Phoenix Racing Lawyer

In Arizona, racing is defined as driving a vehicle or participating in any manner of a race, speed competition or contest, drag race or acceleration contest, test of physical endurance or exhibition of speed or acceleration, or for the purpose of making a speed record on a street or highway. While the law may be thought to target those, who participate in true street racing, it is a charge that is sometimes levied on normal drivers who may appear to be racing with another vehicle, accelerating inappropriately for the purpose of exhibition, or just quickly accelerating off a stop.

Many valley law enforcement agencies have formed task force units to crackdown on the growing trend of street racing over the past few years. According to a recent report on ABC 15 News (Oct. 12, 2020), Phoenix Police has issued over 2100 tickets by its task force in the past year, with criminal charges ranging from street racing violations to narcotic violations, weapons violations, impaired driving, and violent crimes. While this has been a big issue in Phoenix, other cities, including Glendale, Gilbert, and Mesa are also seeing this trend flowing into their cities as well. Given the growing issues valley police agencies are seeing with street racing, a bill was introduced in the Arizona State Legislature seeking to increase the penalties for street racing to include a 30-day impound of the racer’s vehicle and increased fines to help offset the cost of enforcement. So far, the bill has not gained traction but this is an indication of how seriously this issue is being taken by law enforcement. 

First-time offenders who are found guilty of this criminal traffic violation should expect to pay fines of at least $250, restitution if deemed appropriate, and face a 90-day suspension of driver’s license. Subsequent convictions within 24 months are a Class 6 Felony and may result in not less than 10 days in jail, fines of no less than $500, restitution, and revocation of your driver’s license. While fines and restitution can be costly, there is no greater cost than the loss of driving privileges. Many drivers depend on their ability to drive for many obligations such as work and family, and loss of this freedom can cause a litany of complications.

Attorney Trent Buckallew has represented countless individuals who have been charged with criminal traffic offenses in Phoenix and throughout the Valley and is dedicated to serving the best interests of all clients. Our firm understands that the charges could be exaggerated or even false, and that the circumstances surrounding any event may change depending on an individual’s perception. These cases can be based largely on the opinion of an officer, which may in some cases be contested by a thorough, detailed, and experienced attorney.