Dangerous Driving

Dangerous driving is a serious allegation that alleges that the standard of your driving fell far below that to be expected of a reasonable and prudent driver. If you are being investigated or have been charged with this offence we recommend you obtain legal advice immediately.

If you are being investigated you are likely to be in attendance at the police station either as a volunteer or following your arrest. Advice and assistance is available Free of Charge. Call us now to discuss your case and to arrange representation.

If convicted of this offence the court have significant powers of sentence which include:

• Mandatory 12 month (minimum) disqualification with a requirement that an extended re-test be taken.
• Up to 2 years imprisonment.

Holdens offer clear, professional advice regarding all aspects of cases involving this type of allegation. We can arrange for specialist representation at both the Magistrates and Crown Courts as well as advice about Court procedure generally.

Dangerous driving is an offence that can be heard in the Magistrates and Crown Courts. The appropriate venue depends very much on the characteristics of your case so call for more advice.

Legal Aid may be available to fund your defence if you are charged with dangerous driving. Holdens lawyers are able to provide full advice about Legal Aid and your eligibility. We are fully authorised to conduct legal aid work by the Legal Services Commission and it may be that through this scheme your defence can be funded by the Legal Aid fund. *note you may be ordered to pay a contribution towards prosecution costs by the court depending on the outcome of your case.

If Legal Aid is not available to you then Holdens offer competitive rates to undertake all aspects of your defence. Click on our funding link for more information and call for a free consultation.

Contact Holdens today.

FAQs - Dangerous Driving

What is dangerous driving?

The prosecution have to prove that the manner of your driving fell far below the standard expected of a reasonable driver. Examples can be found on a case by case basis but usually racing other vehicles, ignoring road traffic signals, and manoeuvering where it is dangerous to do so would all be examples of driving likely to be considered dangerous.

Can I plead guilty to careless driving instead?

The distinction between the two offences can often be marginal. The prosecution may be persuaded to accept a plea to careless driving and not to pursue the more serious offence of dangerous driving.

Your legal representative will be best placed to make an assessment of your case and make representations to the prosecution on your behalf.

The maximum sentence for careless driving is a fine plus between 3 and 9 penalty points.

I do not accept that my driving was dangerous. Which court will deal with my case?

Dangerous driving is an offence for which you have a right to be tried by a judge and jury. If you plead not guilty the Magistrates will initially decide whether they believe the case is an appropriate one for them to hear. If the magistrates agree to hear the case then you have the choice as to whether to have a trial at the Magistrates Court or a trial by jury at the Crown Court. If the magistrates decide your case is too serious they can direct that your case be heard at the crown court.