Dangerous driving is a serious offence that can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment, hefty fines, and disqualification.
Less severe cases may lead to a fine and a community order. Convictions can arise from various circumstances such as speeding, driving without due care, or causing damage and injury.
Drivers with a history of offences face harsher penalties, and cases involving death by dangerous or dangerous driving allegations alone may go to Crown Court. Speeding or racing on public roads could lead to a 12-week prison sentence if not a longer sentence depending upon how it is charged. Disqualification can range from the minimum 12 months upwards, depending on prior disqualifications and the particular circumstances of the case.
Given the complexity of dangerous driving charges, it’s crucial to seek legal advice from an expert motoring law solicitor promptly. Our specialist solicitors have extensive experience on successfully defending drivers and advising on appeals for licence reinstatement. In certain instances, it can be difficult for the prosecution to establish that the standard of driving was so poor that it amounts to dangerous driving rather than careless driving.
It can occasionally be argued that a charge of careless driving is more appropriate.
Dangerous driving is when the driving falls far below the minimum standard expected of a careful and competent driver and can include behaviour that can cause danger to both members of the public and yourself. If the dangerous driving is said to cause either serious injury or death, then they are separate criminal offences with more severe potential penalties.
This is a triable either way offence meaning the case can be heard at the Magistrates or Crown Court. If you are convicted and/or plead guilty there is an obligatory 1-year driving ban with a compulsory extended retest as well as a potential prison sentence of up to 2 years in prison.
Contact Elizabeth Bradshaw on:
Call: 01206 369889 or
email: bradshawl@gepp.co.uk
Call: 01245 343971 or email: drivingenq@gepp.co.uk or request a call back.
If you want to find out more about the services we can offer you, please feel free to get in touch.