What happens if I Get a Ticket Going Over 100 mph in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, this type of ticket isn’t just a minor inconvenience — it can bring lasting consequences, such as major hikes in your insurance, a license suspension, or even a permanent criminal record. In rare situations, an active jail sentence may be handed down. If you were issued a ticket like this in Granville, Franklin, Warren, Vance, or Person County, here’s how we can help safeguard your driving privileges and reduce the effect on your insurance rates.

When Is Speeding Considered a Misdemeanor?

• North Carolina law states that exceeding the speed limit by more than 80mph (or more than 15mph over the limit where it is 55mph or higher) constitutes a Class 3 Misdemeanor.
• It is quite common for a triple-digit speed to be charged alongside Reckless Driving, which is classified as a Class 2 Misdemeanor.

Potential Outcomes for Your Speeding Charge

North Carolina’s Prosecutorial and Judicial District 11 covers the following counties: Granville, Franklin, Warren, Vance, and Person County. While each county has its own prosecutors and judges who mainly oversee a specific area, judicial officials are rotated among these counties, meaning it’s common to see a different judicial official at each court appearance. Because you are likely to get a different official at every setting, the results that can be obtained for a triple digit speed vary and depend on several factors, including:

• Your driving history;
• How fast over 100mph you were alleged to be going (101mph vs. 109mph, etc.);
• Whether you were rude to the officer;
• Whether you have potential collateral consequences for a professional licensure, your immigration status, or loss of employment (such as if you drive for a living;
• What you’ve done for mitigation (driving school, community service, etc.)

What You Should Do Now:

Here’s what most of the franklin county NC traffic lawyers recommend on what you should do after you get a speeding ticket:

1. Read the citation first

One the most important things to do is to find your upcoming court date, all of the charges, and the county you got the ticket in. Your lawyer will all this information.

2. Don’t rush to plead guilty!

Getting a ticket for going over 100 mph can be stressful all you want in such moments is to get rid of the pressure as fast as possible. In this case most people think that if they plead guilty it will free them from all this mess, but in reality, this might be a quick option that will hurt you really bad long term. In serious cases like triple-digit speeds, there are several mitigation steps the court will expect before resolving your case. This may include driving school, community service, and more. Completing these steps can also reduce the consequences of such a serious ticket and, whenever possible, minimize the impact on your driving privileges, insurance rates, and criminal record.

3. Hire an experienced traffic and criminal defense attorney

Abraham Lincoln famously said, “He who represents himself has a fool for a client.” You should never represent yourself in court. You wouldn’t perform your own surgery, so why act as your own attorney? Unfortunately, there are no “do-overs” in district court—once your case is resolved, it’s final. If it’s not handled correctly the first time, you could face long-lasting or even permanent consequences.

4. Don’t go to court expecting a “Prayer for Judgment Continued” (PJC)

A Prayer for Judgment Continued is a special order the judge can grant that turns your ticket into a non-moving violation. This is unique to North Carolina, but it is almost never an option for triple-digit speeds. According to current DMV rules, people with speeding tickets that exceeded 25mph over the limit cannot use a PJC. Even if granted, the DMV will not recognize it, and your license can still be suspended.

5. Appear in court if required

Most court appearances can be waived, allowing your attorney to appear on your behalf using a signed waiver of appearance. However, in very serious cases, your presence may be required. When appearing in court, dress appropriately and leave your phone in the car, as they are not permitted in courthouses. Consult your attorney to understand the local procedures in your county.

6. Watch for DMV letters

Make sure the DMV has your correct address. If you license is getting suspended, they will send you a letter with all of the details and instructions. If you miss any deadlines from the letter, you could lose your license permanently.

Summary

So, in the end, the main idea is not to plead guilty, to find a good lawyer, make sure your address is current with the DMV and provide your traffic lawyer with all of the information about your ticket. Speeding tickets are stressful, in general anything court related is stressful, but once you are dealing with it, make sure you hire a great lawyer to fight with you for you. When you get a surgery, you don’t do it by yourself, you need a doctor, the same is here.