Getting arrested for illegal street racing in Orlando gets you into a lot more trouble these days, thanks to new laws and stricter enforcement targeting “street takeovers” – organized events where groups deliberately seize control of public roads for racing and dangerous driving stunts.
Orlando criminal defense lawyer and television legal analyst Jose Rivas said in an interview with Univision recently that the law enforcement crackdown marks a significant shift in how police and prosecutors are handling street racing offenses, with consequences that can permanently impact lives. “Street racing is no longer treated as a minor offense,” Rivas said. “First-time offenders now face up to $2,000 in fines and one year without driving privileges. Second offenses within a year escalate to felony charges with a possible prison sentence.”
These enhanced penalties and increased enforcement reflect the growing concern over public safety, as illegal street racing in Orlando has grown in popularity recently. “Law enforcement is taking a zero-tolerance approach,” Rivas said, “with penalties including up to 15 years in prison for repeat offenders.” Just watching an illegal street race can get you busted, with $400 fines for attending events. “Many people don’t realize that simply being a spectator to these races is illegal,” he added. “The new laws target everyone involved, not just the drivers.”
Recently, the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), Orange County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO), and Orlando Police Department (OPD) joined forces to prevent street takeover incidents across several Orlando neighborhoods, including a large illegal street racing event at an industrial warehouse complex off Emerald Dunes Drive. The operation resulted in 154 citations and multiple vehicle seizures, according to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
“The coordination between law enforcement agencies has become increasingly sophisticated,” Rivas said. “They’re using advanced surveillance techniques, including drones and undercover operations, to identify and apprehend participants in these illegal activities.”
Defense Strategies for Illegal Street Racing Charges
For those facing illegal street racing charges, Rivas emphasizes several defense options:
- Challenging evidence reliability and witness testimony
- Contesting whether actions meet legal racing definitions
- Examining potential constitutional violations
- Negotiating reduced charges for first offenders
- Investigating proper procedure during vehicle stops
- Analyzing surveillance footage authenticity
“Each case requires careful examination of circumstances and evidence,” Rivas said. “Many factors can influence the strength of illegal street racing charges. That’s why we always do a thorough investigation. You’ll often find avenues of defense that might otherwise be overlooked.”
Rivas stresses the importance of acting quickly after charges are filed. “The first 48 hours are crucial. You need to preserve evidence, identify and interview witnesses and make sure a defendant’s rights are protected.”
Impact and Enforcement
Spectators also face significant consequences, with $400 fines for attending events. “Many people don’t realize that simply watching these races can result in criminal charges,” Rivas warns. “The new laws target everyone involved, not just the drivers.”
The prevalence of social media has complicated enforcement efforts. “We’re seeing more organized street racing events coordinated through private social media groups,” Rivas said. “This makes prevention more challenging, but it also creates digital evidence trails that can strengthen prosecution cases. However, obtaining this evidence requires proper legal procedures to be admissible in court.”
“Understanding your rights and options is crucial,” he added. “With the right legal strategy, many defendants can achieve more favorable outcomes than they might expect. But success depends on acting quickly and working with experienced counsel.”
Call 407-644-2466 to speak with an Orlando criminal defense attorney at the Rivas Law Firm.
Orlando Criminal Defense Attorney Jose Rivas is a veteran bilingual TV Legal Analyst who has appeared on Univision, Fox News, and Telemundo.
