Can a Georgia DUI Be Reduced to Reckless Driving?

If you have been charged with driving under the influence (DUI), you face severe fines and penalties in the State of Georgia. The circumstances of every DUI case are unique, but sometimes, the best option is to make a plea deal, which can potentially mean having the charge lowered to reckless driving. Turn to an experienced Forsyth County DUI defense attorney at Banks, Stubbs & McFarland for the trusted legal counsel you are looking for.

DUI Convictions

The consequences of a DUI conviction are considerable. To begin, there are steep fines and harsh penalties, which can include jail time. There is also a mandatory driver’s license suspension, and a conviction is very likely to remain on your record for life. To top things off, you can expect your car insurance to skyrocket and your social standing to take a serious hit. In other words, the fallout from a DUI conviction is best avoided.

Reckless Driving

Reckless driving is a criminal charge in Georgia, but the legal consequences tend to be less severe. While DUI charges are based on having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 percent or higher, reckless driving charges do not require an alcohol component.

Points to Keep in Mind

With an accomplished DUI defense lawyer backing you up, it may be possible to have a DUI charge lowered to reckless driving. And the following benefits can apply as a result:

  • Under the right circumstances, a reckless driving conviction can be expunged from your record.
  • The increase in your car insurance premiums is likely to be less than it would be for a DUI, which could lead to your policy being dropped altogether.
  • The social consequences of a reckless driving conviction tend to be less challenging than they are for a DUI conviction, given the general attitude toward alcohol-related charges.
  • A reckless driving conviction does not carry an automatic license suspension. It will, however, add four points against your driver’s license.

The Process of Lowering a Charge of DUI to Reckless Driving

Having a charge of DUI lowered to reckless driving generally hinges on skilled negotiations with the prosecution. You will look to your capable DUI defense attorney to gather and compile the available evidence into a solid defense that supports productive plea bargaining.

While reckless driving remains a serious charge, it has clear advantages over a DUI conviction that are well worth fighting for.

Consult a Forsyth County DUI Defense Attorney Today

If you’ve been charged with DUI in Forsyth County, the experienced defense lawyers at Banks, Stubbs & McFarland are ready to protect your rights and future. We work tirelessly to pursue the best possible outcome, whether through a reduced charge or another favorable resolution. Call 770-887-1209 or contact us online today for a confidential consultation.