Jailed for a Road Rage Episode? You Need a Lawyer

 Posted on November 28, 2024 in Criminal Defense

Anyone who claims they have never gotten angry while driving is not telling the truth. Driving can be an incredibly frustrating experience, and in Texas, where the population is rapidly increasing and the roads are quickly filling up, road rage is becoming more and more common.

While getting upset behind the wheel is understandable, if the anger develops beyond emotions and turns into action, road rage can become a crime. In Texas, a teenage boy was shot by an angry driver and although he was injured, he fortunately was not killed. Other drivers have not been so lucky. If you are facing charges for actions related to road rage, you could also be facing huge fines and serious jail time. An aggressive Texas criminal defense attorney can help.

Common Criminal Charges Linked to Road Rage

While Texas does not have a specific law targeting road rage, actions associated with road rage can lead to charges under other criminal statutes. Depending on the circumstances, these charges may include:

• Reckless Driving: Defined under Texas Transportation Code §545.401, reckless driving occurs when someone operates a vehicle with willful disregard for the safety of others. This is a misdemeanor offense that can result in fines and jail time.

• Assault or Aggravated Assault: If a driver threatens or causes harm to another person during a road rage incident, they may face assault charges. Under Texas Penal Code §22.02, using a vehicle or a weapon to intimidate or harm someone could elevate the charge to aggravated assault, a felony.

• Criminal Mischief: Damaging another person's vehicle during a road rage encounter, such as by keying a car or smashing a window, could result in criminal mischief charges under Texas Penal Code §28.03. The severity of the charge depends on the extent of the damage.

• Deadly Conduct: Driving in a way that places others at imminent risk of serious bodily injury, such as swerving into oncoming traffic to intimidate another driver, can lead to charges of deadly conduct under Texas Penal Code §22.05.

• Disorderly Conduct: Aggressive actions such as yelling profanities or making obscene gestures may constitute disorderly conduct under Texas Penal Code §42.01.

Consequences of Road Rage Charges

The penalties for road rage-related offenses in Texas vary based on the severity of the crime but can include:

• Misdemeanor or felony charges

• Fines ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars

• Jail or prison time

• Suspension or revocation of driving privileges

• A permanent criminal record

Contact a Plano, TX Criminal Road Rage Defense Lawyer

If you have been charged with a crime related to road rage, a Collin County, TX criminal defense attorney at The Crowder Law Firm, P.C. can help. Our team has experience defending clients against a wide range of the most serious criminal charges in Texas and will work to build a strong defense for your case. Call 214-544-0061 today for a free consultation.