Seasoned Street Racing Lawyer in Dayton, Ohio

Dayton Traffic Violation Lawyers Who Fight for You

Street racing consequences can be severe and may include harsh fines, license suspensions, or even jail time.

At Gounaris Abboud, we possess a strong understanding of Ohio’s street racing laws and have helped countless clients fight their traffic charges. We know how to build a strong defense to mitigate the punishment for street racing and give our clients a second chance.

If you are facing street racing punishment, don’t take on the criminal justice system alone. Gounaris Abboud can represent you in Warren County, Butler County, or Montgomery County as you work to overcome your legal challenges. Let us protect your rights!

What Is the Definition of Street Racing in Ohio?

Ohio Revised Code Section 4511.251 defines street racing as operating two or more vehicles side by side from the same starting point “at accelerating speeds in a competitive attempt to out-distance each other”.

Any event where vehicles travel over a commonly selected course to compete in a timed drive from the same starting point to the same ending point is also considered street racing.

Additionally, Ohio law clarifies that if two or more vehicles are traveling side by side while rapidly accelerating or driving above the posted speed limit, it is “prima facie” evidence of street racing.

Street Racing and Drag Racing Charges in Ohio

In Ohio, participating in street or drag racing is a serious offense with significant legal consequences.

A first-time offense is classified as a first-degree misdemeanor and carries a fine of up to $1,000. You could also face a license suspension ranging from 30 days to three years. Imagine how catastrophic a three-year license suspension would be for your personal and professional life.

Can you go to jail for street racing? Yes, jail time is a penalty for street racing in Ohio. While it’s rare for individuals to be sentenced to jail on their first street racing offense, it can happen. Therefore, you need to obtain experienced legal representation right away.

The Gounaris Abboud team can review your case and help fight your charges. Connect with our team to schedule a consultation right away.

Penalties for Street Racing in Dayton

A street racing ticket costs up to $1,000. You may also face misdemeanor or felony charges. So how much over the speed limit is a felony in Ohio? The exact number depends on what type of road you are driving on.

Going 35 MPH or more over the speed limit in a business district of a municipality or a school zone can result in a fourth-degree felony charge. If you exceed the posted speed limit by 50 MPH or more within a municipality, you can also face fourth-degree felony charges.

How long can you go to jail for street racing? Jail time for street racing varies based on several factors. Here’s a breakdown of different offense levels.

The bottom line is that you need an experienced legal team like Gounaris Abboud in your corner when facing street racing charges in Dayton.

Street Racing Manslaughter in Ohio

Street racing that results in a fatality can lead to charges of street racing manslaughter, a second-degree felony. Second-degree felonies in Ohio are punishable by up to eight years in prison. Additionally, you could lose your vehicle and license for up to five years.

A felony conviction can severely damage your career prospects once you complete your sentence. You will also lose civil rights like owning a firearm and voting.

Previously, Ohio prosecutors used other charges to address street races that resulted in a death. They would file charges like aggravated vehicular homicide, aggravated vehicular assault, or involuntary manslaughter. Proving those crimes was more difficult, which created a fair legal process for defendants.

Under the street racing manslaughter law, anyone who was driving a vehicle in a street race can be held criminally liable. This means that someone who didn’t even make contact with another vehicle or person could be charged with manslaughter simply because they were involved in the race.

Defenses of Street Racing and Street Racing Manslaughter

Gounaris Abboud has supported hundreds of clients as they deal with the stress of serious traffic and criminal charges. Our team works fast to gather valuable evidence and police records to build a strong defense on your behalf.

At Gounaris Abboud, we will collect every piece of evidence or resource possible, including surveillance videos, witness statements, and dash camera footage.

State prosecutors must provide evidence that you operated your vehicle side by side with another driver while rapidly accelerating or at speeds above the posted speed limit. They must also prove the activity began from a common starting point. Our aggressive team will attempt to establish reasonable doubt in their claims.