Street Racing

While blockbuster movie franchises like The Fast and the Furious may glorify the adrenaline rush of street racing, attempting similar stunts in real life can lead to serious criminal charges in Youngstown. Speeding down Ohio roadways might feel exhilarating at the moment, but it poses a significant risk to the lives of innocent bystanders and other drivers. You won’t be driving off into the sunset like Vin Diesel; instead, you are likely to face harsh legal consequences.

In Mahoning County and across Ohio, drag racing or street racing is treated as a major offense. If these actions are combined with other violations, the situation can escalate to a felony charge. If you are accused of participating in a street race, you may face the following repercussions:

• Jail time
• Substantial fines
• Suspension of your driver’s license
• Points added to your driving record
• A permanent criminal record
• Increased premiums for auto insurance
• Civil lawsuits if the racing results in a fatality

If you are currently facing criminal allegations related to street racing, you should contact the Youngstown Criminal Law Group immediately. A qualified Youngstown criminal lawyer from our group will fight aggressively on your behalf to ensure that your charges are reduced or dismissed entirely.

What Is Street Racing?

Street racing generally involves two or more vehicles competing against one another. If these cars are racing to reach a specific destination or driving at speeds far exceeding the legal limit, it falls under the definition of street racing. You can face charges even if you aren’t the one driving; organizing the event or cheering for the participants can also lead to legal trouble. In Ohio, participation in such a race is considered a misdemeanor crime. You need to secure legal representation to fight these accusations.

According to Ohio Rev. Code 4511.251, you may be charged with street racing if the following conditions are met:

• Two or more vehicles are involved
• Vehicles are driving side-by-side
• Drivers are exceeding the speed limit
• The vehicles start from a common point
• There is rapid acceleration
• The event occurs on a public road or highway

Street racing is classified as a first-degree misdemeanor, which is the most serious category of misdemeanor offenses. If convicted, you could face up to 180 days in jail and fines of up to $1,000. Furthermore, your license could be suspended for anywhere from 30 days to 3 years, and you will receive 6 points on your license. Because these traffic violations have long-term consequences, consulting a Youngstown DUI attorney who is well-versed in traffic law can be vital to your defense.

To secure a conviction, the prosecutor must prove that at least two vehicles participated in the race. Additionally, they must demonstrate that both cars began at the same location and were traveling beyond the speed limit in a competitive manner.

When you hire a skilled attorney, they will look for inconsistencies in witness testimony and flaws in how the case was built against you. A dedicated Youngstown criminal lawyer will use these details to help protect you from severe penalties.

Connect With a Youngstown Traffic Lawyer

Reach out to the Youngstown Criminal Law Group today. Our Ohio traffic lawyers will listen carefully to the details of your case and work to ensure you receive the most beneficial outcome possible.Call 412.387.6901 or contact our Youngstown DUI attorney online to schedule a free consultation.