Orlando Racing on Highway Criminal Attorney
Practicing in Melbourne, Kissimmee, Orlando, Sanford, Deland, and Daytona.
Call Us Now at 407-841-5555. OR email us directly at ejdirga@ejdirga.com.
Street Racing became a criminal offense in 2002. It is a First Degree Misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail or a $1,000.00 fine for the first offense. Anyone found guilty of racing will have there driver's license suspended for one year for the first offense.
Never Plead Guilty to a Racing Charge
Racing is over-charged. Most of the time the offense cannot be proven in court based on the facts. Anyone charged with Racing On Highway should seek counsel with a criminal lawyer to discuss the situation.
The Police Are Still Charging People For Innocent Conduct
The police are still mistakingly charging people with racing when they have committed simple traffic infractions. Multiple infractions
seem to be the trigger for the police to think they have a factual scenario for "racing." This is incorrect. Multiple infractions
constitute a violation of s. 316.1923, Fla. Stat., "aggressive careless driving." Racing requires a "challenge" and an "acceptance"
for an ordinary infraction to become a criminal offense. Speeding is another infraction
that is often over-charged as racing.
Penalties for racing can be harsh. First offense has a minimum $500 fine and a 1-year driver's license suspension. Subsequent offenses get progressively harsher. Since typical "racing on highway" charges are difficult to prove no one should accept the charges by admitting to them.
This Law is So Vague the Police Often Make Inappropriate Arrests
It's not what a person was actually doing - it is what the police perceived
they were doing that determines if they will be charged witha crime or an infraction.
The law is not well written and is subject to subjective interpretation by law enforcement. People have been charged with racing
for the following innocent activity:
- Accelerating from a stop light too fast (according to the police officer).
- Driving around a corner with bald tires - single car. (tires squealed - police said racing).
- Making a u-turn in a
known
racing place (? Considered racing by police). - Driving over the speed limit beside another vehicle (should be civil infraction).
- Speeding (a civil infraction)
- Careless Driving (a civil infraction)
- Improper passing (Motorcycle passing between cars - a civil infraction)
- Preventing another vehicle from passing (a civil infraction)
For a break down of the statute go to my Florida Street Racing Law page.
Defending Racing On Highway Charges SInce 2002
I practice strictly criminal law. I have been doing so since 1995. My staff and I will vigorously defend your case and keep you informed of all new developments. We do not rest until your case has been resolved and we do not avoid trials. I practice criminal trial law and criminal appellate law. I know the law and the defenses that apply to your case. I have studied the law and constantly stay abreast of all new legal cases that may help my clients (See my Law Blog for Attorneys).
| If you found any information I have provided on this webpage helpful please click my Plus+1 button so that others may also find it. |
