Racing Florida Uniform Traffic Citation

Criminal Charge

A Florida Uniform Traffic Citation charging someone with Racing is a criminal charge in Florida.  That is why the Florida Uniform Traffic Citation has a court date and time on it.  A Florida Uniform Traffic Citation for Racing is NOT a civil citation like a traffic ticket.  The Florida Uniform Traffic Citation is the officer’s way of charging a person with a criminal traffic offense without having to arrest the person and take them to jail.  Officers can issue a Florida Uniform Traffic Citation for criminal traffic offenses like Racing.  If you do not appear in court as required a warrant may be issued for your arrest.

Arraignment

At the first court appearance the person issued the Florida Uniform Traffic Citation will be required to enter a plea to the Racing charge.  The options are not guilty, guilty or nolo contendere(no contest).  If the person enters a plea of not guilty they will be given another court date and the judge will ask the person if they are hiring a lawyer or representing themselves.  If the person pleads guilty or no contest then the judge will impose a sentence.  Since Racing is a criminal charge a plea of guilty or no contest will remain on your record for the rest of your life.  Racing is a first degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year in jail, up to 1 year on probation and up to a $1,000 fine.  The judge can also include in the sentence driving classes, community service, cost of investigation, cost of prosecution and court costs.  The minimum fine is $500.  In addition, the person’s driver’s license will be revoked for 1 year on a first offense and 2 years on a second offense.

Dismissal

The mistakes the officer made in your case can mean the difference between a conviction and a dismissal.  Officers are trained to follow the law and to conduct investigations properly but everyone makes mistakes, including police officers.  Chris is a former prosecutor who has over 18 years experience defending people charged with Racing.  Racing charges can be beaten for many reasons.  The consultation is free so call 407-740-8300 or email Chris at chris@TheOrlandoDefenseLawyer.com to find out how Chris can help you.