Prosecutors in the Tampa area often offer to lower DUI charges to Reckless Driving charges if no personal or property damage occurs. Because every DUI case is unique, consulting with a DUI attorney will help guide you through your options when deciding to make a Reckless Driving plea deal. Youโll avoid conviction for alcohol-related driving charges by pleading guilty to Reckless Driving.ย
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What Happens When I Plead Guilty to Reckless Driving?ย
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The penalties include:ย ย
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- The addition of four points to your Florida driverโs license. However, you may avoid points if the court permits the withholding of adjudication on the Reckless Driving charge.ย
- A maximum of 90 days in county jail and $500 fine if this is your first reckless driving conviction.ย
- If you have a prior Reckless Driving conviction, the maximum penalty for a second offense is six months in county jail and/or a $1,000 fine.ย
- If property damage occurred, the crime could be charged as a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail.ย
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Whatโs the Upside of Pleading Guilty to Reckless Driving?ย
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By pleading guilty to a Reckless Driving charge, you will not be convicted of any alcohol-related driving charge. There will likely be no additional court-ordered driverโs license suspension. A Reckless Driving plea can also be sealed from your record. This allows your mugshot to be removed from the Sheriffโs Office website.ย ย
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The court is not required to enforceโฏDUI school, community service hours, or any other requirements mandated under Florida law. Additionally, a Reckless Driving plea typically will not cause increases in auto insurance rates.ย ย
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How Do Prosecutors Decide When to Reduce a DUI to Reckless Driving?ย
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When reviewing a DUI file, prosecutors generally weigh whether a guilty verdict will likely be obtained at trial. Other factors considered include:ย
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- A defendant has no previous recordย ย
- A defendant completed DUI school or voluntary sanction such as an ignition interlock deviceย
- An officer reported that the defendant was cooperative during the DUI investigationย
- Concerns about breath test reading accuracyย
- Concerns about the legality of the traffic stop, detention, or arrestย
- Concerns about refusing to submit to testingย
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What are the Penalties for a โWetโ Reckless Conviction?ย
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In some Florida cases, the judge can require the defendant to complete evaluation and educational courses if the court has reasonable cause to believe that drugs and/or alcohol contributed to the offense. Failure to comply with the required DUIโฏcounseling after a Reckless Driving plea may result in your Florida driverโs license suspension.ย
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Additionally, the driver must take a four-hour basic driver improvement course within 90 days. However, if the court withholds judgment on the reckless driving charge, the driver will not be required to take the course.ย
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Learn More> Debunked: Florida DUI Myths & Factsย ย
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How Long Does a Reckless Driving Charge Stay on Your Record?ย
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Much like a DUI charge in Florida, a reckless driving charge will stay on your record for 75 years. The main difference to note between a DUI charge and Reckless Driving is that Reckless Driving charges can be expunged.ย ย
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Expungement and sealing are only available to you if you have been charged with Reckless Driving by not convicted.ย ย
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Get Help From a Veteran Tampa DUI Attorneyย
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It can be challenging to prove Reckless Driving under Florida law but beneficial in resolving a DUI case. Thatโs why you need an experienced Tampa DUI attorney. Stechschulte Nell Law can help you defend DUI charges as well as help negotiate a plea deal of reckless driving in exchange for reduced charges and penalties.ย ย
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ContactโฏStechschulteโฏNell Lawโฏas soon as possible after your DUI arrest to learn more about your options when arrested for a DUI.ย
