Dangerous driving is one the more serious driving offences to be accused of, and if convicted, you could face being sent to prison for up to 14 years. You could also face a driving disqualification of a minimum twelve months and an unlimited fine.
The definition of dangerous driving according to the Road Traffic Act 1988 is described in two ways;
A dangerous driving charge can relate to the individual driving the vehicle or the vehicle itself and defined as when an individual’s driving falls below the expected level of a careful driver. It can also be classed as dangerous driving if the vehicle being driven is in a dangerous condition and not suitable to be on public roads.
Examples of dangerous driving would include racing or aggressive driving, driving while tired, or being involved in a police chase.
If you are facing an investigation or been charged with dangerous driving then you must seek our advice immediately. As a specialist ‘dangerous driving offence solicitor’ Lanyon Bowdler has great experience in defending those being accused of a serious road traffic offence and driving without due care and attention.
As set out above, to prove the offence the prosecution must show that the standard of your driving did indeed fall far below that which could be expected of a reasonably competent driver and that it would be obvious to the careful and competent driver that driving in such a way was dangerous.
If they can do this then you can be convicted of dangerous driving. Factors that can impact on your sentence include;
Our expertise in handling dangerous driving offences will help the courts to consider mitigating factors to reduce the sentence. These can include, the impact a driving ban would have on your personal circumstances, your previous good character and any offences you have committed.
Our team here at Lanyon Bowdler will work with you in presenting mitigation, and reduce your sentence so please contact us.
It might be that the police wish to question you. If so, advice and assistance at the police station is free, and you should ask for Lanyon Bowdler to be present.
Dangerous driving offences will be dealt with by the Magistrates’ Court or Crown Court, depending on the seriousness of the offence.
Dangerous driving sentencing guidelines can include a custodial sentence and if found guilty, you could be hit with an unlimited fine, a driving ban and up to 14 years in prison. Your driving licence would also be endorsed.
A dangerous driving charge is a very serious offence and the courts have strong sentencing powers.
The SRA requires us to give indicative prices for limited types of work, this includes motoring offences. For more information please click here.
At Lanyon Bowdler we understand being charged with a dangerous driving offence can be upsetting and worrying. We understand that motoring accidents can happen and that just because you are being charged does not necessarily mean it’s your fault. We are here to help you through and it is in your best interests to call us as soon as possible.
We are a leading law firm with qualified, specialist Motoring Offence Lawyers. We can assist you through the entire process and represent you in court if necessary. We offer an initial telephone, video or face to face appointment for a fee of £200 plus VAT for all motoring offences. If you would like to speak with a member of the team please call the number at the top of this page, complete our online enquiry form, or communicate with our Live Chat facility. You can also contact the head of our motoring offence team; specialist driving offence lawyer Stephen Scully directly by text or voice on 07776 184489.
Lanyon Bowdler have offices with highly rated solicitors in Shrewsbury, Bromyard, Hereford, Ludlow, Oswestry, Telford, and Conwy in North Wales, if you do not live close to one of these locations and would like to instruct us, please note the fees may be disproportionate with the fine you are facing.
We regularly act on Driving Offence proceedings for clients across Shropshire, Herefordshire, Mid and North Wales, Birmingham and the Midlands. As a leading national law firm, we can represent you wherever you live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, , but please be aware costs will be higher than instructing a local lawyer.