The Crime

Drag Racing is a serious offense that can damage your record and your reputation. If you have been charged with Drag Racing, you should seek help from the Knoxville criminal defense attorneys at the Oberman & Rice Law Firm.

In Tennessee, a person may be convicted of the crime of Drag Racing if the state prosecutor proves beyond a reasonable doubt that the person:

1. Used any motor vehicle for the purpose of ascertaining the maximum speed obtainable by the vehicle; or
2. Used any motor vehicle for the purpose of ascertaining the highest obtainable speed of the vehicle within a certain distance or within a certain time limit; or
3. Used any one or more motor vehicles for the purpose of comparing the relative speeds of the vehicle or vehicles, or for comparing the relative speeds of the vehicle or vehicles within a certain distance or within a certain time limit; or
4. Used one or more motor vehicles in an attempt to out-gain, outdistance or to arrive at a given destination simultaneous with or prior to that of any other motor vehicle; or
5. Used any motor vehicle for the purpose of the accepting of, or the carrying out of any challenge, made orally, in writing, or otherwise, made or received with reference to the performance abilities of one or more motor vehicles.

[Source: Tennessee Code Annotated §§ 55-10-501, 55-10-502]

The Penalties

Under Tennessee law, Drag Racing is typically classified as a Class A Misdemeanor and may result in some or all of the following consequences:

1. A sentence of up to11months, 29 days in jail;
2. A probationary period;
3. A fine of up to $2,500.00;
4. Court costs;
5. Revocation of driver’s license for at least 1 year.

If the Drag Racing offense results in the serious bodily injury of a participant, passenger, bystander, or other person, then the defendant will be charged and penalized under the Tennessee Vehicular Assault law. Further, should a person be convicted of Drag Racing two times within a ten-year period, the Tennessee Department of Safety will permanently revoke the driver’s license of the person.

[Source: Tennessee Code Annotated §§ 55-10-501 to 55-10-503]

Why Hire An Attorney Immediately?

It is important to act quickly in order to gather and preserve favorable evidence. Certain witnesses need to be interviewed as soon as possible. Key evidence (faces, dates, events, and conversations) fades from memory over time. Also, video recordings and other evidence may be destroyed. Therefore, it is critical to begin an investigation as soon as possible to ensure valuable evidence is not lost. Success or failure in any criminal case may be determined in the decisions of the defendant and his or her Tennessee Criminal Attorney in only a few hours or days after an arrest.

Contact Us Today

If you or someone you know has recently been charged, contact the Oberman & Rice Law Firm today so that we can begin preparing a defense for your case. Submit your information for a free case evaluation from our Knoxville criminal defense attorneys or call our office at 865-249-7200.