Prince George’s County Racing Defense Lawyer — What Are Your Options?
Street racing in Prince George’s County is a serious misdemeanor under Md. Code, Transportation Art. § 21-1116, carrying up to 6 months in jail, a $1,000 fine, and 6 points on your license. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has documented results in Prince George’s County District Court.
Maryland Racing Statute and Penalties
Maryland law defines racing on highways as a willful and wanton disregard for safety. The statute, Md. Code, Transportation Art. § 21-1116, prohibits any form of speed competition or contest on a highway. This includes not only traditional drag racing but also any coordinated acceleration contest, whether pre-arranged or spontaneous.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Prince George’s County | Maryland General Assembly.
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm understands how these charges are built and how to defend against them. A conviction is more than a fine; it is a criminal record with lasting consequences.
Official Legal Resources
For the exact legal language, refer to the Md. Code, Transportation Art. § 21-1116 (official Maryland General Assembly site). Court procedures and scheduling for Prince George’s County are handled by the District Court of MD for Prince George’s County.
Local Court Process for Racing Charges
In Prince George’s County, all racing charges begin at the District Court in Upper Marlboro. Prosecutors often rely on officer testimony and any video evidence. A key local procedural fact is that Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a critical tool for a Racing Defense Lawyer Prince Georges County to use, as it can avoid point assessment and a conviction on your driving record upon successful completion.
- Receive Citation/Summons: You will be issued a traffic citation or criminal summons requiring a court appearance at the District Court in Upper Marlboro.
- Arraignment: At your first court date, you will enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. We always advise pleading not guilty at this stage to preserve all defense options.
- Pre-Trial Negotiation: Your attorney will review the state’s evidence and negotiate with the prosecutor for a reduction (e.g., to a non-racing offense) or a PBJ disposition.
- Trial or Disposition: If a favorable agreement cannot be reached, your case will proceed to a bench trial before a judge. A strong defense may challenge the officer’s observations or the definition of “racing.”
- Sentencing or PBJ: If found guilty, the judge will impose sentence. If granted PBJ, you will be placed on probation; successful completion results in the charge being dismissed without a conviction.
- MVA Points: A conviction for racing results in 6 points being assessed by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), triggering a mandatory hearing.
Potential Penalties for Racing in Prince George’s County
In Prince George’s County, a racing conviction is a misdemeanor carrying up to 6 months in jail, a $1,000 fine, and 6 MVA points.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Racing on Highway | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $1,000 | 6 MVA points | Mandatory MVA hearing at 8+ points; possible vehicle impoundment; significant insurance increase. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Racing Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to each case. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ documented case results. We provide vigorous defense in Prince George’s County traffic court. For an affordable racing defense lawyer Prince George’s County, our team offers clear value and focused representation.
Case Results in Maryland Courts
While specific results are confidential, our firm’s approach in Maryland traffic courts has led to numerous favorable outcomes. Strategies often focus on securing PBJ to avoid points and convictions, or challenging the sufficiency of evidence to prove “racing” versus mere speeding. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder, provides strategic oversight on complex cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Service for Prince George’s County Residents
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Maryland
199 E Montgomery Ave Suite 100 Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only.
Our Maryland location serves clients at Prince George’s County courts. We provide representation for individuals in Upper Marlboro, Bowie, College Park, Laurel, Hyattsville, Greenbelt, Largo, Fort Washington, Lanham, Clinton, Capitol Heights, Oxon Hill, and Suitland. If you are searching for a racing defense lawyer near me Prince George’s County, we offer 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — with meetings by appointment only.
Racing Defense FAQs for Prince George’s County
Is street racing a felony in Maryland?
No. Street racing is typically charged as a misdemeanor under Maryland law. However, if the racing activity causes serious injury or death, it could be elevated to felony charges like vehicular manslaughter.
How many points is racing in Maryland?
A conviction for racing adds 6 points to your Maryland driving record. Accumulating 8 points triggers an automatic MVA hearing, and 12 points results in license revocation.
Can I get Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for a racing charge?
It depends. PBJ is discretionary and more likely for first-time offenders with a clean record. A skilled Racing Defense Lawyer Prince Georges County can argue for PBJ, which avoids points and a conviction if you successfully complete the probationary terms.
What’s the difference between racing and reckless driving?
Racing specifically involves a contest or competition of speed with another vehicle. Reckless driving is a broader charge for driving with a willful disregard for safety. Racing carries 6 points, while reckless driving also carries 6 points; the penalties are similar, but the definitions differ.
Should I just pay the ticket if I’m charged with racing?
No. A racing charge is a criminal misdemeanor, not a simple traffic ticket you can pay. Paying it is an admission of guilt, resulting in a criminal conviction, 6 points, and likely jail time. You must appear in court.
Related Practice Areas: For other legal issues in the area, see our pages for Criminal Defense in Prince George’s County and DUI/DWI Defense in Prince George’s County.
More Local Help: We also assist clients in neighboring jurisdictions like Montgomery County and Howard County.
Statewide Overview: Learn more about our firm’s approach on our Maryland Traffic Defense hub page.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance.