Street takeovers have quickly become the norm in Los Angeles, with participants blocking an intersection to perform donuts and other maneuvers at high speeds. While these may seem harmless compared to other crimes, they can lead to devastating consequences, as was the case with our client, Dante Terrel Chapple-Young. While taking part in a street takeover, Mr. Chapple-Young struck and killed a bystander. He was arrested and charged with murder, facing a possible life sentence in State Prison.
Thanks to our creative approach, we were able to secure a resolution that ensured he would not spend the rest of his life behind bars, but instead receive a sentence that allows for eventual release. We are very pleased and proud of what we accomplished in his case, and as a Los Angeles criminal defense firm, we remain committed to pursuing justice in every matter we handle. As part of his plea agreement, Mr. Chapple-Young recorded a public service announcement (PSA) addressing the dangers of street takeovers. These events often carry devastating consequences for drivers, bystanders, and anyone caught in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Not Worth The Risk: PSA Highlights the Dangers of Street Takeovers
It’s rare to hear directly from someone after a criminal conviction, but Mr. Chapple-Young offers a perspective that highlights not just the dangers of street takeovers but also the life-changing impact of sentencing. While online sources may outline the penalties for these events, the true weight of what it means to face the possibility of life in prison is only clear when you hear it from someone who has lived through it.
In the PSA, Mr. Chapple-Young talked about his passion for cars. Having participated in street takeovers since he was a teenager, he assumed that his day would end just like any other. Instead, while performing donuts on Christmas Day 2022, his actions led to tragic consequences. “I thought it would be like any other time, and everyone would just get up off the ground,” Mr. Chapple-Young directly addressed the camera. “Unfortunately, that didn’t pan out and a young woman lost her life.”
In May 2025, Mr. Chapple-Young pleaded no contest to one felony count each of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and assault with a deadly weapon, which was his car. He also admitted that he fled the scene and caused great bodily harm to a second victim. While he was facing a potential life sentence, our team secured a resolution that resulted in a 13-year sentence instead. “You never think it could be you until it’s actually you responsible for somebody’s death,” he said in the PSA. “You don’t have to go out and do donuts in the middle of an intersection to show your love for cars. It’s dangerous. Somebody can and will get hurt.”
LA County DA Holds Press Conference
The PSA is just one of the measures being taken to address the seriousness of these street takeovers occurring all across Los Angeles. On August 11, 2025, just a few days after Mr. Chapple-Young’s sentencing, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman, along with local law enforcement, held a press conference to crack down on these takeovers and issue a dire warning to those who participate: Whether you’re a driver or an onlooker, you will face arrest and criminal charges. “So often, these young people, they just see the social media excitement of showing up at a street takeover and don’t think there could be any consequences,” Hochman said. “[They] don’t even really appreciate that they’re engaging in a crime by showing up.”
Those in attendance, regardless of whether they’re spectators or active participants, can face a number of misdemeanor charges, including:
- Reckless driving: Up to 90 days in a county jail and/or up to $1,000 fine
- Speed exhibition: Up to 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine
- Being a spectator at takeovers: Up to 180 days in jail and a $500 fine
Even those who simply agree to partake in the street takeover before it happens, including agreeing to block traffic, promoting the event on social media, or agreeing to drive a vehicle, could be facing thousands of dollars in fines and potential incarceration.
Felony charges await those whose actions injure or kill someone.
A Creative Approach to Justice and Change
While the penalties for street takeovers are severe, true change often comes from education and awareness. That’s why Mr. Chapple-Young’s PSA is so powerful. It gives a face and a voice to the real consequences of these events. For our client, this was more than a sentencing; it was an opportunity to speak out and hopefully prevent others from making the same mistakes.
As criminal defense attorney Chris Chaney explained, “This public service message was part of a creative solution between our office and the District Attorney’s Office to reach a resolution that satisfied both their office and the interests of our client. Generally, cases like this are very black-and-white when it comes to sentencing, and very rarely does the sentence do anything to truly deter criminal behavior. We were very happy with the results and hope that this will help prevent incidents like this in the future.”
This case highlights how criminal defense is not just about legal strategy, but also about finding solutions that create a lasting impact. By combining accountability with advocacy, we hope that this PSA can stand as a reminder that street takeovers are never worth the risk and that meaningful change can still come, even after conviction.
Contact The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney For Aggressive Criminal Defense Representation in Los Angeles, CA and Beyond
Facing criminal charges in Los Angeles can feel overwhelming, but your future should not be defined by a single mistake. At The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney, we combine trial-tested defense with creative negotiation strategies to pursue outcomes that protect our clients’ rights and encourage real change. Contact us today to discuss your case and see how we can help you build a path forward.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered as legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please consult our team directly.
