Dangerous Driving Defence Lawyers
Dangerous driving is defined as driving that falls below what is considered to be the standard for a competent and safe driver. If your driving puts other people at risk, then you can be deemed as a dangerous driver.
But what kind of penalties does this come with, and can you avoid being convicted with the right legal representation? Let’s find out.
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How do the courts define dangerous driving?
The Crown Prosecution Service defines dangerous driving as “when the defendant’s driving falls far below the standard expected of a competent and careful driver”. If your driving falls below this standard, then you are committing an offence.
Some examples of this include going too fast, ignoring traffic lights, overtaking dangerously, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, driving while tired, or driving while distracted.
While these are clearly defined examples of dangerous driving, it’s not easy to prove these without a shadow of a doubt. For example, you may be accused of driving dangerously because of a car accident. However, if there’s enough evidence to suggest that you practised as many safe and defensive driving measures as possible leading up to the accident, then you could avoid prosecution.
This is a complicated subject that requires a skilled group of solicitors to help you understand and overcome. Our legal experts at JD Solicitors can help you establish a robust defence to help you overcome these legal challenges.
What are the punishments for dangerous driving?
In many cases, dangerous driving will be punished with a 12-month driving ban, and you may need to be re-tested before you’re allowed to drive again. In more serious cases, you may be banned for several years or even go to jail.
If there was a death that occurred as a result of dangerous driving, then it’s possible to be sentenced to jail for up to 14 years.
What is needed to be convicted of dangerous driving?
In order to be proven beyond a shadow of a doubt, the prosecution has to find evidence that one’s driving fell below the average of what is expected of a competent and safe driver.
In addition, the driving would need to obviously be intentionally unsafe and dangerous.
If there’s not enough proof to show this, or if the defendant can prove that they were indeed practising safe driving measures, then it’s likely that they won’t be prosecuted.
Pleading against a dangerous driving conviction
If there is strong evidence against someone for driving dangerously, then it’s often best to plead guilty in an attempt to lessen the punishment. However, if there’s not enough evidence, then our legal team can assist you in building a case to help you avoid conviction.
If you’ve been accused of dangerous driving or would like to learn more about building a defence against a conviction, don’t hesitate to contact our specialists today to learn more.
