Burbank DUI Reduced Charges

Burbank DUI AttorneyBurbank DUI Reduced Charges

In certain circumstances, a defendant who has been charged with driving under the influence in Burbank will be able to resolve their matter by agreeing to plead to a reduced DUI charge that would take into account the seriousness of the situation but would ultimately prevent the defendant from having a DUI on his or her record. In some cases, the Burbank City Attorney may recognize that the case may have problems or that there are other valid reasons to agree to a reduced charged. The following offenses include some of the more typical Burbank reduced charges that one encounters:

Wet Reckless in Burbank – California Vehicle Code Section 23103/23103.5 VC

The reduced charge that is most frequently offered by the Burbank City Attorney’s Office is reckless driving involving alcohol, commonly referred to as wet “reckless,” under California Vehicle Code Section 23103/23103.5 VC. There may be cases where the defendant had a BAC that was close to the legal limit and was not observed driving in a way that ostensibly put others at risk. In these cases, the Burbank City Attorney may be willing to reduce a DUI to a wet reckless.

A conviction for wet reckless is first and foremost not a DUI conviction and the defendant would be able to honestly state that he or she was never convicted of DUI if asked on an application for employment or during a job interview. The DMV does not suspend the defendant’s driving privileges as the result of a wet reckless conviction and the defendant would not have to comply with the Ignition Interlock Device (“IID”) requirement placed on those convicted of DUI. It is important to remember that those convicted of wet reckless may still lose their driving privileges as the result of the administrative license suspension regardless of what happens in court.

The Burbank DUI penalties associated with wet reckless convictions can be less onerous than those associated with DUI convictions. The defendant may only be required to attend a 12-hour alcohol education class as opposed to the three month class and may not pay as much in court fines, fees and assessments.

If the defendant was ever charged with a subsequent DUI offense, a previous conviction for wet reckless could be used to enhance the new offense. Thus, the subsequent offense would be considered a second DUI even though the first conviction was only for wet reckless. This would be true even if the defendant were to have the previous wet reckless conviction expunged via a California Penal Code Section 1203.4 PC motion.

Dry Reckless in Burbank – California Vehicle Code Section 23103 VC

In certain cases, the Burbank City Attorney may get rid of the alcohol allegation and allow the defendant to plead to reckless driving under California Vehicle Code Section 23103 VC, also known as “dry reckless.” A dry reckless conviction would not trigger any mandatory DMV suspension and could not be used to enhance future DUI offenses. Typically, the fines associated with dry reckless are much lower and the defendant would not be expected to complete as many requirements of probation.

Burbank Exhibition of Speed – California Vehicle Code Section 23109(c) VC

Another reduced charge that is sometimes encountered in Burbank is what is known as exhibition of speed (or “speed ex”) under California Vehicle Code Section 23109(c) VC. Speed ex is a misdemeanor offense that does not include any mention of alcohol consumption or intoxication and would not carry mandatory sentencing or driver’s license penalties. While a person convicted of speed ex should expect to have additional points added to his or her driving record, the defendant would typically not have to complete a drug and alcohol education class or complete other standard terms of DUI probation. The defendant would be expected to remain law abiding during the period of probation and would have to abide by DUI conditions, such as not driving with any measurable amount of alcohol and maintaining a valid license and insurance.

If you or a loved one have been charged with a Burbank DUI offense, it is absolutely critical that you go over your case with an experienced Burbank DUI Attorney immediately. Burbank DUI Lawyer Michael Kraut is a former Deputy District Attorney with over 14 years of prosecutorial experience who knows how best to attack DUI charges. In many cases, Mr. Kraut’s dedicated efforts have resulted in DUI charges being reduced or even dismissed entirely.

For more information about Burbank DUI reduced charges, and to schedule your free consultation, contact Burbank DUI Defense Attorney Michael Kraut at the Kraut Criminal & DUI Lawyers located at 2600 West Olive Avenue, 5th Floor, Burbank, CA 91505. Mr. Kraut can be reached 24/7 at 818-563-9810.

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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
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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
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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
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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.