Ramifications of Illegal Street Racing in Denton
Avid moviegoers are quite familiar with street racing as depicted on the screen with drivers often facing little or no consequences from law enforcement. This may look exciting in the movies or on TV, but the reality can be very different. Illegal street racing can injure or kill the driver, their passengers, other innocent drivers, and pedestrians, which is why it is illegal in Texas.
Street racing on public roads, including open highways is a crime that comes with severe penalties, which include being locked up and paying heavy fines.
What is considered street racing?
Street racing (a.k.a. speed racing or drag racing) is when one or more drivers race their vehicle(s) on a public roadway rather than on a designated speedway or racecourse. The reason drivers usually do this is to show off their vehicle in terms of how fast it accelerates and its speed.
What is the punishment in Texas if you’re caught street racing?
Your first offense in Texas for street racing is considered a Class B misdemeanor. This can get you up to six months in jail along with a fine of up to $2,000. You could also get up to two years’ probation.
For street racing to rise to a Class A misdemeanor, the following would be required:
- The driver was previously convicted of street racing, or
- The driver was driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol at the time, or
- The driver’s vehicle contained an open alcohol container at the time.
A Class A misdemeanor for this offense is more serious, so the penalty would be up to one year in jail and the fine could be as high as $4,000.
If the driver has been convicted of street racing two or more times previously, the offense could rise to a 2nd or even a 3rd degree felony. The same applies if someone else was seriously injured in the race. If the driver is charged with a felony the penalty could be up to 20 years in prison, 10 years on probation, and up to $10,000 in fines, depending on how severe the charges being filed are.
Could I lose my driver’s license if Texas law enforcement catches me street racing?
If you are convicted of street racing in Texas, your license will be suspended for a minimum of one year. However, there is a chance that you could get an occupational driver’s license that would at least allow you to drive a personal motor vehicle to and from work, school and to run necessary household errands.
Under Texas law, you would also have to participate in 10 hours of court-ordered community service.
When should I call a street racing criminal defense attorney?
Texas takes illegal street racing very seriously, so it’s a criminal offense that upon conviction can require incarceration and substantial fines. A skilled criminal defense attorney is a huge advantage as he/she can represent you throughout the process and try to negotiate a decent plea bargain.
If you live in or around Denton, TX and you’ve been arrested for street racing or some other driving offense, call the Law Offices of Daniel K. Peugh immediately. Daniel is an experienced criminal defense attorney who knows how upsetting and stressful it is to be charged criminally in Texas. He knows that anyone can make a mistake and will work diligently to defend your legal rights.
Contact Daniel K. Peugh today to schedule a free consultation on your case.