Illegal Street Racing Penalties Increased by Lawmakers

 Posted on August 06,2024 in Criminal Defense

A year ago, Governor Greg Abbott signed into law two bills intended to protect Texans from illegal street racing. House Bill 1442 and House Bill 2899 enhance penalties for illegal street racing while providing law enforcement and prosecutors additional tools. While you might not consider street racing a crime that would require a skilled criminal defense, before these new laws took effect, participation in a street race was charged as a Class B misdemeanor.

Those convicted of the crime could face up to 180 days in jail and/or a fine as large as $2,000. Having this conviction on your criminal record as an adult could make it more difficult to obtain a job or housing.  For a juvenile, such a conviction could make it more difficult to be accepted into college or obtain federal grants and loans for higher education and more difficult to obtain employment.

The best way to avoid severe penalties and potentially keep a conviction for street racing from causing long-term adverse consequences is to speak to a knowledgeable Plano criminal defense attorney from Law Offices of Biederman & Burleson P.L.L.C.. Our attorneys will move quickly to minimize the damage from street-racing charges.   

Ft. Worth Law Enforcement Cracking Down on Street Racing

Although the law has been in effect for a year, the Fort Worth Police Department is ramping up efforts to combat street "takeover" events and illegal street racing. Advanced technology is helping the police in their efforts. The Air Support Unit, Intel units, and the Directed Response Unit are collaborating and pooling resources.

Since the beginning of 2024, more than a dozen street takeover events in the Fort Worth area have been disrupted, dozens of individuals arrested, and more than 20 vehicles seized thanks to the new street racing laws. Governor Abbott noted when he signed the new street racing laws that illegal street racing has become a growing problem that is far from a victimless crime. A young Texas couple who were innocent bystanders were killed during a street racing event three years ago.

New Penalties for Street Racing and Illegal Street Takeovers

Penalties for street racing can be severe. While a first offense for street racing is a Class B misdemeanor, those charges can be increased to a Class A misdemeanor if:

• The defendant has a conviction for the same crime.
• The defendant was intoxicated while engaging in street racing.
• There was an open container of alcohol in the vehicle at the time of the arrest.

A conviction for a Class A misdemeanor in Texas can result in up to a year in jail and/or fines as large as $4,000. Those who have at least two prior convictions for street racing or if another person is injured during the street racing event, the defendant can be charged with a second or third-degree felony.

If you are convicted of street racing, you could also lose your driver’s license for at least a year, making it much more difficult to keep and secure employment. The new street racing laws also make it much easier for the police to impound and seize vehicles of those participating in the street race. Law enforcement could then auction those vehicles off.

Contact a Collin County, TX Criminal Defense Attorney

Illegal street racing is a serious criminal offense that can result in jail time and significant fines if you are convicted. Your car could be impounded and even sold. Time is crucial in such a situation so that your Frisco, TX criminal defense attorney can begin building a strong defense on your behalf as quickly as possible.

At Law Offices of Biederman & Burleson P.L.L.C., we understand the stress you are going through because of your criminal charges. Everyone makes mistakes, and we believe you deserve a second chance as we work hard to defend your rights and your future. Contact Law Offices of Biederman & Burleson P.L.L.C. at 469-333-3333 to schedule a free consultation.