Street Racing

Movie franchises like the Fast and Furious series make street racing look thrilling and harmless. In reality, attempting that kind of stunt on the road in Warren will get you charged with street racing. Sure, speeding through the streets of Ohio might feel exciting and unforgettable. But every time you do it, you put other people’s lives in danger. That’s exactly why living out your Vin Diesel fantasy isn’t an option here—instead of glory, you’ll be facing criminal charges.

In Ohio, street racing (also known as drag racing) is treated as a serious offense. When combined with other violations, it can even rise to the level of a felony. If you choose to take part in street racing, here are the consequences you could be looking at:

• Jail time
• Hefty 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

Should the racing lead to a fatality, the situation becomes far more severe. If you’ve been charged in connection with street racing, reach out to us at Youngstown Criminal Law Group. Our skilled Warren OVI attorney will fight on your behalf and work to have the charges reduced or dismissed altogether.

What Is Street Racing?

Street racing usually involves two or more vehicles. When those vehicles compete with one another to reach a set destination while traveling above the legal speed limit, it qualifies as street racing. You can be charged whether you’re one of the drivers, the person organizing the race, or even a spectator cheering on the participants. Across Ohio, taking part in such a race is treated as a misdemeanor crime. Hiring a knowledgeable Warren criminal lawyer is the best way to protect yourself and work toward getting these charges dropped.

According to Ohio Rev. Code 4511.251, you may 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 vehicles are traveling over the posted speed limit
• The vehicles begin from a shared starting point
• The vehicles accelerate rapidly
• The activity takes place on a public road or highway

Street racing is classified as a first-degree misdemeanor, which sits at the most serious end of the misdemeanor scale. If you’re convicted, you could face up to 180 days behind bars and fines reaching as high as $1,000. On top of that, your license can be suspended anywhere from 30 days to 3 years, and you’ll receive 6 points on your driving record. With penalties this steep, an experienced Warren OVI attorney can make a real difference in the outcome of your case.

For a conviction to stick, the prosecutor must prove that at least two vehicles were involved in the race. They also have to demonstrate that both vehicles started from the same location and were driving beyond the legal speed limit.

When you hire a dedicated Warren criminal lawyer, they will carefully examine the testimony and the way the prosecution has built its case. By pinpointing weaknesses and inconsistencies, your attorney can work to shield you from the charges you’re facing.

Connect With a Warren Traffic Attorney

Don’t wait—reach out to Youngstown Criminal Law Group today. Our Ohio traffic attorney will listen closely 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.