Legislation was passed in 2002 amending Racing on the Highway charges from a Civil Traffic Infraction to a Criminal Traffic Infraction for any citation received after October 2002. Racing on the Highway is a misdemeanor offense carrying strict sentencing guidelines, including an automatic license suspension. In some situations, this suspension can last several months to a year. This is why you need an attorney that is experienced in taking these cases to trial to ensure you are competently defended and therefore have a better opportunity in sustaining your license.
A common misconception about a criminal traffic citation is that the individual who received the citation believes that he or she can pay a fine as if it were a civil traffic infraction. The fact is that there is no fine levied upon receipt of the citation, and you are required to appear in court in front of a Judge. Any failure to appear will result in a Bench Warrant for your arrest.