Charged With Racing on a Highway in North Texas? Contact Dallas Criminal Defense Attorney RJ Harber for Immediate Help
At The Law Office Of RJ Harber, our Dallas highway street racing defense attorney, is an aggressive, experienced, and results-driven advocate for defendants. As a former prosecutor, our attorney, William “RJ” Harber, deeply understands the criminal justice system. It is our goal to get you justice and the best outcome. If you or your loved one was arrested for and charged with racing on a highway in North Texas, we are here to help. Please contact our Dallas law office today to set up a strictly confidential consultation with a top-rated Texas criminal defense attorney.
What to Know About Racing on Highway Charges in Texas
Broadly defined, street racing is an unsanctioned and unlawful form of automobile racing that occurs on public roads. Most often, street racing happens on highways. It is a criminal offense in Texas. Indeed, state prosecutors take highway street racing cases very seriously. Under Texas law (Texas Transportation Code Sec. 545.420), the following conduct on state highways is barred:
- Racing
- Vehicle speed competition
- Drag racing (acceleration competitions)
- Test of the endurance of vehicle operation
- Exhibition of vehicle speeds or acceleration in connection with race
Here is how the state’s criminal code defines two key related to highway street racing:
- Drag Race: A drag race is an acceleration contest between vehicles. A motorist can be charged with illegal drag racing for a side-by-side race. Alternatively, a motorist can also be arrested and charged with drag racing if they start at different times but compete on a similar “course” for the purpose of comparing speed/acceleration.
- Race: The Texas Transportation Code defines a race as any one of the following three things: 1) A competition between vehicles to outgain/outdistance each other, 2) A competition between vehicles to arrive at a pre-set destination first, or 3) A test of the stamina of drivers (long-distance route).
An Overview of Potential Penalties for Racing on a Highway in Texas
What happens if you get caught street racing in Dallas? In most cases, you can be arrested and charged with a Class B misdemeanor offense. To be clear, this is a serious criminal charge. It should not be taken lightly. The maximum penalties for a Class B misdemeanor highway street racing charge in Texas are up to six months in jail and a $2,000 fine. Your driver’s license can also be suspended for a significant period of time. You may also face probation.
In Texas, a street racing charge could also be upgraded to a more serious offense if “aggravating” factors exist. If you have a prior street racing conviction on your record, you will face a Class A misdemeanor for any subsequent street racing offense. If you have multiple prior street racing convictions, you can be charged with a serious felony offense for a highway race.
Street racing is also charged as a felony offense if someone is injured related to the incident. If any person suffers a bodily injury due to street race, an offender could face a third-degree felony that carries two to ten years in prison. If a person suffers significant physical bodily harm or is killed in a street race, the charge may be a second-degree felony carrying two to twenty years in prison.
Know Your Rights If You are Facing a Criminal Charge
Following an arrest on a criminal charge for highway street racing in Texas, it is imperative that you know your rights. Navigating the criminal justice system is complicated. You cannot rely on police or prosecutors to look out for your best interests. Here are three key things that you should know:
- You have the right to remain silent. You are not obligated to answer any questions from law enforcement officers or prosecutors. Indeed, it is not in your best interests to talk without an attorney by your side.
- You have the right to a lawyer. No person should have to take on the State alone. An experienced Dallas, TX, criminal defense attorney can protect your rights and help you secure your future.
- You have the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty. The prosecutor is legally responsible for proving all elements of the charges they filed beyond a reasonable doubt. If they cannot do so, the case should be dismissed outright.
Defending Racing on Highway Charges
Criminal charges—including illegal street racing charges—should always be defended on a case by-case-base. The specific facts matter. A Dallas, TX, criminal defense lawyer with experience handling highway racing cases will be able to review the allegations, conduct an independent investigation, and craft a defense strategy that makes the most sense, given the situation.
In some cases, street racing charges should be defended aggressively. There may have been a mistake in identity, or the prosecutors may otherwise not have evidence to support the charges. Alternatively, there are also circumstances in which the most sensible defense strategy is to focus on limiting the potential penalties.
How Our Texas Defense Lawyer Can Help With Racing on Highway Charges
Facing a criminal charge for alleged racing on a highway can be stressful, frustrating, and even overwhelming. You do not have to take on the system alone. Our founding attorney William “RJ” Harber, is a former prosecutor who is devoted to aggressively defending the rights of the accused. We are proactive and solutions-focused. When you reach out to our Dallas law office, you will have a chance to speak to a Texas traffic crimes defense lawyer who can:
- Hear your story, answer questions, and explain what will happen next.
- Investigate the charges, gathering and organizing all relevant evidence.
- Negotiate with prosecutors to ensure you face the minimum penalties.
- Develop a comprehensive and personalized strategy to help you secure the best outcome.
Contact Our Dallas, TX Traffic Offense Defense Attorney Today
At The Law Office Of RJ Harber, our Dallas criminal defense lawyer has the skills and experience to handle the full range of highway racing charges. Give us a call or contact us online to set up a completely confidential, no-obligation consultation with an experienced attorney. From our Dallas law office, we serve communities throughout the area, including Irving, Garland, Grand Prairie, Mesquite, Denton, Fort Worth, Arlington, McKinney, Plano, Richardson, and Richland Hills.