Rashee Rice Faces Up To 10 Years In Prison

Rashee Rice faces a potential ten-year prison sentence based on charges that Texas prosecutors could file against him for street-racing and fleeing the scene of an accident (hit-and-run).

In the words of NBC Sports, Mr. Rice “has a problem. More than one problem, actually.”

As previously reported in Gridiron Heroics, Mr. Rice, was involved in a hit-and-run accident in Dallas, TX, on the evening of March 30, 2024. Mr. Rice, who is a star wide receiver for the Kansas City Chiefs, played college football at SMU in Dallas.

Rashee Rice Faces a Potential Felony Street-Racing Charge

SMU Mustangs WR Rashee Rice — Cincinnati Bearcats cornerback Arquon Bush (9) tackles Southern Methodist Mustangs wide receiver Rashee Rice (11) in the fourth quarter of the American Athletic Conference game at Gerald J. Ford Stadium | Credit: Albert Cesare, USA TODAY NETWORK

According to NBC Sports and the Dallas Morning News, Mr. Rice’s attorney, Royce West, expects Dallas prosecutors to file criminal charges against Mr. Rice soon.

One of the more serious charges Mr. Rice may face is a street-racing charge.

Pursuant to Texas Transportation Code § 545.420, an individual commits “a felony of the third degree if” he or she engages in street-racing and thereby causes another “individual [to] suffer .. bodily injury.” This offense carries a possible sentence of two to ten years in prison.

Rice has admitted driving a leased Lamborghini during the incident in question. And, video footage of the incident leaves little room for doubt that Rice was engaged in a street race in the moments leading up to the accident. Thus, as aptly noted observed by NBC Sports, because “the six-car crash triggered by the obvious race between the Lamborghini that Rice was driving and the Corvette registered to him resulted in injury to one or more people,” Mr. Rice is likely to be charged with felony street-racing.

Fortunately, the injuries in this accident were apparently minor. Thus, prosecutors could exercise discretion to charge Mr. Rice with a lesser, non-felony charge.

Mr. Rice Also Faces a Potential Felony Hit-and-Run Charge

KC Chiefs and SMU Mustangs WR Rashee Rice — SMU wide receiver Rashee Rice (WO41) participates in drills at Lucas Oil Stadium | Credit: Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports

The law in Texas also provides penalties for motorists who flee from the scene of an accident:

“After an accident, drivers in Texas have a duty to stop and provide contact information to the other driver.”

Leaving the scene of an accident can result in criminal charges pursuant to Texas Transportation Code § 550.002.

“Failure to stop after an accident can result in criminal penalties, including possible imprisonment in cases of an injury or fatal accident….

“The penalties for leaving the scene of an injury accident or fatal accident are more serious. Failing to stop at the scene of an accident involving injury or death is:

A second-degree felony if the accident resulted in death,

A third-degree felony if the accident resulted in serious bodily injury, or

A county jail felony if the accident did not result in death or serious bodily injury.

“The criminal penalties for leaving the scene of an injury accident can result in prison time, jail time, and/or fines.”

These Texas statutory provisions pertaining to hit-and-run accidents also pose a problem for Mr. Rice, as the evidence seems fairly clear that he quickly fled the scene of the accident in this case.

Again, however, the circumstance that the injuries involved in this incident appear to have been minor may prove to be Mr. Rice’s saving grace. He is likely only facing misdemeanor or low-grade felony charges for fleeing the scene of an accident that did not involve serious injuries.

Mere Possession of Marijuana Would Likely Be a Non-Issue; But, Possible Driving Under the Influence of Marijuana Could Be a Problem

Mary Jane — Marijuana is grown at the University of Mississippi’s Coy Waller Laboratory for research in Oxford, Miss., seen on Friday, Oct. 27, 2023. UM expects to have classes open for a two-year masters program | Credit: Lauren Witte, USA TODAY NETWORK

Another problem for Mr. Rice is that less than an ounce of marijuana was found in the Lamborghini he was admittedly driving.

In Texas, possession of two ounces or less of marijuana is a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 180 days imprisonment and a fine not to exceed $2,000.

And, generally, prosecutors in Dallas do not file any charges at all in cases involving possession of small amounts of marijuana.

However, the prosecutors will undoubtedly investigate whether Rice was under the influence of marijuana when driving. If they determine he was, they could file charges for driving under the influence of a controlled substance. (Marijuana is regarded as a controlled substance.)

Of course, in addition to any potential penalties in the criminal justice system, Rice also faces the prospect of discipline from the NFL:

“Beyond the specifics of any prosecution Rice faces, he’ll have to contend with discipline from the league under the Personal Conduct Policy. A first-offense DUI currently results in a two-game suspension. Felony charges arising from street racing and/or leaving the scene of an accident involving injuries could result in a stiffer punishment.”

This story is developing, and Gridiron Heroics will continue to offer coverage as events unfold.

Rashee Rice Faces Up to 10 Years in Prison

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