An exhibition of speed or reckless driving is a misdemeanor offense in CA. If arrested, exercise your “right to remain silent” and contact Bigger & Harman immediately.
Many drivers are under the impression that traffic tickets must be justified to the arresting officer. They feel like if they explain it, the officer will give them a break and not write a ticket.
However, in the case of a misdemeanor charge, it is imperative to keep quiet until you have secured the services of an experienced and knowledgeable traffic attorney with trial experience.
Bigger & Harman has served the Bakersfield community and Central Valley for over a decade. They have thousands of appearances in traffic court and have defended hundreds of criminal charges across California.
You need a traffic attorney with a strong reputation for winning to negotiate on your behalf and represent you in Superior Court if negotiations fail.
A sense of freedom comes from being behind the wheel, but that freedom comes with the responsibility to drive safely and legally. Unfortunately, some drivers let the thrill of speed overcome their better judgment, leading to charges of an exhibition of speed or reckless driving. In California, the legal consequences of these misdemeanors can be severe and long-lasting.
An Exhibition of Speed
Under California Vehicle Code (CVC) Section 23109 (c), Driving Offenses, an exhibition of speed (also known as a speed contest) involves accelerating or driving at a speed which is unsafe or dangerous to show off or make an impression on others.
“A person shall not engage in a motor vehicle exhibition of speed on a highway or in an off-street parking facility, and a person shall not aid or abet in a motor vehicle exhibition of speed on any highway or in an off-street parking facility.”
If convicted, the penalties can include
- up to 90 days in jail,
- a “base fine” between $355 and $1000, and
- a possible revocation or suspension of your driver's license.
Plus, the vehicle could be impounded at the owner’s expense. The towing and storage fees for 30 days can reach another $1,500 to $2,000.
The base fine was the original fine when the legislation was written years ago. Since then, the CA legislature has approved ten penalties and assessments that bring the total fine to approximately five times the base fine.
Reckless Driving
Reckless driving, governed by CVC Section 23103, Driving Offenses, is defined as driving with "willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property." The penalties for a reckless driving conviction can include between 5 and 90 days in county jail, a base fine between $145 and $1,000, or both. In some cases, the court may impose probation instead of incarceration.
These charges can significantly impact your life, affecting everything from your job prospects to your insurance premiums. If convicted, the DMV will assess two negligent operator treatment system (NOTS) points, remaining on your motor vehicle driving record (MVR) for up to ten years. Your insurance premium will likely double or triple.
You Need a Knowledgeable Attorney to Represent You in Court for an Exhibition of Speed or Reckless Driving
If you're facing charges of an exhibition of speed or reckless driving, having a knowledgeable and experienced traffic attorney on your side is essential. These charges are serious and can have a significant impact on your life. But with the right legal representation, you may be able to mitigate the consequences or even get the charges dropped or reduced.
A skilled traffic attorney understands the intricacies of California's traffic laws and can present a strategic defense on your behalf. They can challenge the evidence against you, question the validity of the officer's observations, or even argue that your actions were not reckless but a necessary response to an emergency.
Most importantly, a good attorney can navigate the complexities of the court system and advocate for your rights, providing you with the best chance of a favorable outcome.
In conclusion, an exhibition of speed or reckless driving charge in CA is a serious matter with potentially severe legal ramifications. It's not a situation to handle alone or take lightly. If you face these charges, contact a seasoned traffic attorney as soon as possible. After all, it's not just about avoiding penalties—it's about protecting your future.
Ask Bigger & Harman for an Exhibition of Speed or Reckless Driving Charge in Bakersfield Traffic Court
Never make a statement to the arresting officer or an officer of the court without the presence of an attorney. Likewise, if placed in a holding cell with others, don’t discuss your charges with them either.
Contact us immediately when arrested for an exhibition of speed or reckless driving at (661) 349-9300. Use our handy online contact form to schedule a consultation, or email attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
Se habla Español (661) 349-9755.