Look no further than Florida Statute 316.191, for the definition of racing:
“Race” means the use of one or more motor vehicles in competition, arising from a challenge to demonstrate superiority of a motor vehicle or driver and the acceptance or competitive response to that challenge, either through a prior arrangement or in immediate response, in which the competitor attempts to outgain or outdistance another motor vehicle, to prevent another motor vehicle from passing, to arrive at a given destination ahead of another motor vehicle or motor vehicles, or to test the physical stamina or endurance of drivers over long-distance driving routes.
They make it pretty clear. Another definition they made sure to include in Florida’s Racing on highways statute is the word conviction: “a determination of guilt that is the result of a plea or trial.” It’s a word you want to avoid having on your record. If you’ve been arrested in connection with illegal street racing in Florida, call (407) 349-4211 for a free consultation with the Orlando criminal defense lawyers at the Rivas Law Firm.
What is the charge the first time you get caught drag racing?
A violation is a first-degree misdemeanor. A conviction on illegal street racing charges or drag racing charges in Florida is punishable by up to a year in jail, probation, and a fine of between $500 and $1,000. And your license will be revoked for a year. Repeat offenses mean bigger fines and longer suspensions.
Other people aside from drivers are subject to arrest for unlawful racing on a highway. Passengers, spectators, or anyone who helped arrange the race are also liable to serious criminal charges.
What happens if you get caught street racing in Florida?
Not only is it illegal for any driver (of a car or motorcycle) to engage in any sort of speed contest on Florida roadways, (or parking lots), it is against the law to “In any manner participate in, coordinate, facilitate, or collect moneys at any location for any such race,” to knowingly ride as a passenger in any such race,” or to “Purposefully cause the movement of traffic to slow or stop for any such race, competition, contest, test, or exhibition.”
Participants and spectators charged with illegal street racing or drag racing in Florida face the same first-degree misdemeanor criminal charges as a driver: up to a year in jail, probation, a fine, and loss of driver’s license. If illegal street racing results in an accident causing injury or death, much more serious charge like reckless driving or vehicular homicide.
Call an Orlando Street Racing Defense Attorney
There many ways in which your defense lawyer can fight street racing charges. The police have to be able to prove several things for prosecutors to obtain a conviction. They need to prove that you intended to race another vehicle. Sometimes police mistake careless actions
like speeding, unsafe lane changing, or accelerating to pass with illegal street racing. Police have to follow procedures, gather evidence and talk to witnesses. It’s very important to have a lawyer fighting to protect your rights. A good defense lawyer will work to get the charges against you reduced. Depending on circumstances, it may be possible to get the case dismissed altogether. In any event, your layer will fight for the best possible outcome in your situation.
If you find yourself looking for the best Orlando street racing defense attorney you can find, consider the experienced and aggressive criminal defense lawyers at the Rivas Law firm. Call (407) 349-4211 for a free consultation with the Orlando criminal defense lawyers at the Rivas Law Firm.