If you’ve been arrested for Racing on a Highway in Texas, you’re likely feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and unsure of your future. You’re probably asking yourself questions like:
- “Is street racing a felony in Texas?”
- “Can I go to jail for a racing charge?”
- “How will this affect my driver’s license and insurance?”
- “Who is the best lawyer in Houston to fight this?”
Let’s make one thing clear: Racing on a Highway is a serious criminal offense in Texas, and the stakes are too high to leave your future in the hands of just anyone. You need a top-rated Houston criminal defense attorney with a proven track record, and that’s where Attorney Eric Benavides and the Benavides Law Group come in.
Understanding the Crime: Racing on a Highway in Texas
Under Texas Transportation Code § 545.420, it is illegal to engage in any form of:
- Drag racing
- Speed competitions
- Acceleration contests
- Test of physical endurance of the vehicle
- Exhibition of speed
- Attempting to outdistance another vehicle
Whether you're on I-45, Highway 59, or the 610 Loop, engaging in or even aiding a racing event can result in criminal charges that could follow you for years.
What Are the Penalties for Racing on a Highway in Texas?
The penalties for street racing in Texas vary based on your record and whether the alleged incident caused injury or death.
First Offense (No Injury):
- Class B misdemeanor
- Up to 180 days in jail
- Up to $2,000 in fines
- Suspension of driver’s license
Second Offense or Driving While Intoxicated:
- Class A misdemeanor
- Up to 1 year in jail
- Up to $4,000 in fines
- Additional driver’s license suspension
If Someone Is Injured:
- State jail felony or 3rd-degree felony, depending on the extent of injuries
- 2 to 10 years in prison
- Substantially higher fines and long-term consequences
If Someone Dies:
- 2nd-degree felony
- 2 to 20 years in prison
- Permanent criminal record
Why This Charge Is So Serious
Even if you didn’t injure anyone or weren’t the one who “won” the race, being accused of racing on a highway can change your life. It can lead to:
- A permanent criminal record
- Higher car insurance premiums—or cancellation of your policy altogether
- Difficulty getting jobs—many employers screen for reckless or dangerous behavior
- Difficulty leasing apartments—landlords often deny tenants with criminal records
- Suspension of your driver’s license
- Label as “high risk” by the state and insurance companies
This isn’t a speeding ticket. It’s a criminal offense, and the government treats it like a danger to public safety. You need someone on your side who knows the law, understands how the prosecutors think, and isn’t afraid to fight for your rights.
Why You Should Call Attorney Eric Benavides Today
If you’re searching for a Houston criminal defense attorney, you’ll find hundreds of options. But not all lawyers are created equal. Attorney Eric Benavides of the Benavides Law Group stands apart for one critical reason: experience and personal attention.
Experience That Matters
Attorney Benavides has over 15 years of criminal defense experience in Houston, TX. He has successfully handled hundreds of criminal cases, including many racing on a highway charges. When you hire Eric Benavides, you get an experienced trial attorney, not a junior associate fresh out of law school.
You Work Directly With Your Attorney
Unlike big law firms that pass clients off to assistants or junior lawyers, Attorney Benavides personally handles each and every case. You get his direct attention from start to finish. He’ll know your name, your story, and your case inside and out. That personal connection is rare, and it can make a huge difference in how your case is handled.
Trusted Reputation in Houston Courts
Eric Benavides is recognized by judges, prosecutors, and fellow attorneys as one of the most respected criminal defense lawyers in Houston. He knows the courts, the system, and how to win. His passion for justice and commitment to his clients has made him a top-rated Houston criminal defense lawyer year after year.
Fighting a Racing Charge: What Eric Benavides Can Do for You
When you’re charged with racing on a highway, the government has the burden of proof—but they often rely on:
- Eyewitness accounts (which can be flawed)
- Speed estimates (which can be challenged)
- Dash cam or surveillance footage (which may not show the full picture)
- Vehicle performance or modifications (which may be irrelevant)
Eric Benavides will aggressively challenge this evidence. He may:
- Argue that you were not racing, but simply accelerating
- Show that you were not the driver or that someone else was misidentified
- Suppress illegally obtained evidence
- Expose flaws in police procedure or probable cause
- Negotiate for dismissals, reductions, or alternative sentencing
In some cases, charges can be reduced to reckless driving, a non-criminal offense, or even dismissed altogether.
Client Testimonials
“Eric Benavides is the best criminal defense lawyer in Houston. I was charged with racing on a highway and thought my life was over. Eric took over my case, got it dismissed, and helped me seal the record. I couldn’t be more grateful.”
– J.P.
“I’ve never been in trouble with the law before, and I was terrified after being arrested for street racing. Eric walked me through everything, answered all my questions, and gave me hope. He treated me like a human being, not just a case number.”
– M.L.
“I interviewed 3 different criminal lawyers in Houston before hiring Eric Benavides. The others made me feel like just another client. Eric actually cared. Best decision I ever made.”
– R.A.
Don’t Wait—Time Is Critical
If you or a loved one is facing a racing on a highway charge in Houston, do not wait to get help. Every day that goes by is another day that the prosecution builds its case. You need an aggressive, experienced, and compassionate advocate in your corner—you need Attorney Eric Benavides.
At the Benavides Law Group, we understand that mistakes happen. We don’t judge—we defend. Whether this is your first arrest or you’ve had prior run-ins with the law, you deserve a second chance, and we will fight to give you that.
Houston Areas We Serve
Attorney Eric Benavides proudly defends clients throughout Harris County, including:
- Downtown Houston
- The Heights
- Midtown
- Bellaire
- Galleria Area
- West Houston
- Southwest Houston
- Pasadena
- Cypress
- Spring
- Katy
- Sugar Land
- Pearland
- Baytown
- Galena Park
- And surrounding areas
No matter where you are in the Greater Houston Area, if you’ve been arrested for street racing, exhibition of speed, or racing on a highway, we are here to help.
Contact Attorney Eric Benavides Today
If you’re ready to fight your racing charge and protect your future, call Attorney Eric Benavides now.
📞 (713) 222-2828
🌐 www.EricBenavides.com
📍 Office: Houston, TX
We offer free consultations, and we’ll take the time to hear your story, explain your options, and give you honest advice about the road ahead.
Don’t gamble with your future. Don’t settle for an inexperienced or indifferent lawyer. Hire the best. Hire Attorney Eric Benavides.
Final Thoughts
Being charged with Racing on a Highway in Texas isn’t just a traffic ticket—it’s a criminal case with serious consequences. Whether you’re a young driver, a car enthusiast, or someone who was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time, you deserve a second chance and a strong defense.
Attorney Eric Benavides is one of the most trusted criminal lawyers in Houston, and he is ready to fight for you. With 15+ years of experience, direct client communication, and a commitment to justice, the Benavides Law Group is your first call when your freedom is on the line.