Racing Charges on Georgia Interstate Leads to Even More Serious Charges

Georgia Police are searching for a driver who allegedly raced another driver down I-75 in Cobb County. According to reports, the driver's vehicle reached up to 140 MPH.

The driver then led police on a high speed chase all the way to the downtown connector and ended when the car was forced to slow down. The driver then jumped out of the vehicle near the North Avenue exit. He then proceeded to get out of the vehicle and run across lane of traffic. Narcotics were found inside of his car, but police believe that the have the right identification for him. Although, they have not located the driver yet - they have issued warrants.

As a Georgia DUI Lawyer, I will outline the first offense that police are accusing the driver of committing: racing in our state.

Racing in Georgia

Racing in Georgia is defined by the Georgia Code in O.C.G.A. §40-6-186 as:

No person shall drive any vehicle on a highway in this state in any race, speed competition or contest, drag race or acceleration contest, test of physical endurance, exhibition of speed or acceleration, or for the purpose of making a speed record, and no person shall in any manner participate in any such race, competition of speed, contest of speed, or test or exhibition of speed. Any person convicted of violating subsection (b) of this Code section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

By law, drag race means the operation of two or more vehicles from a point side by side at accelerated speeds in a competitive attempt to outdistance each other or the operation of one or more vehicles over a common selected course from the same point to the same point for the purpose of comparing the relative speeds or power of acceleration of such vehicle or vehicles within a certain distance or time limit.

Racing also includes any attempt to outgain, outdistance, or prevent another vehicle from passing, to arrive at a given destination ahead of another vehicle or vehicles, or to test the physical stamina or endurance of drivers over long-distance driving routes.

Racing is classified as a misdemeanor in Georgia. On top of any punishments allowed under the misdemeanor sentencing statute, penalties for a racing conviction include:

• Fines of $1000 plus court costs
• License suspension for points if the charge causes you to reach 15 points
• License suspension as a penalty for the offense itself
• License suspension for 6 months for persons under the age of 21
• Court-ordered license suspension for any driver if the court deems it necessary
• Community Service
• Jail-time
• Probation

Practice Note

If you or a loved one has been arrested for a serious traffic violation such as DUI in Georgia, contact our offices today. There are always alternative sentences and alternative outcomes in every case. 

The driver in the story above is most likely facing charges of fleeing or attempting to elude in Georgia as well as reckless driving in Georgia. Just because you have been accused of committing a crime - does not mean that you are guilty of that particular crime. Contact us today.