Reducing a DUI to Reckless Driving in Georgia
If you have recently been arrested for driving under the influence in Georgia, there’s still hope! An experienced DUI defense attorney knows the best ways to have your drunk-driving charges minimized, or even dropped.
For example, your defense attorney may be able to have your DUI reduced to a reckless driving charge. You may ask yourself “why is being charged with reckless driving better than a DUI?”
Being convicted of reckless driving doesn’t carry the same social stigma or legal penalties as a DUI conviction. A DUI conviction stays on your criminal record forever. In addition, legal consequences for reckless driving are much lower than the penalties for DUI. Your fines will be lower, and your auto insurance coverage won’t be as adversely affected.
A lesser charge doesn’t carry the same risk of costing you your job or jeopardizing future employment opportunities. Your driver’s license also doesn’t face a mandatory suspension for simple reckless driving.
If you had no other prior DUI convictions on your record, and your current case is reduced to a reckless driving charge, you would be considered a first time offender should you be stopped or charged again at a later date. Not that you will!
You may wonder how your defense attorney can bargain your DUI charge to a reckless driving charge. Despite what many people believe, it doesn’t require a judge’s approval to reduce your charges to a lesser offense. The prosecutor has the authority to amend charges against a defendant.
There are several reasons a prosecutor might agree to minimize your charges. For example, if a DUI case is weak or questionable, the prosecutor may reduce charges rather than face an acquittal at trial. A prosecutor might stipulate that you attend DUI School or pay a fine as part of a plea bargain.
Your attorney can help you determine whether pleading down the charges is in your best interest.
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