In many states, it's possible for a person who's charged with driving under the influence (DUI) to "plea bargain" for a lesser charge. The term "wet reckless" refers to a plea bargain where a DUI is reduced to a reckless driving charge. New York, however, severely limits plea bargaining in DUI cases. For most New York DUI defendants pleading to a wet reckless isn't an option.
New York has multiple offense classifications for driving under the influence. The restrictions on plea bargaining depend on which offense you're charged with. The offense classifications include:
An aggravated DUI is the most serious of these offenses. Down from there, a DWI, drug-DWAI, and combination-DWAI, all carry approximately the same penalties. And an alcohol-DWAI is the least serious of New York's DUI offenses. (For more information about DWI and DWAI penalties, see New York DWI Laws.)
Generally, defendants charged with a DWI, drug-DWAI, or combination-DWAI, can plea bargain only for one of the DUI offenses. So, for these defendants, the best plea bargain available is for an alcohol-DWAI (the offense that carries the least penalties). Drivers charged with an aggravated DWI face similar restrictions—the charge can be reduced only to a DWI.
However, New York law doesn't prohibit plea bargaining for defendants charged alcohol-DWAIs. In these cases, it might be possible for a criminal defense attorney to negotiate a plea agreement for reckless driving or another lesser charge.
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