Reducing a DUI to Reckless Driving

Reduce Your Charge with a Capable DUI Defense Lawyer in Athens

If you were arrested for driving under the influence (DUI), there may be a way to avoid a conviction for this offense without going through an expensive trial. Depending on the circumstances of your drunk-driving incident, negotiating a plea bargain with the prosecution to reduce the charge to reckless driving could be possible. The prosecution will almost always push for harsher charges if you do not have adequate defense. Work with an experienced Athens DUI defense attorney for help fighting the charge.

Find out what you can do to reduce your charge by calling (706) 705-5122. Our firm works with clients to help come up with affordable payment plans.

DUI vs. Reckless Driving

Why would someone choose to plead guilty to reckless driving instead of going to trial to fight the DUI offense? There may be several reasons for this. The first is that reckless driving does not carry the stigma associated with drunk driving—which means your future employment opportunities won’t be impacted by a DUI conviction.

The penalties for reckless driving are also far less than those for a DUI conviction. For a first-time DUI offense, you could face 24 hours behind bars, up to $1,000 in fines, 40 hours of community service, mandatory completion of alcohol education courses and a 120-day license suspension. The sentence for a reckless driving conviction, on the other hand, typically consists of a fine of up to $1,000. No jail time, no community service and no license suspension.

Contact Our Firm for Advice

As an experienced Athens DUI lawyer, Lee Webb is familiar with the prosecutors in the Athens-Clarke County court system. If he believes that reducing your charge from a DUI to reckless driving offense could be beneficial, he can work with the state to negotiate a deal.

Call (706) 705-5122 to start discussing a plan of action for reducing your DUI to reckless driving.