Street Racing Defense Attorney in Los Angeles, CA, Providing Strategic Defenses for Vehicle Code Violations Related to Speed Contests, Reckless Driving, and Street Takeovers
Street takeovers are becoming a major concern across Southern California. These events, where groups block roads or intersections so drivers can perform dangerous stunts like donuts, drifting, or speed exhibitions, are now aggressively prosecuted in Los Angeles and across California. Participants behind the wheel can face charges as serious as vehicular manslaughter and murder, and even spectators can face criminal charges.
Our firm has successfully attained favorable outcomes for clients charged with offenses stemming from street takeovers, including securing a shortened sentence for a defendant who was facing the possibility of life in prison. If you or someone you love has been arrested or investigated, you need a Los Angeles street takeover defense attorney who understands the law, the penalties, and the strategies that can protect your future. Contact The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney today for the defense you need against serious charges.
We Helped a Client Avoid Life in Prison for Murder Charges Resulting From a Street Takeover Accident
After our client, Dante Terrel Chapple-Young, fatally struck a bystander while performing stunts during a street takeover in South Los Angeles in December 2022, he was charged with murder. The 28-year-old was facing the possibility of life in prison, a sentence that would have been not only harsh but absolutely life-changing.
Recognizing what was at stake, we set to work developing a legal strategy tailored specifically to Mr. Chapple-Young’s unique circumstances. What stood out to us was how remorseful our client was for the devastating accident that occurred when he had never meant to hurt anyone.
Under our advice, Mr. Chapple-Young pleaded no contest to one felony count each of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and assault with a deadly weapon (his car), as well as admitting to fleeing the scene and causing great bodily harm to a second victim. As part of the plea agreement we secured for him, Mr. Chapple-Young recorded a public service announcement sharing his story and addressing the dangers of street takeovers.
Our client might have spent the rest of his life behind bars if he’d been convicted of the murder charges. Instead, our creative approach to justice and skillful negotiations with the District Attorney’s Office secured him a sentence of only 13 years, a mere fraction of what he could have faced.
Tightened Restrictions and Penalties in California
In the last several years, California lawmakers have passed strict laws targeting street takeovers. Police and prosecutors now have more power to:
- Arrest drivers, organizers, and even spectators
- Impound vehicles used in these events
- File charges that range from misdemeanors to serious felonies, such as murder charges that could lead to life imprisonment
A conviction can mean fines, a suspended driver’s license, vehicle forfeiture, and jail time. In the most serious cases, especially if someone is injured or killed, felony charges may apply, leading to years, or potentially even a lifetime, in state prison.
Get an Aggressive Defense with a Qualified Los Angeles Street Takeover Defense Attorney
Our firm provides skilled defense for individuals accused of participating in, organizing, or promoting street takeovers. We investigate every detail of the case, from video evidence to police reports, and work to have charges reduced or dismissed.
- Challenging weak evidence: Many arrests rely on poor-quality video or chaotic eyewitness accounts.
- Protecting your record: Even a misdemeanor conviction can affect employment, immigration, and your reputation.
- Fighting license suspensions and impoundments: We help protect your ability to drive and keep your vehicle.
Street takeover cases often overlap with charges under California Vehicle Code §23109 (motor vehicle speed contests), also known as street racing. If someone is injured or killed, prosecutors may add charges, such as vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence (under California Penal Code §192(c) or even murder (under California Penal Code § 187). Our attorneys understand how to fight all types of criminal charges that could result from street takeover involvement, from low-level misdemeanors to severe felonies.
If you are accused of illegal street racing or takeover activity, a street racing defense attorney in Los Angeles, CA, from our firm can step in immediately to protect your rights.
Legal Risks & Penalties
Street takeover charges are taken very seriously in California. Even a first arrest can bring consequences that go far beyond a traffic ticket. If you are accused of being involved in one of these events, it’s important to know the penalties you could face and how a Los Angeles street takeover defense attorney can help protect your future.
Misdemeanor Charges
Most cases start as misdemeanor offenses, such as reckless driving or exhibition of speed. A conviction of a misdemeanor reckless driving or exhibition of speed charge can mean:
- Up to 90 days in jail
- Probation
- Fines of up to $1,000
Even a misdemeanor goes on your permanent record. That can affect jobs, immigration status, and even professional licenses.
Driver’s License Suspensions
California law now sets standard suspensions for street takeover and street racing cases. You could lose your license for 90 days to 6 months. In limited cases, you may be able to drive for work purposes only, but most suspensions make daily life and employment much harder.
Vehicle Impoundment
Police now have broad power to impound vehicles connected to street takeovers. This doesn’t apply just to drivers; spectators and people accused of promoting the event can also lose their vehicles. In some cases, repeat offenders risk permanent forfeiture or even vehicle “crushing.”
Repeat Offenses
With repeat offenses, prosecutors and local courts are more likely to pursue harsher penalties, including the maximum fines permitted under the law. Jail time also becomes more likely with each offense.
Felony Charges, Including Murder
The most serious risk is felony prosecution. If someone is hurt or killed, organizers, promoters, or participants may be charged with crimes like conspiracy, gross negligence, vehicular manslaughter, or even murder.
A number of these offenses are known as “wobbler” charges, meaning they can be filed as misdemeanors or felonies. If charged as felonies, they can lead to years in state prison. For a murder conviction resulting from an accident that occurs during a street takeover, you could be sentenced to life in prison.
Because the penalties are so severe, no one should face these charges alone. A skilled street racing defense attorney in Los Angeles, CA, can challenge the evidence and protect your rights. We can fight to reduce or dismiss the charges when possible or, if appropriate, strategically negotiate with the District Attorney’s Office a plea agreement that protects you from the harshest consequences of a conviction.
About Street Takeover Cases in California
In recent years, street takeovers (also known as “sideshows”) have surged across Los Angeles and statewide, often escalating into scenes of chaos, danger, and community disruption.
Real-World Incidents
Two recent cases illustrate the dangers of street takeovers:
- In December 2022, our client, Dante Terrel Chapple-Young, was performing stunts at Florence Avenue and Crenshaw Boulevard when he lost control and fatally struck a bystander. Although charged with murder and facing the possibility of life in prison, we secured him a plea agreement in which he would instead be sentenced to only 13 years in prison for vehicular manslaughter and gross negligence.
- In another case, a South Los Angeles organizer used social media to coordinate 16 different takeovers. He now faces felony conspiracy charges carrying more than a decade in prison.
New Laws and Enforcement
Authorities and legislators are responding with urgency. California has enacted several bills, including AB 2807, AB 3085, AB 1978, and AB 2186, to standardize street takeover laws statewide and bolster enforcement tools. These laws enable immediate vehicle impoundment, tougher fines, and legal consequences for not only drivers but also organizers and spectators.
Los Angeles prosecutors continue to amplify their crackdown. LA County District Attorney Nathan Hochman has publicly pledged to pursue organizers “to the fullest extent of the law.” Local officials are pushing for significantly higher fines, $2,500 for a second offense and $5,000 for a third, and even the literal crushing of offender vehicles.
Defense Strategies for Street Takeover Charges in California
Every street takeover case is unique, but they all share the need for a strong legal defense. With the right approach, a Los Angeles street takeover defense attorney can identify weaknesses in the case and fight to have charges reduced or dismissed entirely.
- Lack of participation or intent: Simply being near a street takeover is not a crime. The prosecution must prove active participation, such as driving, organizing, or promoting.
- Mistaken identity: Chaotic events, low-quality video, and poor visibility often lead to wrongful arrests. We challenge identification evidence and witness testimony.
- No proof of racing: For street racing charges under Vehicle Code §23109, prosecutors must prove two or more vehicles competed. If you were driving alone or not racing another car, racing charges may not apply.
- Illegal stops or searches: If police pulled you over without reasonable suspicion or searched your vehicle illegally, we may be able to have the evidence suppressed.
- Challenging reckless driving allegations: Driving fast or aggressively does not always meet California’s legal definition of reckless driving. We argue against these charges when the conduct does not rise to the level of a crime.
- Constitutional and procedural defenses: Errors in police reports, mishandling of evidence, or violations of your rights can be powerful tools to weaken the state’s case.
The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney understand the complexities between street takeover allegations and California’s street racing statutes. Whether you are accused of participating in a takeover, spectating, or organizing, we will develop a tailored strategy to challenge the prosecution.
With the support of a skilled street racing defense attorney in Los Angeles, CA, you can take proactive steps to protect your freedom, your license, and your future.
Why Choose The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney
When you are facing criminal charges related to a street takeover or street racing allegation, the attorney you choose can make all the difference. Prosecutors in Los Angeles are under increasing public and political pressure to “crack down” on these events, and they will often pursue the harshest penalties available. That’s why you need a law firm with a proven focus on criminal defense and a strong record of protecting clients in high-stakes driving-related cases.
Focused Defense
At The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney, our practice is rooted in defending clients against serious criminal allegations, including traffic violations and felony-level driving offenses.
Vehicle Code Experience
We have extensive experience litigating charges under the California Vehicle Code, such as §23109 (motor vehicle speed contests) and §192(c) (vehicular manslaughter). These cases require not only courtroom skill, but also a deep understanding of how law enforcement builds cases and how prosecutors attempt to prove them.
Knowledge of New Laws
Our team stays at the forefront of evolving legislation and enforcement trends, including new laws like AB 2807, which expanded penalties for “sideshows” and street takeovers, and SB 1472, which increased exposure to felony charges for reckless or grossly negligent driving. Because these statutes are relatively new, many defendants don’t realize just how far prosecutors can stretch them. We make it our mission to anticipate these strategies and respond aggressively on behalf of our clients.
Personalized Strategy
We recognize that no two cases are alike. Some clients face immediate threats of vehicle impoundment or forfeiture, while others are fighting to preserve their driver’s license and maintain employment. We build personalized defense strategies for every client, focusing on rapid response, vehicle seizure mitigation, license protection, and full trial preparedness if negotiations fail. From the moment you contact our office, you can expect attentive communication, skilled advocacy, and a relentless commitment to securing the best possible outcome for your case.
Choosing The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney means having a dedicated ally who understands both the letter of the law and the realities of street takeover prosecutions in Los Angeles. We fight not just to defend you in court, but to safeguard your future.
Contact an Experienced Los Angeles Street Takeover Defense Attorney at The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney for a Free Consultation About Your Case
If you or a loved one is facing charges related to a street takeover or even alleged street racing, it’s essential to act quickly. Depending on the circumstances, you could face charges of hit and run, vehicular manslaughter, murder, and more. At The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney, our staff consists of seasoned Los Angeles criminal defense attorneys who handle serious driving‑related offenses with dedication and expertise.
Whether you're dealing with complicated Vehicle Code violations or aggressive prosecution strategies, we’re here to help. We offer a free, confidential consultation, either in person or remotely, so you can speak with a qualified attorney right away, explain your situation, and learn how we can protect your rights and preserve your future. Contact us today for more information.
