Texas law enforcement recently arrested 24 defendants during one of the largest street racing crackdowns in Texas. The group allegedly threw bottles and rocks at law enforcement vehicles the night before. As part of the bust, officers towed 12 vehicles that were reportedly used in street racing. The street racing allegedly happened in San Antonio and involved over 100 cars, and took place in a parking lot on the 600 blocks of West Theo.
Officers issued a total of 33 criminal charges involving multiple traffic violations caused by driving in doughnuts and blocking off the intersection. Most criminal charges issued due to traffic violations are not as dramatic as street racing charges. However, it is important not to take criminal traffic charges lightly because doing so could result in significant fines, penalties, and possible jail time.
Facing Criminal Traffic Charges in Texas
Most of us have received some kind of traffic ticket related to speeding or parking violations. These charges are not as serious as other traffic charges. There are traffic offenses that are much more serious and can result in your arrest, as seen in the news story above. Certain traffic offenses can lead to your arrest and possible jail time.
Driving on a Suspended License
Driving on a suspended license is serious in Texas. Once your license has been suspended, you can be arrested if you are caught driving a vehicle on public property. This criminal charge is a Class C misdemeanor for first-time offenses, carrying a $500 fine. Repeat offenders face higher-level criminal charges. If you seriously injure or kill another person while driving on a suspended license, you face Class A misdemeanor charges that can lead to a fine of up to $4,000 and a year in jail.
Reckless Driving
The crime of reckless driving happens when a driver drives with “willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.” Law enforcement officers and prosecutors interpret this law broadly and use it to charge drivers for various driving maneuvers, such as street racing, drifting, and weaving in and out of traffic. It also prohibits a driver from testing his or her physical endurance on public roads and doing donuts. Reckless driving charges carry a minimum of one year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000. When the defendant is intoxicated while engaging in reckless driving, he or she faces even more serious penalties.
DUI/DWI
Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a crime in Texas. Law enforcement takes DWI charges incredibly seriously. A conviction will lead you to have a permanent criminal record that could negatively impact your employment or housing options in the future. There are many compelling defenses you can raise if you are facing DWI charges, including constitutional violations by law enforcement officers.
Contact an Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you are facing criminal traffic charges, you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer. At Abel Law Firm, we have helped clients in Ft. Worth, Plano, and Dallas successfully fight criminal charges. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation.
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