In case your time is short (read this first)
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A “wet reckless” is a plea bargain that downgrades an OWI charge to a non-criminal reckless-driving ticket.
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Benefits: no license revocation, no ignition-interlock device, no jail time, lower fines, and it often looks like a standard reckless-driving citation on background checks.
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It's hard to get—prosecutors rarely agree unless you have no prior OWIs, a low BAC, or evidentiary problems with the stop or testing.
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Penalty: a fine + 6 license demerit points.
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What is a wet reckless in Wisconsin?
“Wet reckless” (sometimes called “wet and reckless”) is slang or non-legal term for a plea bargain in which an Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) charge is amended to reckless driving, a non-criminal traffic offense.
In other words, you plead to reckless driving and the original OWI is dismissed.
How is a wet reckless different from an OWI conviction?
Here's a quick breakdown in simple terms:
| Wet Reckless | OWI (1st-Offense) | |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal status | Non-criminal traffic ticket | Civil (1st) or criminal (subsequent) |
| Penalties | Fine + 6 demerit points | Fine, 6 points plus mandatory driver-license revocation, alcohol assessment/treatment, ignition-interlock requirement, possible jail on later offenses |
| Impact on record | Shows as “reckless driving” only | Clearly identified as OWI/DUI-related |
Why would someone want a wet reckless?
A few points here:
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No OWI conviction on your record.
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No mandatory license revocation.
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No ignition-interlock device (IID) requirement.
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No jail time.
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It may look like an ordinary reckless-driving ticket on many background checks, shielding you from some employment and insurance consequences.
How hard is it to get a wet reckless in Wisconsin?
It's very difficult—but sometimes possible depending on the circumstances of your case, which is why it's critical to contact an OWI attorney. Wisconsin Statute § 967.055 urges “vigorous prosecution” of OWI cases, so prosecutors rarely agree to reduce the charge.
Securing a wet reckless requires highly persuasive facts and advocacy.
What factors can persuade a prosecutor to offer a wet reckless?
A few things come into play here, but again, nothing is guaranteed:
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No prior OWI convictions.
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Low blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) relative to the legal limit.
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Evidentiary or constitutional issues (e.g., questionable traffic stop or testing procedure).
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No injuries or property damage.
How do you pursue a wet reckless plea in Wisconsin?
Very simply: Your attorney negotiates directly with the prosecutor. Strong defenses, evidentiary weaknesses, or constitutional violations are the levers that make a deal possible.
Will a wet reckless show up on a background check?
It depends on the depth of the check:
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Criminal record checks often return nothing because reckless driving is non-criminal.
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Broader motor-vehicle searches will list the citation only as “reckless driving.” Because police issue reckless-driving tickets for many reasons (speeding, tailgating, unsafe lane changes, etc.), the alcohol connection may not be obvious.
Is there a BAC “limit” for wet reckless eligibility?
No statutory limit applies. In practice, however, lower BACs make a deal more likely. Higher readings generally reduce the prosecutor’s willingness to negotiate.
What are the penalties for a wet reckless?
A monetary fine (amount set by statute), six demerit points on your driving record, and no jail, no mandated license loss, and no IID requirement.
Does accepting a wet reckless end the case?
Typically yes—it resolves the OWI charge. You pay the traffic fine and move forward without the collateral consequences tied to an OWI conviction.
FREE 10-Minute Legal Consultation
Madison attorney, Pat Stangl, is happy to extend to you a free, no-obligation 10-minute consultation to help you explore your options and obtain the best results.
Every OWI case turns on its own facts. If you’re facing an OWI in Wisconsin and want to explore whether a wet reckless is possible, the attorneys at Stangl Law can review your case, assess the evidence, and discuss all potential outcomes.
If you’ve been arrested or charged with OWI in Wisconsin, it’s crucial you contact an experienced Madison OWI lawyer today. Contact Attorney Patrick Stangl for a free consultation:
Stangl Law Offices, S.C.