Dallas Street Racing Defense Lawyer

Dallas Street Racing Defense Attorney

There has been a surge in street racing across Texas among thrill-seekers who crave the adrenaline rush of these high-speed competitions. However, when these occur on public roads, it is illegal due to the risk it poses to public safety. It’s why many law enforcement agencies, especially across Dallas, have been cracking down on this behavior. If you have been accused of street racing, you need a Dallas street racing defense lawyer for support.

At Harris & Harris Law Group, PLLC, we have dedicated ourselves to providing criminal defense services to the Dallas community for years. While street racing might be a newer concept, our commitment to providing quality legal defense strategies has been with us since our inception. We promise to work diligently to build a strong case on your behalf, uncover the facts, and protect your rights throughout the process.

Common Defense Strategies for Street Racing Accusations in Dallas, TX

Anyone who faces accusations of street racing will likely feel the stress of having to defend themselves. Without a background in criminal defense, the average person may feel like an accusation is a guilty verdict. However, this is not true. Hiring a Dallas Street Racing Defense attorney can introduce you to a number of defense tactics that can help you defend yourself. Some of the most common include:

Questioning the Evidence

A prosecutor’s case will rely heavily on evidence that was collected from law enforcement at the scene of the alleged street racing. A Dallas Street Racing Defense Lawyer can analyze the evidence and try to identify flaws or inconsistencies that could weaken the prosecution’s argument.

• Challenging speed measurement devices: All radar guns and speed detectors must be properly calibrated in order to produce accurate results. When this is compromised, the results could be inaccurate. A defense attorney can investigate and see if the equipment was properly functioning when used at the scene.
• Analyzing video and photographs: Any visual evidence provided to the court needs to be clear and conclusive. For example, a prosecutor might submit surveillance footage from a local business that captured the scene of the crime. However, if the video is low quality and difficult to decipher, a defense attorney can share this concern in court to raise doubt in the judge and jury.

Lack of Intent

Intent is one of the most critical elements of a street racing case. Driving fast alone does not constitute street racing. A prosecutor must prove that the defendant had the intent to compete with another vehicle on the road. To help prove that our clients did not demonstrate intent, we may:

• Prove there was no prior communication: If there was no clear coordination or communication going on between you and the other drivers before the incident happened, it could be challenging to prove that an official act of street racing happened.
• Explaining driving behavior: We can review other explanations that could explain why you were driving a certain way. For example, you may have been responding to an emergency.

Mistaken Identity

Sometimes, chaotic situations with multiple vehicles can make it hard to identify who was at the scene. If we believe mistaken identity is a factor in your case, we can help prove this by:

• Providing alibi evidence: We can present the court with evidence that you were not at the scene of the crime. This could be GPS data of your location, a receipt from a restaurant, or surveillance footage from another location.
• Vehicle discrepancies: Sometimes, vehicles that look similar can be mistaken for one another. A Dallas Street Racing Defense Lawyer can highlight the differences between your vehicle and the one described from the scene to prove it wasn’t you.

Consult with a Dallas street racing defense attorney to determine the defense strategy that will be most suitable for your case.

FAQs

Q: How Long Do You Go to Jail for Street Racing in Texas?

A: Prison or jail sentences for street racing in Texas could vary depending on the factors of each case, like if the alleged defendant has been convicted before of racing (Class A misdemeanor for 1 prior racing conviction. A state jail felony for 2 or more prior racing convictions) or if the incident resulted in any injuries (3rd degree felony), serious bodily injury or death (2nd degree felony) or property damages. Aggravating factors can escalate charges to a felony which could include jail or prison time. First time offenders are likely to be charged with a Class B misdemeanor that would likely not include jail time.

Q: Can You Call the Police for Street Racing?

A: Yes, anyone who witnesses street racing in Dallas, Texas can alert law enforcement. This behavior is illegal because of the harm it can cause to those involved and the general public surrounding the scene. When you report this behavior, it helps law enforcement become aware of the incident and stop it from continuing before serious damage is caused.

Q: What Should I Do If I’m Charged With Street Racing?

A: If you are charged with street racing, the most important thing to do is stay calm. There are proactive steps you can take to protect your rights. First, avoid speaking to anyone about the case except for your defense attorney. Having a legal intervention with an attorney can significantly impact the outcome of your case, as it allows them a chance to collect fresh evidence and proactively engage with the prosecution.

Q: Will a Street Racing Charge Affect my Driving Record?

A: Yes, a street racing charge can impact your driving record. It can add points to your license. When this happens, you could see an increase in your car insurance premium or have your license suspended, depending on how many points you have. Having this on your record could also make it difficult to seek employment, especially with jobs related to operating a vehicle.

Contact Harris & Harris Law Group, PLLC Today

Street racing is taken very seriously in Texas, and those convicted could face serious charges. A street racing charge could negatively impact you and your family’s lives. It’s important to have qualified legal support during this time.

If you have been accused of engaging in street racing in Dallas, you need to connect with our Dallas Street Racing Defense Lawyer as soon as possible. Regardless of what speed you were driving on the highway or if you have a previous DWI charge, we can analyze all the details specific to your case and recommend the most likely path to success. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you.