Georgia DUI to Reckless Driving
Many clients ask if they should try to get their DUI charges reduced to reckless driving? Here are some pros and cons to getting a DUI charge reduced to reckless driving:
PROS
- A reduction to Reckless Driving is technically a win as the DUI charge is dismissed.
- There is no mandatory driver's license suspension with a Reckless Driving conviction, just 4 points on your license.
- There is no mandatory minimum punishments with a Reckless Driving conviction like there are with a DUI conviction.
- The impact on your insurance premiums is greatly reduced with a Reckless Driving conviction.
- A Reckless Driving plea can avoid the stress, additional time, and cost associated with a jury trial.
- Jury trials are inherently risky and a Reckless Driving plea is a sure way to avoid a DUI conviction.
CONS
- A Reckless Driving plea can include probation, community service, expensive fines and often carry the same punishments as a DUI except the DUI moniker on your record.
- A DUI arrest will still be on your criminal history even if your case is reduced to Reckless Driving. Your criminal history will show “arrest: DUI” and “disposition: reduced to reckless driving” in most cases.
- A Reckless Driving conviction will save your regular driving license but can still ruin the career of a commercial truck driver.
Generally speaking a Reckless Driving is a win in a DUI case but not for everyone. Each arrest has to be judged on a case by case basis.