Bakersfield Street Racing Attorney

Strategic Defense For California Street Racing Charges

California treats illegal street racing and exhibition of speed as serious criminal charges, not harmless traffic tickets. If you were arrested or cited in Bakersfield, you may now be facing court in Kern County Superior Court, possible jail, heavy fines, and threats to your driver’s license.

We know that situation is stressful and often embarrassing. You might be worried about how this will affect your job, school, insurance, or immigration status, and what will happen at your first court date. At Humphrey & Thompson, we focus our practice on criminal defense, and we are ready to guide you through each step.

Call to speak with our team.

What Is Considered Street Racing?

Street racing in California is defined broadly and goes far beyond two cars speeding side-by-side down a roadway. Under California Vehicle Code §23109, street racing includes:

• Speed contests between two or more vehicles
• Drag racing on a public street or highway
• Timed acceleration contests
• Racing against another vehicle, a clock, or even yourself
• Exhibitions of speed, such as rapid acceleration or tire squealing intended to show off a vehicle’s power

Importantly, a street racing charge does not require a formal race or finish line. Law enforcement officers may issue a citation based on their observations, video footage, or witness statements. In Bakersfield, police often rely on speed estimates, dash cams, or third-party reports, which can sometimes be challenged by an experienced Bakersfield street racing lawyer.

You can also be charged even if you did not win the race—or if the race never fully occurred. Simply engaging in conduct that appears to initiate or invite a race may be enough for prosecutors to file charges.

California Street Racing Laws & Penalties

California treats street racing as a misdemeanor offense, but the penalties can be severe, especially if aggravating factors are involved. A conviction for street racing in Bakersfield may result in:

Criminal Penalties

• Fines ranging from $355 to over $1,000, plus court fees
• Up to 90 days in county jail for a first offense
• Up to 6 months in jail for repeat offenses

Driver’s License Consequences

• Suspension or restriction of your driver’s license
• Points added to your DMV driving record
• Mandatory completion of traffic or driver safety programs

Vehicle Impoundment

• Your vehicle may be impounded for up to 30 days, even for a first offense
• Owners can be responsible for towing and storage fees

Enhanced Penalties

If street racing results in injury, property damage, or involves prior convictions, penalties can increase significantly. Racing with passengers, near pedestrians, or in construction or school zones can also lead to harsher consequences.

Related Charges Often Filed With Street Racing

Street racing cases are frequently accompanied by additional charges, such as:

• Reckless driving
• Speeding over 100 mph
• Exhibition of speed
• DUI or drug-related offenses
• Evading law enforcement

Each added charge increases the stakes and potential penalties. An experienced defense attorney can evaluate whether charges were improperly stacked or unsupported by sufficient evidence.

Legal Defenses to Street Racing Charges

Every street racing case is unique, and a strong defense depends on the specific facts involved. At Humphrey & Thompson, we carefully examine every detail of your arrest to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. Common defenses may include:

• Lack of intent: Street racing requires willful participation. Accidental acceleration or brief speed increases may not qualify.
• Insufficient evidence: Officer estimates of speed or racing behavior can be unreliable or unsupported.
• Mistaken identity: In multi-vehicle situations, police may misidentify which driver was allegedly racing.
• Improper traffic stop: If law enforcement lacked reasonable suspicion or probable cause, evidence may be suppressed.
• No actual speed contest: Not all aggressive driving behavior qualifies as a race under California law.

Our goal as your Bakersfield street racing attorney is to reduce charges, negotiate alternatives, or seek dismissal whenever possible.