Whatever the reason may be, the spectator may not have been there to watch the race and just got caught in the designated area when the police arrived. Intentionally fleeing from law enforcement is a misdemeanor, but it can escalate to a felony if theres reckless driving involved while doing so. 4th 1276, 188 Cal. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. 2022Recurrent Ventures. Street racing and sideshows attract spectators as well as participants. When Lila and her fellow racers are arrested for VC 23109(a) speed contestsBruces car is seized and impounded. More California laws on mental health, traffic and wages taking effect on Jan. 1. The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. LAPD investigators say at least . The case is called People v. Watson.8. Its unclear who exactly operates the Street Racer Task Force Instagram account, but police have admitted to monitoring social media in the past to look out for illegal takeovers. DUI arrests don't always lead to convictions in court. The ticket, which he signed to avoid being arrested and taken into the Compton Sheriffs station by the CHP was for violating Los Angeles Municipal Code 13.46.010, which the City of Carson is active in issuing because of a few recent accidents involving street racing. In most cases, street racing in California is a misdemeanor. The information on this Law Firm website is for general information purposes only. VC 23109(c)exhibition of speedcan be charged on its own, as either a misdemeanor or aninfraction.28But it is also a very commonCalifornia DUI plea bargain. California law makes it illegal to engage in street racing, drag racing or speed contests on public roads, streets and highways. So just how far will San Jose go in its enforcement? ]), CALCRIM 2201 Speed Contest (Veh. Even if you are caught just watching an illegal street race, you are subject to stiff penalties for aiding and abetting street racing. In this section, we offer solutions for clearing up your prior record. In Nevada? California Highway Patrol officers wrote on their report that they received a phone call about some folks on motorcycles doing donuts and when they got close to the area, they could hear motorcycle engines revving. California Assembly Bill 3, authored by Assemblyman Vince Fong, R-Bakersfield, will go into effect July 1, 2025. If someone decides to spin their tires or even rev their engine (both of which are covered under the "preparations" section) within sight or earshot of a passing cop, they can theoretically arrest everyone present, even those who were just there to hang out. If a street race was taking place in a particular area, a local person may have simply wondered over to see what all of the raucous was about. "We need to increase the penalties for illegal street racing activities to send a message that this activity will not be tolerated.". They are frequently traveling side-by-side, leading one of them to veer out of the bike lane into the regular traffic lanes. 13.46.010) Dismissed Our client, age 33 and from Baldwin Park, was ticketed at about 4:45 p.m. on a Sunday afternoon at the end of Intermodal Way, a cul-de-sac just off Sepulveda Boulevard in Carson. And they ride up onto the sidewalk at intersections where there are cars in the bike lane waiting to turn right. This means people can engage in a car race if it is on property that is privately owned and not open to the public. ", "Dear Greg, Thank you again for all your help. General Information: 800-807-6755. However, penalties can vary, depending on the criminal histories of the people involved, other charges and the . All rights reserved. Because of recent changes in his business, her husband currently has a large part of his vehicle storage lot sitting empty. Some sideshows go on for hours, while others clear out in minutes to avoid police. As Eyewitness News reported earlier this year, tribes said the state was requiring them to go through a longer process to get permission to operate ambulances than most cities and counties go through. We really appreciate it and we are happy that all turned out well. A first-time conviction is punishable by: If a person commits this crime with a prior conviction, the penalties may include: A violation of VC 23103 is charged as a misdemeanor. Typically, motorists or motorcyclists will "shut down" roads and begin racing each other up the street. on a highway (any public road), and do it willfully. But Bruce should be able to get his car back if he can convince an official at an impoundment hearing that he had not given Lila permission to take his car that night. In an attempt to combat street racers throughout Florida, the Florida legislature crafted a law which prohibits individuals from being a spectator at any drag racing event. voted unanimously to approve the legislation. Reckless driving does not result in a license suspension, but it does carry up to a 30 day sentence and $200.00 fine. Street racing is illegal in California, usually punishable by up to 90 days in county jail and a fine of up to $1,000. Police officer mistakes, faulty breathalyzers and crime lab errors may get your charges reduced or dismissed. Every crime in California is defined by a specific code section. (Upon a conviction for any crime punishable by imprisonment in any jail or prison, in relation to which no fine is herein prescribed [such as felony speed contests causing serious bodily injury], the court may impose a fine on the offender not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000) in cases of misdemeanors or ten thousand dollars ($10,000) in cases of felonies, in addition to the imprisonment prescribed.), Penal Code 243(f)(4). Street racing laws in California include all forms of speed racing, drag racing or drifting, and any exhibitions of speed which threatens the public safety. It may carry the following potential penalties: A restriction of your drivers license would mean that you are permitted to drive only for the purposes of getting to/from and performing your job.15. Here are some examples of people who could end up charged as a speed contest: Engaging in a speed contest is amisdemeanor in California. The most common legal defenses to Vehicle Code 23109(a) VC charges include: You cannot be convicted of a speed contest unless the prosecutor can prove that you acted willfully.26, Maybe you have a physical or medical condition that led you to drive at a high speed without realizing you were doing so. ((h)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (3), a felony punishable pursuant to this subdivision where the term is not specified in the underlying offense [such as felony speed contests causing serious bodily injury] shall be punishable by a term of imprisonment in a county jail for 16 months, or two or three years.)See also Penal Code 672 PC. ATM thieves use glue and 'tap' function to drain accounts at Chase, Big Bear begins running out food and fuel as ski resorts remain open, Do not to buy Raspberry Rally cookies from eBay, Girl Scouts say. 811, while doing so, he willfully engaged in a speed contest. Vehicle Code 23109 VC Speed contests, subsections (e) and (f), endnote 5, above. (2) A concussion. Free Consultation - Call (310) 782-2500 - Greg Hill & Associates aggressively represents the accused against charges in Speed Contest Ticket & Pre-Trial Hearing cases. He was efficient, thorough, knowledgeable, courteous, responsive & brilliant. The crowd swelled from about 100 to 200 or more, leading every available officer from the California Highway Patrol North Sacramento Office to respond to the incident. The legal definition of a speed contest under Vehicle Code 23109(a) consists of the following elements of the crime: Lets break down these elements in order to better understand their meaning: A motor vehicle includes any of the following: Example: Marcus and Jayden, two 14-year-old boys, engage in a bicycle race on a busy arterial with a bicycle lane. ABC7 News reports the San Jose City Council voted unanimously to approve the legislation, which is written in broad strokes to give authorities a lot of latitude in going after spectators. According to the ordinance, any person present as a spectator at a street race or reckless driving exhibition can face up to $500 in fines. An alleged spectator could have simply been taking a leisurely stroll in the area, walking their dog, making a run to the grocery store, or simply hanging out in the area with friends. As of July, the number of races and street takeovers across Los Angeles had jumped 27% in 2021, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. This website can help you find the appropriate county traffic court to pay or challenge your ticket. If you are found guilty of one of these offences, you will be assessed a fine.General public. . I talked to other attorneys out there and they had an arms-length of attitude, but not you. Tribal Emergency Vehicles: AB 798 by Assemblyman James Ramos helps California tribes cut red tape to operate ambulances on their land. Please complete the form below and we will contact you momentarily. Call our law firm to for a free consultation. Common consequences for a person watching a street race are, 3 points on an individuals license which could lead to license suspensionand a fine that can amount to $500. Charlotte and several biker friends uses her husbands empty lot to race their motorcycles on a short course. This site uses different types of cookies. Marcus and Jayden are engaging in a dangerous speed contest. There is insufficient evidence that your behavior met the definition of a speed contest. A conviction results in jail time for not more than 90 days, a fine of not more than $500 or both jail time and the fine. What is the best way to compare cost of living between cities? If this occurs, then the vehicle will be released before the end of the impoundment period only if one of the following is true: Example: Bruce and Lila are teenage siblings. But it does not include property that is maintained by private entities and/or not open to the public for vehicle travel. (This happens especially frequently withelderly drivers.). Shouse Law Group has helped many citizens get charges reduced or dismissed, and keep their records clean. It also includes a race against a clock or other timing device.2. (3) A bone fracture. Any unauthorized reproduction or use of this material is prohibited. ", "Thanks for investing in my case. While doing so, you willfully engaged in a speed contest. We do not handle any of the following cases: And we do not handle any cases outside of California. It could carry penalties of: A county jail sentence between 24 hours and 90 days. 8:00 AM The 4WP Every Man Challenge START. Copyright 2023 Shouse Law Group, A.P.C. . They were so pleasant and knowledgeable when I contacted them. a $1,000 . 3. Even a misdemeanor for evading a law enforcement officer carries a penalty of up to 1 year in county jail, which is much more harsh than getting caught in a speed contest. Can you integrate if function is not continuous? Over 75 Cars Were Impounded By California Police During A Street Race Meet Just For Spectating. This took place on a "highway.". (d) A person shall not, for the purpose of facilitating or aiding or as an incident to any motor vehicle speed contest or exhibition upon a highway, in any manner obstruct or place a barricade or obstruction or assist or participate in placing a barricade or obstruction upon any highway.), Vehicle Code 23109 VC Speed contests. (3) If the perpetration of the most recent offense within the five-year period described in paragraph (1) proximately causes serious bodily injury, as defined in paragraph (4) of subdivision (f) of Section 243 of the Penal Code, to a person other than the driver, a person convicted of that second violation shall be imprisoned in the state prison, or in a county jail for not less than 30 days nor more than one year, and by a fine of not less than five hundred dollars ($500) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000). attempt to go faster than the other vehicles. App. Vehicle Code 2800.1 VC Flight from pursuing peace officer. Police officer mistakes, faulty breathalyzers and crime lab errors may get your charges reduced or dismissed. Shouse Law Group has wonderful customer service. Same. Equestrian Safety Gear: Assembly Bill 974 by Assemblymember Luz Rivas, D-Arleta requires minors to wear a helmet when riding a horse, mule or donkey on a paved highway. Shouse Law Group has helped many citizens get charges reduced or dismissed, and keep their records clean. The law states that we can store cookies on your device if they are strictly necessary for the operation of this site. Charlotte and her friends cannot be charged under Californias speed contest law because her husbands lot does not count as a highway.. ([The term highway describes any area publicly maintained and open to the public for purposes of vehicular travel, and includes a street. Shouse Law Group has wonderful customer service. The term speed contest (also called street racing, drag racing, or an exhibition of speed) refers to a race by two or more motor vehicles on a public street, highway or freeway. Nothing on this or associated pages, documents, comments, answers, emails, or other communications should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. You have one or more prior convictions for a speed contest that occurred within five (5) years of the violation you are currently charged with; or. Spectators of sideshow events there could face misdemeanor charges and up to a $1,000 fine for watching sideshow events. For additional guidance or to discuss your case with a criminal defense attorney, we invite you to contact us at Shouse Law Group. ", "Greg Hill did an outstanding job on every level. It's a bold new tactic for policeand one that warrants a closer look. New California laws will take effect in 2022. The maximum punishment is three points on your drivers license, a maximum fine of $500.00 and the possibility of court ordered traffic school. He also had a prior conviction for possession of a controlled substance while armed (Health and Safety Code 11370.1) and four juvenile adjudications for battery (Penal Code 242), assault with a stun gun (Penal Code 244.5(B) and two cases of obstructing / delaying / or resisting arrest (Penal Code 148(a)(1)). "The last four years we've lost six young people as a result of street racing in the city," San Jose Mayor . 6:00 PM The 4WP Every Man Challenge END. He was approaching a few weeks off from work due to the school taking a winter holiday break, so he promised to take care of the community service and online class over the break. A prosecutor must prove the following to convict a defendant under this statute: A speed contest is defined as a race of a vehicle against another car. (2) (A) A motor vehicle speed contest, as described in subdivision (a) of Section 23109. . Its worth noting that we have not verified where or when the takeovers in those videos happened. imprisonment in county jail for up to six months, a strike on the defendants record under. For a first penalty you may receive any or multiple penalties below: When arrested for a speed contest the officer can also impound your vehicle for up to 30 days. According to Police Chief Anthony Mata, the city will use social . This is typically the scene where multiple spectators will come out and watch the race. The suspension or restriction of your drivers license for anywhere from ninety (90) days to six (6) months. But it does NOT include an event where participants measure the amount of time it takes for a vehicle to cover a given route, IF: A violation of this crime can result in jail time and/or a fine. Gov. There are several related California offenses that are commonly charged along with, or instead of, speed contests. Most new laws take effect on Jan. 1 in the year after they passed, with some exceptions. He has extensive experience both in the. (b) The registered and legal owner of a vehicle removed and seized under subdivision (a) or their agents shall be provided the opportunity for a storage hearing to determine the validity of the storage in accordance with Section 22852. AB 3 by Assemblyman Vince Fong, R-Bakersfield would put stronger penalties on those who participate in sideshows. Traffic Safety: AB43 would authorize local officials to further reduce speed limits beyond the state's current parameters in situations where needed to protect pedestrians and cyclists. With the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney, you may be able to use one or more of the followinglegal defensesto avoid a conviction for this offense: In order to help you better understand the law, our California criminal defense attorneyswill address the following: If, after reading this article, you would like more information, we invite you to contact us at Shouse Law Group. CALCRIM 2201 Speed Contest (Veh. DUI arrests don't always lead to convictions in court. Street Race Spectator, L.A. MC 47.15, Reduced to Infraction - Los Angeles Speed Contest Ticket Lawyer What happens if a person is convicted of 23109 VC? We do not handle any of the following cases: And we do not handle any cases outside of California. Targeting spectators is a new tactic for authoritiesand the start of a slippery slope. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. Major off-road desert racing returns to Southern California after more than two decades. ((e)(1) A person convicted of a violation of subdivision (a) shall be punished by imprisonment in a county jail for not less than 24 hours nor more than 90 days or by a fine of not less than three hundred fifty-five dollars ($355) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by both that fine and imprisonment. Code, 23109(c), (e)(2), (f)(1)(3)). How are Officials Cracking Down on Street Racing? This statute says that a person drives recklessly if: Under California law, a person acts with a wanton disregard for safety when: Note that one California court has specifically ruled that speeding may constitute recklessness based on the circumstances.6. thirty (30) days to one (1) year in county jail, and/or. The law will allow the court to consider a convicted offenders hardships when deciding whether to suspend or restrict a drivers license. The law is supposed to hold people accountable for their decisions to attend a street race or sideshow. Charlotte and her friends cannot be charged under Californias speed contest law because her husbands lot does not count as a highway.. 1 23, For a first-time conviction for a speed contest in California, the penalties may include, And the potential penalties will increase if this is not your first conviction for a speed contest, and/or if anyone is injured as a result of the speed contest.5, In fact, this offense becomes a wobblera crime that may be charged as a misdemeanorora felonyif someone suffersseriousbodily injury as a result of the contest.6.