Your Trial Attorneys
Speed Competition Defense in New Bern
Over a Century of Experience Defending New Bern Drivers
North Carolina prosecutes conduct commonly called street racing under its speed competition statute, N.C.G.S. § 20-141.3. Chesnutt & Clemmons represents New Bern drivers accused of speed competition, reckless driving, and other traffic-related offenses. We examine the alleged conduct because the charge and its potential consequences depend on facts such as whether a race was prearranged.
Established in 1994, our firm brings more than a century of combined legal experience to criminal and traffic defense. Competitive speed on a public road can lead to multiple charges, so we assess every cited offense rather than treating the case as an ordinary speeding ticket.
Request a free consultation before responding to a speed competition charge. Call (252) 300-0133 to discuss the allegation and your next steps with our attorneys.
How North Carolina Defines Speed Competition
N.C.G.S. § 20-141.3 distinguishes between prearranged and spontaneous speed competition. That distinction affects the criminal classification, possible licensing consequences, and whether the vehicle is subject to seizure. A charge doesn’t establish that the State can prove every required element.
Prearranged Speed Competition
Willfully operating a motor vehicle in a prearranged speed competition with another motor vehicle on a street or highway is a Class 1 misdemeanor. “Willfully” means the conduct was purposeful and deliberate. The State must prove that the driver intentionally raced another vehicle, not merely that two vehicles were traveling at high speeds near each other.
The statute also covers conduct beyond driving. Authorizing or knowingly permitting a vehicle to be used in a prearranged race is a Class 1 misdemeanor. Placing or receiving a bet or wager on its outcome carries the same misdemeanor classification.
Non-Prearranged Speed Competition
Willfully operating a vehicle in speed competition that wasn’t prearranged is a Class 2 misdemeanor. This provision may apply when an alleged race developed spontaneously rather than through an advance agreement. The prosecution must still establish deliberate participation with another vehicle.
Evidence may include officer observations, statements, video, vehicle movements, and the circumstances surrounding the stop. We investigate what occurred before, during, and after the alleged race and evaluate whether the evidence supports the subsection charged.
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What to Expect in New Bern Courts
Craven County District and Superior Courts operate at the Craven County Courthouse in New Bern. The county’s traffic and criminal matters proceed there according to the charge and procedural stage. We explain the accusation, the applicable proceedings, and the decisions that may arise as the case moves forward.
How We Investigate & Prepare the Defense
We begin with a free consultation for criminal defense and traffic-ticket matters. Our attorneys review the charging documents and alleged sequence of events, then conduct an in-depth investigation into evidence of prearrangement, willfulness, participation, and any related reckless driving allegation.
Our trial lawyers prepare to take a case to trial when necessary to pursue a just outcome. We assess the prosecution’s evidence against every element it must prove rather than accepting an officer’s characterization of the event.
Spanish speakers are available on staff. Prospective clients can contact us by phone, email, text, chat, or our contact form to arrange a consultation.
Discuss the Charge Before Paying the Ticket
Don’t pay a speeding ticket or another traffic-related citation before understanding what that action means. Paying a traffic ticket is an admission of guilt, and a conviction can contribute to driver-license suspension and increased insurance rates depending on the offense and driving record.
During a consultation, we can determine whether the allegation involves a prearranged race, spontaneous speed competition, or multiple charges. We can then explain the available defense strategy and the court process that applies.
Contact Chesnutt & Clemmons through our contact form, email, text, or chat, or call (252) 300-0133 for a free consultation about a speed competition or street racing charge.