Street Racing Defense in Kansas City

Trial-Ready Street Racing Defense for Kansas City Drivers

A street racing allegation can lead to more than a traffic citation. Benjamin Law Firm, LLC represents Kansas City-area drivers in traffic and criminal matters involving street racing, burnouts, and alleged street takeover activity.

We’ve defended accused clients since 2002, and our founding attorney began her legal career as a public defender. The citation, arrest paperwork, charging document, and location of the alleged conduct can determine which court has jurisdiction and whether a Kansas City ordinance or Missouri law applies. We first clarify the charge, the court involved, and the obligations immediately ahead.

How We Prepare a Street Racing Defense

We approach criminal cases with a trial-ready mindset supported by extensive courtroom experience. Our lawyers also receive additional training through the Trial Lawyers College. That preparation guides how we assess the charge, the evidence surrounding the stop, and the issues requiring closer examination.

Keep every document connected to the allegation, including:

• The traffic citation or charging document.
• Bond and arrest paperwork.
• Vehicle-tow or impoundment paperwork.
• Notices received from the court.
• Records, photographs, or videos related to the stop or arrest.

We represent clients in Kansas City Municipal Court, Missouri’s 16th Circuit Court, and the circuit’s eastern courthouse. Kansas City Municipal Court processes local ordinance violations and KCPD citations. The circuit court handles state-level misdemeanor and felony traffic charges, while the eastern courthouse processes Missouri State Highway Patrol citations.

Licensed to Practice in Missouri and Kansas

Our criminal defense lawyers are licensed to practice in Missouri and Kansas. We examine the level of the charge, prior allegations or convictions, evidence from the stop, and the court with jurisdiction. Each factor can shape the response to the allegation.

We build strategic defenses to safeguard our clients’ rights and reputations in and out of the courtroom. Our firm has been recognized among the Top 30 Criminal Defense Firms out of more than 355 firms in Kansas City, Missouri.

Missouri Street Racing and Street Takeover Laws

Missouri Revised Statute 304.145 prohibits performing or participating in a street takeover, including specified driving maneuvers connected with one. The statute defines stunt driving as operating a motor vehicle to perform a race, drag race, burnout, donut, wheelie, or drifting. It doesn’t apply to an event sanctioned by a political subdivision or by the private entity responsible for the property.

Kansas City, Missouri Ordinance 240724 repealed and replaced the city’s racing-on-streets-and-highways and burnout provisions effective August 25, 2024. An allegation may therefore proceed as a municipal ordinance matter or under Missouri state law. The charge and arresting agency help establish which law and court apply.

Missouri Penalties for Street Racing Charges

Missouri Revised Statute 304.145 increases the offense classification based on prior violations. These are statutory maximums, not predictions of the sentence in a particular case.

The classifications and maximum penalties are:

• First violation: A class B misdemeanor carrying up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
• Second violation: A class A misdemeanor carrying up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,000.
• Third or subsequent violation: A class E felony carrying up to four years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

The statute also uses specific repeat-offender categories. An aggravated offender is someone with three or more prior violations, or at least two violations when a person was injured or killed during one violation. A chronic offender is someone with four or more prior violations or a qualifying history involving injury-related violations.

Get Clarity About Your Street Racing Charge

A citation, arrest record, court notice, or tow document can reveal important information about the charge and court involved. We offer a no-obligation consultation with a member of our team, and you can also reach us through our contact form.