Chicago Criminal Lawyer Blog
Understanding Street Racing Charges in Chicago and Illinois Law
Chicago is one of the largest and busiest cities in the United States, and with that comes a heavy law enforcement presence. In recent years, Illinois lawmakers and prosecutors have placed special attention on cracking down on street racing. For many drivers, what starts as a late-night competition on the Dan Ryan Expressway, Lake Shore Drive, or an industrial road on the West Side can suddenly turn into a criminal case that carries life-altering consequences.
Under Illinois law, street racing is defined and prosecuted under 625 ILCS 5/11-506. A person commits street racing when they drive a motor vehicle with another driver on a public road in a race, drag race, or speed competition. On its own, street racing is already a serious offense, but when prosecutors allege that aggravating factors exist, the charge is elevated to what is commonly called aggravated street racing.
