DUI/DWI — “Wet Reckless” Charge in Maryland

A “wet reckless” charge in Maryland is not actually a criminal charge related to driving under the influence (“DUI”) of alcohol. It is a criminal law “term of art” where your Maryland criminal defense lawyer is able to negotiate a plea bargain with the prosecuting attorneys that avoids a potential DUI conviction and all of the worst potential consequences. One reason to hire seasoned and skilled Maryland criminal defense attorneys is to have an advocate who has knowledge of plea bargain options like “wet reckless” convictions. If you have been arrested for DUI/DWI in Charles County or Prince George’s County, MD, call us here at the Law Office of Robert Castro at (301) 870-1200. We are top-rated and experienced DUI/DWI lawyers in Charles and Prince George’s Counties and are available around the clock, 24/7. We have offices in Waldorf, Maryland.

How a “wet reckless” conviction works

Essentially, through the process of plea bargaining, the accused agrees to plead guilty to reckless driving involving alcohol in exchange for having any DUI-related charges dropped (or, more accurately, reduced). For the accused, this is a “good” bargain since a DUI conviction can result in jail time, serious fines, and suspension of one’s driver’s license. There are also insurance consequences (although those may not be wholly avoided even with a wet reckless guilty plea).

Maryland prosecuting attorneys may offer a wet reckless plea in any situation. However, the offer tends to be limited to situations where:

• The accused has no other arrests or convictions
• The traffic incident involved no accidents, injuries, or property damage
• The accused’s blood alcohol level was just at or above the minimum levels for DUI charges
• There was no adverse incident during the arrest (such as resisting arrest, etc.)

Comparing possible punishments

As noted, if it can be negotiated, a wet reckless conviction is a “good” bargain. To compare the potential punishments, pleading guilty to reckless driving results in a fine between $510 and $1,000 and six points added to your driving record (where eight or more points result in a suspended driver’s license). It may also be difficult to buy auto insurance, and it will certainly cost a great deal more.

By contrast, for a first-time DUI conviction, the punishments can include up to one year in jail, up to $1,000 in fines, 12 points added to your driving record, a suspended license for at least six months, and likely, mandatory attendance ordered at a substance/alcohol abuse program. Because the charge is reckless driving, your insurance rates will increase.

What is a plea bargain?

In simple terms, “plea bargain” is a criminal law term for negotiations between criminal defense attorneys and prosecuting attorneys. “To” plea bargain is to engage in the negotiations, while “a” plea bargain is the resulting agreement. The criminal defense team is generally agreeing to have their client plead guilty to one or more charges while the prosecuting attorneys agree to reduce charges, dismiss charges, or recommend agreed-upon sentencing to the judge handling the case. Prosecuting attorneys are willing to engage in plea bargaining because it guarantees a conviction and “clears their caseload.” Criminal defendants are willing to engage in plea bargaining to obtain less jail time or other lesser punishments.

Contact Waldorf, Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer Robert Castro Today

This article has been provided by the Law Office of Robert Castro. For more information or questions, contact our office to speak to an experienced Maryland criminal defense lawyer at (301) 870-1200. We are Waldorf, MD, Criminal Defense lawyers. Our address is