Welcome and thank you for your question!

I am sorry to learn of your son's experience. He could have been charged with DUI. As you know, that outcome could have included up to 6 months' jail, 5 years' of probation, a fine from $1,400 to $1,800 (plus court costs and fees), a minimum three-month alcohol education program, and a court mandated 6 month license suspension, in addition to any DMV administrative license suspension.

Instead, he accepted a plea for a wet reckless. He could have received up to 90 days jail, probation, and the alcohol education classes, in addition to the fines.

Is California having budgetary problems? You bet. Are they paid for by court fines/costs? You bet.

Was your son's judge tough or strict? Sure. Did the judge exceed what the law allows? No.

It has been my pleasure to assist you today with your information needs. It is my goal that you are satisfied. No expert can promise you an answer that is favorable to your circumstances. But I will do my very best to explain the legal principles that are related to the facts you’ve described so that you can better understand the “why” of things.

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Thanks,
~~ J.B.