Drag Racing
It may seem like harmless fun, but drag racing poses a serious threat to you and others around you. It only takes a half-second of mishandling to accidentally crash into another car, a pedestrian, or into a structure. That half-second can land you with serious consequences including time in prison.
Drag racing is one of the less severe Serious Traffic Crimes. There are many potentially enhancing factors to Drag Racing charges in the State of Iowa. Depending on the exact circumstances of your case, the charges faced could be as mild as a simple misdemeanor or as severe as 5 years in prison.
If you have been charged with Drag Racing, contacting a qualified West Des Moines attorney can help you to fight the accusation.
Attorney for Drag Racing in Polk County, Iowa
Drag Racing Charges can be more or less severe depending on the specific factors in your case, but having a criminal record has its consequences. Being convicted of this offense can hinder career options such as pursuing a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and can reflect poorly on your moral character for many kinds of jobs. It is important to understand the far-reaching consequences that even a simple misdemeanor can have on your professional and personal goals.
At McCarthy & Hamrock, P.C., we are devoted to providing quality legal assistance to all of our clients no matter the circumstances. Our lawyers have the skills and knowledge required to attend to your case professionally. They possess an in-depth and ever-expanding understanding of the laws of the State of Iowa. If you are charged with a simple misdemeanor or a Class D felony, the legal team at McCarthy & Hamrock, P.C. wants to help you fight for your future.
If you have been charged with Drag Racing or crime including Drag Racing in Polk County, Dallas County, Marshall County, Jasper County, Boone County, and any surrounding counties, contact us today at (515) 279-9700 to begin preparing your defense.
Overview of Drag Racing Laws in Iowa
Drag Racing and Related Crimes
Drag Racing without any enhancing elements or related crimes is a simple misdemeanor. Drag Racing with other elements or occurrences can be a felony of varying severity.
Because the act of drag racing imposes a danger to the driver, passengers, and other drivers and pedestrians, drag racing can go from harmless rule-breaking to life-taking in a very short window of time. Racing vehicles in an unsanctioned area is not only dangerous to the physical body—it can also damage careers and relationships. An arrest of any kind can harm job prospects or result in being let go. If convicted, a criminal record can follow you for decades, or even your entire life.
Racing is dangerous. It doesn’t help that races often occur late at night when the presence of other drivers or police is less expected. Impaired vision, other high-risk activities, and the influence of drugs or alcohol can all play a significant role in a drag racing arrest.
Two particularly serious iterations of drag racing are vehicular manslaughter and termination of pregnancy. Within the State Code of Iowa, stipulations are in place to deal with the aftermath of Drag Racing-induced vehicular manslaughter and termination of pregnancy. Both felonies, they can be further enhanced if the driver in question flees the scene of the crime.
When caught after fleeing from a crime scene, the penalty issued by the court must be 70% completed before release is considered.
Penalties for Drag Racing and Related Crimes
Although the crime itself is only a simple misdemeanor, there are several legal consequences outside of jail time or fines to be considered. For example, when an individual is convicted of Drag Racing, they can potentially face the revocation or suspension of their license. They can also put their professional licenses in jeopardy if the Disciplinary Board decides to seek action.
There are several crimes that in tandem with Drag Racing come together to create a more serious crime. Some of them include Vehicular Homicide while Drag Racing (§ 707.6A (3)) and Termination of Pregnancy while Drag Racing (§ 707.8(6)).
Below is a table detailing the penalties for Drag Racing:
| CRIME | CLASS | JAIL/PRISON TIME | FINE |
| Drag Racing | Simple Misdemeanor | 0-30 Days in Jail | $65-625 |
| Drag Racing (Vehicular Manslaughter) * | Class D Felony | Up to 5 years in Prison | $750-7,500 |
| Drag Racing (Term. Of Pregnancy) * | Class D Felony | Up to 5 years in Prison | $750-7,500 |
*These crimes have enhancements that are tacked on for fleeing the scene of the crime. Those convicted of this crime and of fleeing the scene are required by State Law (§902.12) to serve at least 70% of their sentence.
Additional Resources
Iowa State Code on Drag Racing – This link leads to the official Iowa State law regarding Drag Racing. It details the crime and its components, as well as declares what degree of crime it is. You can use this as a guide to what the state says about the crime.
Iowa Law on Driver’s License Sanctions – This link provides detailed information on several crimes and their effect on the status of an individual’s driver’s license. You can use this as a guide to what happens if you are convicted of this or any other crime that is related to vehicle usage.
West Des Moines, Iowa Attorney for Drag Racing
Regardless of if your charge is for simple Drag Racing or a related, more serious charge, our legal team at McCarthy & Hamrock, P.C. is dedicated to fighting on your behalf. We understand that people make mistakes, and we have the knowledge and experience to provide your case with the kind of legal assistance it requires.
Our attorneys are driven by giving quality help to our clients, and we are motivated to craft tailor-made defenses that fit the exact circumstances of each case that comes our way.
If you have been charged with Drag Racing or a related crime in West Des Moines, Des Moines, Altoona, Ankeny, Clive, or any other surrounding cities, reach out to us at (515) 279-9700 to schedule a free consultation.