Can I get a DUI charge reduced in Florida?

It may be possible to get a Florida DUI reduced, but there is never any guarantee. Florida, like most states, takes DUI charges very seriously because of the potential dangers associated with drunk driving. The charges are criminal, and penalties may include time spent in jail, a suspended or revoked drivers license, hours of community service and large fines. These charges aren't just going to go away, but it is possible in limited circumstances to get them reduced.

The best way to get your charges reduced is to arrange a plea bargain with the prosecutor assigned to your case. Most commonly, this takes the form of you pleading the charges down to a special form of reckless driving known as a "wet reckless." While you may still face a license suspension, fines and other related penalties, the penalties do not tend to be as severe as those for drunk driving. The wet reckless will, however, generally be considered as drunk driving conviction if you have any future convictions, and sentencing will be adjusted as such.  Still, a wet reckless is usually preferred over a drunk driving conviction by most defendants.

Of course, whether a prosecutor will allow you to reduce your DUI charges to a wet reckless depends on the circumstances. Usually, a prosecutor will be more willing to reduce the charges to a wet reckless if the offense was your first and/or if you were very close to the legal limit. If you have a lawyer on your side who can help you to negotiate a plea with the prosecutor, this can also help increase your chances of being able to plead to a wet reckless or other lesser charges.