Exhibition of Speed Violations in Oakland

Exhibition of speed violations in Oakland can be independent criminal charges or accompany other criminal charges, such as DUI or reckless driving. The penalties for a conviction for this offense may be severe, including jail time, fines, and the loss of your driver’s license.

Consulting an accomplished defense attorney if you are facing these charges could be crucial to reaching a satisfactory outcome. With qualified legal advice, you could build a strong defense against the charges you are facing.

What is Exhibition of Speed?

Exhibition of speed refers to an illegal acceleration or driving at a rate of speed that is dangerous. However, to qualify as an exhibition of speed, individuals must be engaged in these behaviors with the intention to show off or make an impression on others. The simple fact that onlookers or other vehicles are present can be enough to prove an intent to show off.

California Vehicle Code § 23109(c) prohibits individuals from engaging in motor vehicle exhibitions of speed on highways. This section also bans anyone from aiding or abetting in a motor vehicle exhibition or sideshow on a highway.

A conviction for this offense requires evidence of willful or intentional actions. For instance, unintended accelerations or tires squealing can unintentionally occur in some situations. Without clear evidence of intent, it is unlikely a person will face a conviction of exhibition of speed in Oakland.

Penalties for Exhibition of Speed Violations

In Oakland, a conviction for speed exhibition can result in up to 90 days in the county jail, a fine of at least $500, two years of probation, or a combination of these penalties. However, individuals may be able to serve any jail sentences imposed on non-consecutive, non-workdays. Furthermore, people may face the impoundment of their vehicles and court-ordered community service hours.

A conviction for automobile exhibition can also result in two points on the person’s license, which remain for ten years and can contribute to a license suspension for as long as six months. As a result of these points, motor vehicle insurance rates are likely to increase and remain at increased rates for years.

Common Examples of Exhibition of Speed Violations

One common scenario in Oakland that often results in criminal charges for speed violation exhibitions is a sideshow. These “automobile exhibitions” result in large crowds of people gathering to see illegal driving demonstrations on neighborhood streets and parking lots. Sideshows can involve hundreds of participants and their vehicles, as well as onlookers.

Abruptly accelerating in a way that causes a screeching or burning of tires as they lose traction and lift off the ground is a typical cause of exhibition of speed charges. Performing “wheelies” and other stunts on motorcycles may also lead to exhibition of speed violation charges.  Sideshows have resulted in other serious violations such as impeding the flow of traffic, reckless driving, driving under the influence, hit and run, evasion, and even vehicular manslaughter. It is critical that individuals consult with a criminal defense attorney if they were arrested or cited subsequent to a sideshow in Oakland.

Facing Charges for Exhibition of Oakland Speed Violations

If you are facing charges for exhibition of speed violations in Oakland, the potential penalties could be severe, even for a first offense. Operating vehicles at unsafe speeds could harm passengers, onlookers, and occupants of other vehicles. Getting legal guidance in this situation may be highly beneficial to you.

An experienced criminal attorney could lead you through the complicated proceedings that accompany criminal charges. By understanding the quality of the evidence against you and the full range of penalties in your case, you may be able to make more educated decisions about how best to resolve your criminal charges. Together, you may be able to resolve the charges in a way that will be most advantageous to you.