Exhibition of Speed

The crime of exhibition of speed in California prohibits a person from accelerating or driving at a rate of speed in a manner that is dangerous and unsafe in order to show off or make an impression on someone else.

Related offenses include reckless driving or engaging in a speed contest while street racing and drag racing. Prosecutors aggressive fight these cases. You need a criminal defense attorney who is focused on fighting your charges aggressively.

Attorneys for Exhibition of Speed in the Bay Area

If you were arrested for Engaging in an Exhibition of Speed under Vehicle Code, § 23109(c) then contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at Ticket Crushers. Our attorneys represent clients on a variety of motor vehicle crimes prosecuted throughout the City and County of San Francisco and the surrounding area.


Elements of Exhibition of Speed under Vehicle Code § 23109(c)

The California Vehicle Code, Section 23109, prohibits engaging in an exhibition of speed. The elements of engaging in an exhibition of speed include proof of the following:

  • The defendant drove a motor vehicle on a highway, and
  • While so driving, the defendant willfully engaged in an exhibition of speed.

The standard jury instructions for engaging in an exhibition of speed provide that a person commits an act willfully when he or she does it willingly or on purpose. It is not required to be proven that the person intended to break the law, hurt someone else, or gain any advantage.

A person engages in an exhibition of speed when he or she accelerates or drives at a rate of speed that is dangerous and unsafe in order to show off or make an impression on someone else.

At trial, the prosecutor must prove that the defendant intended to show off or impress someone. The prosecutor is not required to prove, however, that the defendant intended to show off to or impress any particular person.

The term “motor vehicle” is defined to include a passenger vehicle, motorcycle, motor scooter, bus, school bus, commercial vehicle, truck tractor or trailer. For purposes of the exhibition of speed statute, the term “highway” describes any area publicly maintained and open to the public for purposes of vehicular travel, and includes a street.

The jury instructions for the unlawful exhibition of speed under Vehicle Code, § 23109(c) can be found at CALCRIM 2202, Judicial Council Of California Criminal Jury Instruction.


Finding a Lawyer for Exhibition of Speed in the Bay Area

If you were charged with exhibition of speed under Vehicle Code, § 23109(c), then contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at Ticket Crushers. Our attorneys are experienced in representing clients for a wide variety of motor vehicle crimes in San Francisco, including reckless driving, driving while license suspended or revoked, and engaging in a speed contest.

Call Ticket Crushers today to discuss your case and possible defenses. Let us put our experience to work for you. Call (866) 842-5384 today.

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