without the alcohol allegation. The dry reckless is advantageous because it cannot be used for enhancement purposes if you are charged in the future and it will have less impact on insurance premiums and the DMV may not be able to take any negative action against the person’s driver’s license.

Exhibition of Speed or Public Drunkenness Charges

In addition to wet and dry reckless, DUI can sometime be reduced even further. Depending on the circumstance, a prosecutor may consider a “speed ex” or “exhibition of speed” in violation of Vehicle Code Section 23109(c), a public drunkenness charge under Penal Code 647(f) (if there is a problem showing that the defendant was actually driving the vehicle) or various moving violations that may apply.

Because of the variety of “lesser” charges associated with DUI prosecutions, it is imperative that you have a skilled Los Angeles DUI attorney fighting on your behalf. Los Angeles DUI defense lawyer Michael Kraut is a former Deputy District Attorney with the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office who is skilled at identifying the weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and highlighting these weaknesses to explore the possibility of a total dismissal of the charges or a reduction of charges.

For more information about the various defenses for your Los Angeles DUI case, and to schedule your free consultation, contact Michael Kraut at the Kraut Criminal & DUI Lawyers. Mr. Kraut can be reached 24/7 at 888-334-6344 or 323-464-6453.


Client Reviews
★★★★★
Michael Kraut is outstanding! He genuinely cared about my case and instructed my mom and I throughout the entire process. He was very clear on what he needed in order to receive the best results. He kept us updated until the end. I thank him so much for getting my charges rejected. I highly recommend him to anyone with legal needs! Shaquan
★★★★★
I contacted Michael with concern for my personal and business reputation. He was very reassuring and confident the entire time. After about 3 weeks it was determined that no charges were being filed by any agency and I was in the clear of any investigation. One thing that is amazing is just how FAST Michael is at replying to phone calls, texts, and even emails! We are talking under 30 minutes in most cases. That is unheard of for most attorneys! Michael is incredible and not your typical run of the mill attorney. For best results hire him if you feel like you might be under investigation or could face charges. Even if you know you are innocent it is best to take care of the smoke before it becomes a fire. Brad
★★★★★
Michael Kraut is-hands down-the best criminal defense attorney and I can't begin to thank him for all that he did for me and my family. I reached out to him in the middle of the night and less than a couple hours later, he had gotten back to me and scheduled a meeting. He's a no-nonsense attorney who knows how to get the job done! From the second we retained him, I had peace of mind in knowing that we were in the best hands possible. If Michael Kraut couldn't get it done, I knew that it couldn't be done at all. You can't put a price tag on your freedom. He was worth every single penny. Lida
★★★★★
Michael Kraut is an outstanding attorney. He was extremely professional, and straightforward, yet sensitive with my case. I am confident I made the right choice by hiring Michael. I highly recommend him to anyone seeking a truly experienced lawyer. Daniel
★★★★★
Michael Kraut - I cannot thank you enough for all that you did for ​my son. When I came to you I read that you used to be a district attorney but I never knew how much that meant until I watch you in court. I knew it took 3 months but the final day when I heard the judge say that all charges were dismissed it was all worth it! I will always be grateful for all that you did for us. A.N.
Contact Us