If this is your first time hearing the term exhibition of speed, you may wonder why you were charged with this specific form of crime. Here are some things to know about facing an exhibition of speed trial. 

What is Exhibition of Speed?

An exhibition of speed is somewhat of a misnomer, since you don't even need to be going over the speed limit in order to be faced with this criminal charge. Essentially, this charge means that the officer perceived that you were driving in an unsafe way as an "exhibition". Continue reading to understand what this term means. 

Intentions

Criminal intent must be proven to proceed with an exhibition of speed charge. If you engaged in unsafe driving behaviors for reasons out of your control, then the charge shouldn't apply. Sometimes, you may do something unsafe (such as accelerate rapidly) because you're driving a new vehicle, but an officer may think that you were doing it out of recklessness or to show off. 

Penalties for Showing Off

"Showing off" in an exhibition of speed charge is tricky, because you don't even need to be showing off to someone you know. It's acceptable for an officer to make this charge if they think you were trying to make a display to other onlookers in the area as well. 

Racing

Racing is one of the most classic forms of an exhibition of speed conviction. It's hard to disprove this charge, since you'll likely have several other drivers also in trouble who agreed to the race. You may want to work together with the same criminal law attorney to show that the race had minimal impact on others in the area, since this can help to minimize your sentencing. 

How to Fight Exhibition of Speed

There are a few ways that you can get an exhibition of speed charge reduced or even dispelled. If your case doesn't fall into one of the categories above, then you may be able to disprove the criminal intent altogether. But you can also use the help of a criminal law attorney to reduce the significance of your mistake. For instance, showing that no one else's safety was at stake (such as very few other pedestrians and drivers on the road) is a less heinous crime than exhibiting speed in a populated area. You may also be able to argue that an otherwise good driving and criminal record is a sign that this was a one-time mistake. Speaking with a criminal lawyer is a good first step when faced with an exhibition of speed charge, so that you can nail down the possible defenses in your case. 

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