Reckless driving in Florida is described in the state as operating a motor vehicle with deliberate and willful disregard for the safety of others. Fleeing a law enforcement officer is considered a Felony. Reckless driving can involve, for example, grossly excessive speed, tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic or failure to yield.
What Is The Difference Between A “Dry Reckless” And A “Wet Reckless” Driving Offense?
A reckless driving charge can be considered either “Dry” or “Wet” according to whether or not DUI is involved. A wet reckless, as opposed to a dry reckless, occurs when a driver operates a motor vehicle recklessly while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, but is not impaired at a level that can be considered DUI. The charge, which carries a lesser penalty, generally results when a DUI is pled down to a wet reckless, which is considered a misdemeanor offense.
Also read DUI First Offense
How Do Consequences For A DUI Offense Compared To A Wet Reckless Charge?
First Time DUI Offense Penalties may include:
- Up to a $1000.00 fine
- Up to 6 months in jail
- Up to 1 year revocation of driver’s license
- Required completion of a substance abuse education program and evaluation in conjunction with administrative and license reinstatement fees
- Community service
Wet Reckless Offense Penalties may include:
- Up to a $500.00 fine
- Up to 90 days in jail
- Probation
- Community service
- Required completion of a substance abuse education program and evaluation in conjunction with administrative and license reinstatement fees
These are some, but not necessarily all, of the possible penalties for a “wet” reckless. An attorney experienced in the Florida Traffic Court System knows how to go about getting a DUI reduced to a wet reckless. This could be a much preferred outcome for a number of reasons.
Also read: What Happens If You Are Pulled Over for Driving Under the Influence
Consider that a DUI can remain on your record and affect your future in many ways:
- You are subject to significantly higher insurance rates or outright cancellation of your insurance
- You could have difficulty in keeping or finding employment
- You could have problems trying to rent a place to live
- You could find it difficult to obtain a professional license
- You could find it hard to get a student loan
These are just some of the long term impacts that could affect your quality of life for years to come if you are convicted of DUI.
Also read DUI Second Offense & Multiple Offenses
If you are worried about a DUI, call the DUI Division of The Ticket Clinic now at 1-800-625-5232 for a free consultation to find out how you may get your DUI Offense reduced to a lesser charge or possibly dropped entirely. Our Florida DUI lawyers have been handling DUI related cases in the Florida Criminal Court System since 1987.