If you have been questioned, arrested, or even fear you might be connected to a collision involving extreme speed, street racing, or a sideshow, you need to know about the potential effects of Ryan’s Law —codified in Penal Code § 192(c)—on your situation. Ryan’s Law spells out conduct that prosecutors can treat as gross negligence, turning what might once have been a misdemeanor into a felony carrying substantial prison time.
What qualifies as gross negligence under Ryan’s Law
- Driving 100 mph or more on any public road.
- Participating in a street race or “exhibition of speed.”
- Taking part in a sideshow (blocking traffic to perform burn-outs, doughnuts, or other stunts).
When any of these acts causes a fatal collision, the driver can be charged with vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence—a felony punishable by up to six years in state prison. Multiple victims or prior convictions can trigger sentence enhancements and longer terms.
Why this matters the moment a serious crash occurs
- Felony exposure from the outset – Police investigators will be looking for evidence of speed, racing, or sideshow activity to justify a gross-negligence filing.
- Gateway to murder charges – Showing gross negligence makes it easier for prosecutors to argue that the driver acted with “conscious disregard for life,” opening the door to second-degree (implied-malice) murder counts.
- Severe collateral consequences – A felony conviction can mean lifelong criminal-record issues, mandatory license revocation, insurance cancellation, and heightened liability in civil wrongful-death suits.
Action checklist for anyone under suspicion
- Secure electronic data immediately
Event-data recorders, GPS logs, cell-phone metadata, and traffic-camera footage can all vanish quickly. Preserve copies before they do. - Lock down witness information
Spectators at races or sideshows often scatter; identify and interview them while memories are fresh. - Hire qualified experts early
Reconstruction specialists can download vehicle data and challenge police speed estimates before evidence degrades. - Pause social-media activity
Photos or videos of speed contests—even if “deleted”—can be subpoenaed and used to prove gross negligence. - Decline interviews until you have counsel
Well-intentioned explanations given without a lawyer can solidify the prosecution’s case. Politely assert your right to remain silent and request representation.
The Takeaway
Ryan’s Law gives California prosecutors a clear path to felony—and even murder—charges when excessive speed, racing, or sideshows result in a fatal crash. If you believe you could be linked to such an incident, consult experienced counsel right away.
The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney focus on defending individuals facing vehicular-manslaughter, hit-and-run, and other serious traffic allegations. Contact us for a confidential, no-obligation review of your situation.
