Recently, at the Pasadena Courthouse in Los Angeles County, attorney Karin Khachatorian represented a client, who was charged with violations of Vehicle Code sections 23152(a) and 23152(b), unlawfully driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol and/or with a blood alcohol level of more than 0.08 percent. It was alleged that the client had a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.11%.
Ms. Khachatorian investigated and prepared the defense, which included her obtaining discovery (police reports, videos, and laboratory results) and further personal information about the client. Upon learning that the client had strong mitigating factors such as various certificates of achievement and a strong resume, Ms. Khachatorian determined it would be best to provide these mitigating factors and documents to the prosecution to assist in further negotiating down a DUI charges to a single wet reckless charge (a violation of Vehicle Code section 23103 per 23103.5).
Ms. Khachatorian was able to build a strong professional relationship with the prosecutor and successfully persuaded the prosecution to offer a wet reckless offer even though the incident involved a traffic collision, and this despite it being the client’s second DUI within the past ten (10) years! The client will now be placed on summary probation and will only have to successfully complete Community Labor (instead of county jail time), the eighteen (18) month Alcohol Program (commonly known as SB 38, that he needs to complete for the DMV regardless of the wet reckless reduction), Hospital and Morgue program, and Mothers Against Drunk Driving.
This is a phenomenal result where the client will not face any jail time and will face lesser penalties than if convicted of a second time DUI.
*Please note that every case is unique and fact specific. Results will vary and there are no guarantees.