Reducing DUI to Reckless Driving WA | Plea Bargain Guide

It is very important to have an attorney by your side whenever you speak to the police about what happened. We’ve written helpful blogs about first-time DUI here and deferred prosecution here. Hiring an attorney serves multiple purposes, and can analyze your best options about your case. Upon doing this, your attorney may be able to find relevant reasons for the case to be dismissed, dropped, or obtain an acquittal. That’s why it’s important that a lawyer must be by your side at all times. However, if he/she found enough facts on your case against you, a lesser charge is something he/she can try to negotiate with the judge/prosecutor.

A skilled DUI lawyer from Soriano Law LLC may be able to help. Do reach us for a free consultation at /360) 249-6174 or email ron@sorianolawllc.com now. Learn why having a DUI lawyer is the best for you here.

Reckless driving or Negligent driving charges?

Under the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 46.61.500, reckless driving is a gross misdemeanor. Under RCW 46.61.5249, you can be charged with negligent driving in the first degree if you operated a vehicle in a manner that was negligent and endangered other people or property, and if you exhibited the effects of having consumed liquor, marijuana, or another drug. Again, both are misdemeanor offenses.

Reckless Driving

Negligent Driving

If found guilty, can go to jail up to 364 days and can be fined up to $5000

If found guilty, can go to jail up to 90 days and can be fined up to $1000

30-day driver’s license suspension and Required to install and use an ignition interlock device (IID)

Does not require a suspension of Driver’s license or installation of an ignition interlock device (IID)

Better than DUI on your record, but has criminal sanctions for gross misdemeanor

Also better than DUI on your record (and possibly to be reduced depending on the amount of alcohol/drugs in you, or whether you caused the accident, etc.

Misdemeanor instead of gross misdemeanor

It is truly a hassle to have a DUI charge in Washington, but with the right attorney and good chances in your case, you may possibly have reduced charges. Call us now on how we can help you in your case. We have compassionate and competent lawyers that have proven experience to assist you!