Street Racing Defense Attorney

If you have been charged with street racing, otherwise known as Racing on a Highway, you probably were not aware of just how serious these charges are. Do not let an impulsive decision harm your future. Contact a criminal defense attorney to discuss the potential consequences and what they can do to protect your rights.

Street Racing Is Illegal in Texas

The Texas Transportation Code prohibits motorists from participating in any of the following:

1. A race;
2. A vehicle speed competition or contest;
3. A drag or acceleration contest;
4. A test of physical endurance of the operator of the motor vehicle; or
5. In connection with a drag race, an exhibition of vehicle speed or acceleration, or to make a vehicle speed record.

Drag racing is defined as follows:

1. Two or more vehicles starting from a point side by side and accelerating in a competitive attempt to outdistance each other; or
2. One or more vehicles driving from point to point for the purpose of comparing the relative speeds or power of acceleration.

Racing is defined as the use of one or more vehicles in an attempt to:

1. Outgain or out distance another vehicle or prevent another vehicle from passing;
2. Arrive at a given destination ahead of another vehicle or vehicles; or
3. Test the physical stamina or endurance of an operator over a long-distance driving route.

As you can see, the term “racing” includes a broad range of conduct. That does not mean, however, that you are guilty just because you have been charged with racing. The prosecution must prove their case. An experienced criminal defense attorney will be able to identify any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case as well as any defenses that can be raised in your favor.

The Consequences You Face if Convicted

If there are no aggravating factors, racing is generally a class B misdemeanor. If convicted, you would, therefore, face the following penalties:

• Jail time of up to 180 days
• A fine of up to $2,000

However, you could be charged with a class A misdemeanor in the following circumstances:

• You were driving while intoxicated
• You were in possession of an open container

If you are convicted of a class A misdemeanor racing, you could face the following penalties:

• Up to 12 months in jail
• A fine of up to $4,000.00

You could also face felony charges in the following situations:

• You have two prior racing convictions (state jail felony)
• The racing resulted in bodily injury to another person (third-degree felony)
• The racing resulted in serious bodily injury or death to another person (second-degree felony)

If convicted of a felony, you could be ordered to pay thousands of dollars in fines and go to prison for several years. A second-degree felony racing conviction, for example, could result in a fine of up to $10,000.00 and a prison sentence of up to 20 years.

Even if it is only a misdemeanor charge, no one wants to go to jail or pay thousands of dollars in fines. Protect yourself by contacting a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

Contact Barton & Associates Attorneys At Law, PLLC Today

On top of possible jail time and fines, a conviction for racing could do significant harm to your driving record and result in an increase in insurance premiums. Contact Barton & Associates Attorneys At Law, PLLC, to discuss how we can help you get a fair result.