Street Racing

Movie franchises like the Fast and Furious series make street racing look thrilling and glamorous. In reality, attempting that stunt on the road will get you charged with street racing in Jefferson. Sure, speeding through the streets of Ohio might feel exciting and even amazing. But every time you do it, you are putting other people’s lives at risk. That is exactly why living out your Vin Diesel fantasy isn’t an option here. Instead of enjoying the ride, you will end up facing criminal charges.

In Ohio, street racing (also called drag racing) is treated as a serious offense. When it is paired with other violations, it can even rise to the level of a felony. If you choose to take part in a street race, here are the consequences you can expect:

• Jail time
• Steep fines
• Loss of your driver’s license
• Points added to your driving record
• A permanent criminal record
• Higher car insurance premiums
• A lawsuit, if the street racing results in someone’s death

If you have been charged after a street racing incident, turn to us at Youngstown Criminal Law Group. As an experienced Jefferson Ohio criminal lawyer team, we will fight the case on your behalf and work to get the charges reduced or dropped entirely.

What Is Street Racing?

Street racing usually involves two or more vehicles. When those cars compete against each other to reach a set point while traveling well beyond the legal speed limit, the law considers it street racing. You can be charged whether you are one of the drivers, the person organizing the race, or even a spectator cheering on the participants. In Ohio, taking part in such a race is classified as a misdemeanor crime. Hiring a skilled Jefferson Ohio OVI attorney gives you the best chance of clearing your name and beating these charges.

According to Ohio Rev. Code 4511.251, you can be charged with street racing when all of the following circumstances apply:

• Two or more vehicles are involved
• The vehicles are driving side by side on the road
• The drivers exceed the posted speed limit
• The vehicles start from a common point
• The drivers accelerate rapidly
• The racing takes place on a public road or highway

Street racing is treated as a first-degree misdemeanor, which sits at the most serious end of the misdemeanor scale. If you are convicted, you could face up to 180 days behind bars and fines reaching $1,000. Your license can be suspended for anywhere from 30 days to 3 years, and you will pick up 6 points on your driving record. Facing penalties this harsh is exactly why working with a knowledgeable Jefferson Ohio criminal lawyer matters so much.

To secure a conviction, the prosecutor must prove that at least two vehicles took part in the race. They also have to show that both cars started from the same point and were traveling above the speed limit at the time.

When you bring in a dedicated Jefferson Ohio OVI attorney, they will dig into the testimony and examine how the prosecution built its case. By pinpointing the weaknesses and flaws in that evidence, your attorney can work to shield you from the charges and protect your future.

Connect With a Jefferson Traffic Lawyer

Reach out to Youngstown Criminal Law Group right away. Our team will listen carefully to the details of your case and fight to secure the most favorable outcome possible for you.

Call (330) 791-8104 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.