A DUI charge carries certain legislative imposed, mandatory penalties from which neither the court nor the state can depart. Upon convincing the State Attorney to amend your DUI charge to reckless driving, no mandatory sanctions apply. The legislature has not imposed any requirements when facing a Reckless Driving charge. Therefore, sanctions are negotiable. Traditionally, the State will use the DUI sanctions as a framework to fashion an offer on a Reckless Driving reduction.
Although your sanctions may be similar on a Reckless Driving to a DUI, you will receive many benefits if your charge is amended to Reckless Driving. On many cases, the State’s offer will include DUI sanctions without the 6 month license suspension or the 10 day immobilization of your vehicle.
A Reckless Driving charge does not carry the same stigma as a DUI charge. Many job applications or potential employers will specifically inquire as to whether you have been convicted of a DUI. If your charge is reduced to Reckless Driving, you will not have to face this issue. Further, often your insurance will be severely impacted by a DUI conviction. A Reckless Driving will not carry as harsh of an impact on your insurance rates.