Reckless Driving Vs. DUI

DUI charges are sometimes reduced to reckless driving.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and reckless driving are serious crimes with different levels of penalties. Reckless driving is at times associated with alcohol and drug-related driving. A reckless driving charge is less serious than a DUI and is often used as a plea-bargained settlement in place of a DUI.

DUI

Driving under the influence involves operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. To be charged with a DUI, the driver's blood alcohol content must reach or exceed the state-mandated minimum limit. Most states consider any reading over 0.08 blood-to-alcohol ratio (BAC) as a DUI.

Reckless Driving

Drivers are charged with reckless driving when they drive in a dangerous manner or show a disregard for the safety of others and property or both. In certain states such as California, drivers are charged with wet reckless driving when they drive in a dangerous manner but do not have a BAC of 0.08 or higher.

Sentencing

Sentencing for DUI and reckless driving charges vary from state to state and are also affected by the severity of the situation, including injury and death. Other possible penalties include expensive fines, driver's license suspension and jail time.

References

• DUI Charges: DUI Vs. Reckless Driving
• Shouse Law Group: Wet Reckless Charges In California DUI Cases
• DUI Consequences: DUI Jail Time