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 60 days in jail, a $500 fine, and 5 points on your license. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced defense for racing charges at the District Court of MD for Prince George’s County.
Maryland Racing and Speed Contest Laws
Maryland law strictly prohibits participation in, aiding, or promoting any race or speed contest on a public highway. The statute defines this as operating a vehicle in competition to outgain or outdistance another vehicle or to arrive at a destination ahead of another vehicle. This includes both organized events and impromptu challenges. Conviction is a misdemeanor with mandatory penalties that can severely impact your driving record and insurance rates.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Prince George’s County | Maryland General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the law, refer to Md. Code, Transportation Art. § 21-1116 (official Maryland General Assembly). Court information and procedures can be found at the District Court of MD for Prince George’s County website.
Local Court Process for Racing Charges in Prince George’s County
Racing cases in Prince George’s County are heard at the District Court in Upper Marlboro. Prosecutors often seek the full penalties, especially for repeat offenses or incidents involving reckless behavior. A key local procedural fact is that Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) may be available for a first-time racing offense, which, if granted, avoids a conviction and point assessment on your driving record—a critical difference for your insurance.
- Receive Citation or Summons: You will be issued a traffic citation or a criminal summons to appear in court.
- Arraignment Hearing: Attend your initial hearing at the District Court in Upper Marlboro to enter a plea.
- Pre-Trial Negotiation: Your attorney can negotiate with the State’s Attorney’s Office to seek a reduction to a non-point violation or PBJ.
- Trial or Disposition: If no agreement is reached, your case will proceed to a bench trial before a judge.
- Sentencing or PBJ: If found guilty, the judge will impose sentence. If PBJ is granted, you will be placed on probation without a conviction.
- MVA Consequences: A conviction results in 5 points reported to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA).
Penalties for Racing in Maryland
In Prince George’s County, a racing conviction is a misdemeanor with penalties including jail, fines, and 5 license points, which can trigger an MVA suspension hearing.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Racing / Speed Contest | Misdemeanor | Up to 60 days | Up to $500 | 5 points | Possible vehicle impoundment, increased insurance premiums, mandatory court costs. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Prince George’s County Traffic Court
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our firm-wide experience spans over 120 combined years, with more than 4,739 documented case results. In Prince George’s County, we focus on the strategic goal of avoiding points through PBJ or charge reductions. Our lead Maryland traffic attorney, Kristen Fisher, is a former Assistant State’s Attorney who uses her prosecutorial insight to build effective defenses for clients facing racing and serious traffic charges.
Case Results for Traffic Offenses
While specific locality counts are proprietary, SRIS actively practices in Prince George’s County. Firm-wide, we have handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes, including dismissals, reductions, and PBJ agreements for serious traffic matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Racing Defense Lawyer Near Me Prince George’s County
Our Maryland office serves all of Prince George’s County, including Upper Marlboro, Bowie, College Park, Laurel, and Hyattsville. We offer 24/7 phone consultations and meet with clients by appointment at our Rockville location to prepare for court in Upper Marlboro.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
199 E Montgomery Ave Suite 100 Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only.
Racing Defense FAQs in Prince George’s County
Is street racing a criminal charge in Maryland?
Yes. Participating in a speed contest or race on a highway is a misdemeanor under Maryland law, not just a traffic ticket. It can result in jail time, a fine, and points on your license.
Can I get Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for a racing charge?
It depends on your prior record and the case facts. PBJ is often a primary defense goal for a first offense, as it avoids a conviction and points. An affordable racing defense lawyer Prince George’s County can argue for PBJ based on your circumstances.
How many points is a racing conviction in Maryland?
A conviction for racing or a speed contest adds 5 points to your Maryland driving record. Accumulating 8 points within 2 years triggers an MVA suspension hearing.
What’s the difference between racing and reckless driving?
Racing involves competition with another vehicle. Reckless driving is a general disregard for safety. They are separate charges, but prosecutors in Prince George’s County often file both if the racing involved dangerously high speeds or weaving through traffic.
Should I fight a racing ticket in Prince George’s County?
Given the criminal and licensing consequences, consulting a defense lawyer is strongly advised. A favorable outcome like PBJ can prevent points, a criminal record, and major insurance increases.
Related Legal Information
If you are facing racing charges, you may also want to learn about Maryland reckless driving laws. For defense in neighboring areas, see our pages for Montgomery County traffic lawyers and Howard County traffic lawyers. For other legal needs in Prince George’s County, we also handle criminal defense and DUI/DWI cases.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.