Plea Bargain in CA for DUI Charge
When you are facing a driving under the influence charge (DUI) in California you are able to use a plea bargain. A plea bargain can help reduce charges and subsequent sentencing. A defendant will face a lesser charge if they decide to agree to reckless driving under Vehicle Code 23103 VC instead of a guilty DUI charge.
Point blank, there are lesser punishments for reckless driving compared to a DUI, like a shortened probation period. The most significant benefit of pleading guilty to a reckless driving charge is that a defendant’s criminal record is clean of any use of alcohol or drugs while driving. Once this is wiped off the record, a defendant is no longer sentenced to mandatory DUI programs.
In most cases in California, this plea punishment results in up to 90 days in county jail, a fine, and possible points added to their license.
Not every DUI case can be pleaded down to a reckless driving charge. Impending DUI convictions are highly influenced by additional criminal activity. This plea is most commonly offered to defendants who have a blood alcohol concentration close to the 0.08% legal limit.
