Street Racing Becomes an Epidemic in Houston

 Posted on November 29, 2024 in Criminal Defense

In the past year or so, street racing and "street takeovers," where drivers perform dangerous stunts, have become increasingly commonplace. These dangerous and illegal activities have always taken place in large cities, but Houston has seen an exponential increase in arrests related to street racing. Street races used to be underground, with few participants and only a handful of onlookers. Few people knew about these events, as smaller events were less likely to attract the attention of police. However, the number of participants and the amount of onlookers have increased. Hundreds of people sometimes attend street takeovers and races, sometimes drawing police attention. If you have been arrested for participating in a street race or street takeover, you need an experienced Houston, TX street racing lawyer.

Why Street Racing is Rarely a Defendant’s Only Charge 

Street racing is a dangerous sport. Participants are rarely professional drivers with the training needed to drive through the city at high speeds without making a mistake. If all goes well during a race, those gathered for it will likely have dispersed before the police find out about it.

Police often find out there is a street race taking place only after someone crashes. Unfortunately, these extremely high-speed crashes can injure not only participants but innocent bystanders who were also unaware that there was a race taking place. Since street racers use public streets instead of a closed course, there is a high likelihood that they will encounter others. Drivers who are not involved in the race are usually not expecting to encounter racers who frequently ignore traffic lights and other road signs. This can lead to deadly crashes.

Racers can face serious charges when an innocent bystander is injured in an auto accident. The driver who was racing is nearly always at fault and can face extreme criminal penalties, including vehicular homicide charges.

Street Takeovers and DUI Charges 

Street takeovers often involve drugs or alcohol. The drivers, as well as the onlookers, may be drinking or using drugs. Drivers who are intoxicated may be emboldened to attempt more and more risky stunts and are less likely to turn down a challenge or race. When police do find out about these events and go to shut them down, any drivers who are intoxicated can be charged with DUI in addition to things like reckless driving and other traffic offenses.

Contact a Houston, TX Defense Lawyer

If you were arrested for participating in a street race or street takeover, Murphy & McKinney Law Firm, P.C. can help. Experienced Harris County, TX street racing attorney Doug Murphy has over 25 years of courtroom experience. Contact us at 713-229-8333 for a complimentary consultation.