Have you been charged with dangerous operation of a vehicle and criminal negligence?
In Canada, you could face driving penalties, fines, or even jail time if you are charged with driving dangerously, depending on the severity of the charge and whether someone was seriously injured or could have been.
Section 320.13 of the Canadian Criminal Code defines dangerous driving as operating a conveyance in a manner that, having regard to all of the circumstances, is dangerous to the public. In other words, it means that a person knew that they were operating any transportation vehicle in a dangerous manner, and still continued or chose to do so.
This also includes any form of transportation vehicles used, including automobiles, boats, aircrafts, or railway equipment.
Some reasons why someone may be charged with dangerous driving or operation of a vehicle:
- Speeding, following another car too closely, weaving out of traffic
- The effect of your driving, including injury or death
- Whether accidents happened or could have happened
FAQ: What are the penalties for dangerous driving?
A: If it is your first offence without causing bodily harm or death, the minimum penalty would be a fine of $1000. The maximum penalty, for causing bodily harm or death, by way of summary conviction is two years less a day in prison, and the maximum penalty by way of indictable conviction is ten years in prison.
For second, third, and subsequent offences, the penalties also include imprisonment for a longer term each time, for up to 14 years for the more serious convictions. Other penalties include fines, a driving prohibition, and in certain provinces you may have a suspended driver’s licence.
These penalties can vary depending on your lawyer, the circumstances, and other factors that can help or hinder your case.
FAQ: What’s the difference between careless and dangerous driving?
A: A careless driving offence is not a criminal offence, but falls under the jurisdiction of provinces and territories and their own Traffic or Motor Vehicle Acts. You can still face fines, jail time, demerits on your licence, or licence suspension, depending on the severity and each province’s rules.
If you have been charged with a dangerous driving offence / criminal negligence, call award winning criminal defence lawyer, David Karp.
Please call or text 604-218-0840 for an appointment or fill out the free consultation form.
