Virginia Beach Street Racing Attorney

You don’t need to be an expert in safety to know street racing is very dangerous. Deaths and severe injuries are not uncommon in accidents caused by such acts. To reduce the number of racing-related collisions, most states have enacted very tough laws regarding street racing—and Virginia is no exception. Indeed, with some of the toughest traffic laws in the nation, the state of Virginia treats street racing as a serious criminal offense, often sentencing offenders to jail time and/or revoking their driving privileges. If you have been charged with racing, it is important to speak with a Virginia Beach street racing attorney immediately.

Virginia law classifies any race between two or more vehicles on a public street or highway as a street race. Far from a simple traffic violation, street racing is a form of reckless driving, and therefore classified as a severe criminal offense. In fact, as a Class 1 misdemeanor, street racing resides in a category reserved for the most severe misdemeanor crimes, such as DUI, assault and battery, and possession of a concealed weapon.

Like other reckless driving charges, the penalties for a street racing conviction may include a six-month license suspension, up to $2,500 in fines, and a one-year jail sentence. Even first-time offenders can expect to spend at least 24 hours behind bars. In addition, your vehicle may also be impounded, and your driving privileges suspended or revoked.

It is important to know that, if you are found guilty of racing, your conviction will remain on your criminal record for eleven years or longer. Potential employers, housing providers, and any other person who checks your criminal background will know that you were found guilty of street racing—a fact that can serious limit your future opportunities.

A street racing conviction can severely impact your budget, as you will be need SR-22 insurance to legally operate your vehicle. A specialized insurance program for high-risk drivers, SR-22 insurance is quite expensive, with coverage often costing two to three times more than traditional auto insurance.    

Fortunately, with help from an attorney who specializes in street racing cases, you can improve your chances of avoiding conviction. After handling numerous street racing cases just like yours, attorney Michael C. Tillotson has the experience and legal knowhow to help you fight your charges. Contact the law office of Michael C. Tillotson today for a free, no-obligation consultation on your street racing case.