Any person who engages in a street race in Illinois can face misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on the circumstances of the offense. Furthermore, the penalty for street racing usually involves the revocation of driving privileges. And if the offender causes severe harm, disability, or disfigurement, they can face enhanced penalties for aggravated street racing.
How Does Illinois Define Street Racing?
The Illinois definition of street racing appears under 625 ILCS 5/11-506. This section classifies a street race as:
- The operation of at least two vehicles from the same point at accelerating speeds in a competition to gain the most distance;
- The operation of at least one vehicle over a common selected course in a competition to compare relative speeds or acceleration power over a defined distance or time;
- The use of at least one vehicle in an attempt to gain more distance than another vehicle;
- The use of at least one vehicle to block another vehicle from passing;
- The use of at least one vehicle to arrive at a set destination before another vehicle(s); or
- The use of at least one vehicle to test driver endurance or stamina over a long-distance route.
Any person who engages in a street race, as defined above, will likely face criminal charges under Illinois law.
What is the Illinois Penalty for Street Racing?
Section 11-506 also details the Illinois penalty for street racing. However, the punishment does fluctuate based on the number of previous offenses, if any. Under this section, street racing is punishable as follows:
- First Offense — Results in Class A misdemeanor charges, a mandatory minimum fine of $250, and driver’s license revocation; or
- Second or Subsequent Offense — Results in Class 4 felony charges, a mandatory minimum fine of $500, and driver’s license revocation.
How Does Illinois Define Aggravated Street Racing?
The Illinois definition of aggravated street racing appears under Section 11-506. The aggravated version of this offense applies to any person who:
- Commits street racing and causes an accident; and
- Inflicts great bodily harm or permanent disability/disfigurement as a direct result of the street racing accident.
What is the Illinois Penalty for Aggravated Street Racing?
Section 11-506 also explains the Illinois penalty for aggravated street racing. This offense is a Class 4 felony. If convicted for this felony in Illinois, the punishment can include imprisonment for one to 12 years, criminal fines up to $25,000, and driver’s license revocation.
Do You Need Legal Help?
No matter what the criminal offense is, all charges are serious. A sound strategy and an aggressive defense are essential for a positive outcome. To protect your rights in such situations, it is highly advisable to retain legal counsel from an experienced criminal defense attorney.
The Prior Law Firm in Bloomington, Illinois, has proven experience in matters of criminal defense. If you need legal help with criminal defense, contact us today for a free consultation. You can reach The Prior Law Firm by phone at (309) 827-4300, by email at johnprior@thepriorlawfirm.com, or by completing an online form.